Applying to be a visiting scholar with DAMES
The Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies (DAMES) considers applications for visiting scholar positions from dynamic scholars with enthusiasm for sharing their Asia-/Middle East-related research. Visiting scholars will be expected to contribute to the intellectual life of our department by speaking in classes, giving a public lecture on their research, and engaging in conversation with faculty and students.
We have a few visiting scholar positions open each year. The administrative fees associated with the visiting scholar program are as follows:
- $2500 fee per semester of residency (so $5000 for a one-year stay).
- $500 additional fee to extend a scholar’s residency beyond the initial appointment. That is, in addition to the base cost of $2500 per semester for the additional semesters, a further $500 is charged for the processing of the extension.
There is a $500 nonrefundable deposit which must be received by the department at least six months before the desired start date. A scholar who cancels their visit plans for any reason will lose the deposit. Otherwise, it will be applied toward the administrative fee, with the balance due upon arrival.
What DAMES can offer to visiting scholars:
- Administrative support for seeking the necessary visa
- Access to UNC libraries
- UNC One Card (University ID Card)
- UNC email address
- UNC internet access and online storage space
- Invitation to Department-sponsored events/lectures
What DAMES cannot offer to visiting scholars:
- Funding
- Housing/Accommodation
- Transportation
- Salary
- Private office space (this may occasionally be offered when available)
Prospective visiting scholars coming from abroad should be aware of possible visa-related requirements. The most common type of visa held by our visiting scholars is the J-1, and the website of UNC’s International Student & Scholar Services office has information for prospective J-1 exchange visitors. Please take particular note of the requirements for
- Minimum funding to support yourself and any dependents you intend to bring (can be a combination of salary from your home institution, fellowship, and/or personal funds).
- Demonstrating English language proficiency
- Health insurance coverage
Those interested in applying for a scholar-in-residence position should follow these steps:
- Find an appropriate scholar in the Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies who would be willing to serve as a faculty sponsor. Faculty research interests and contact information can be found on the department website: https://asianstudies.unc.edu/people/faculty/
- Submit this visiting scholar application.
- Once your sponsor has received departmental approval for your visit, you’ll be notified, and DAMES staff will follow up with information on how to send your deposit.
- Once the department has received your deposit, staff will begin working with you on necessary processes for your appointment here.
To allow for visa processing times, it is recommended to begin the application process at least six months before the desired start date.