Visiting Scholars Program

Visiting Scholars Program

As part of our commitment to serving the broader linguistics community, our department has a visiting scholars program that gives international scholars the opportunity to conduct independent research, attend classes and colloquia, and interact with members of the linguistics and language communities at Indiana University.

While we are unable to offer office space, visiting scholars have access to the extensive research collections of the IU Library System. They enjoy the use of campus computers and internet access and have the opportunity to attend courses, workshops, and colloquia. Additional support is provided by the Office of Overseas Study.

Junior scholar

Junior scholar applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program at an accredited institution of higher education. Applicants should seek out a faculty sponsor to serve as their host and mentor, choosing someone whose research is compatible with theirs. This appointment is for one or two semesters.

Senior scholar

A Ph.D. or equivalent degree is required for visiting senior scholars. These appointments, for one or two semesters, are typically given to faculty members or post-graduate researchers. Applicants should be working on a research project that correlates with the research interests of at least one faculty member in the department. They must seek out a faculty sponsor who agrees to serve as host and mentor, choosing someone whose research is compatible with theirs.

Application process

Applications from international scholars should be submitted at least eight months before the projected starting date in order to allow adequate time to complete the J-1 visa request process (which can take as long as 6 months). A faculty sponsor must be identified before this process begins.

  • Completed application form
  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Written commitment from a Linguistics faculty member agreeing to serve as a faculty sponsor
  • List of proposed activities (not to exceed 2 pages) including proposed dates
  • Academic letter of support
  • Letter of commitment from home institution

Email the application package to the visiting scholar coordinator at lingdept@indiana.edu with the subject line, “Visiting scholar application.”

Once an application has been approved, each applicant must send the following:

  • Copy of passport page
  • Copy of all dependent passport ID pages (if dependents are accompanying the visiting scholar)
  • Proof of financial support showing funding for the entire projected stay
  • Proof of additional financial support if the visiting scholar is accompanied by dependents

Upon receipt of all necessary documents, the department will request on behalf of the applicant Visa Certification (Form DS-2019) from the IU Office of International Services. When the visa form has been issued, an email confirmation is sent to the applicant that includes an International Scholar Pre-Arrival Guidebook.

Visiting scholars must be aware that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires the collection of a one-time SEVIS fee from visiting scholars on J-1 visas. The fee must be paid by the applicant after the DS-2019 form has been issued but before the J-1 visa is approved.

Visiting scholars should note that health insurance coverage is mandatory for all international visitors and their families. Visiting scholars are eligible to purchase Indiana University health plans. They should contact the Office of International Services for information regarding such plans. If the visiting scholar has comparable insurance from the scholar’s home institution, it is not necessary to arrange for insurance here. However, documentation of such insurance coverage must be provided upon arrival in Bloomington.