The International Affairs Program at Northeastern University invites applications for its annual Visiting Scholars Program.
For detailed information for Proposed J-1 Scholars to Northeastern University, please visit the Office of Global Services website found here. Information on the Visa Process for J-1 Scholars is found here. Please note: the Visiting Scholar Program is an application process. Decisions letters require a 20-week turnaround.
The program is open to scholars and researchers from around the world – including Fulbright scholars – to join the community of international affairs faculty to conduct research singly or in collaboration. Applicants may be recent Ph.D.’s or junior or senior faculty members in countries outside the U.S.; involved in government service, or on sabbatical from work at an international organization. Visiting scholars provide their own financial support during the residency but benefit from an intellectually stimulating environment and space to pursue their work. The Program provides Visiting Scholars with office space, email, and access to the Northeastern University Library, colloquia and conferences, and faculty social events. Each year, one Visiting Scholar will be selected.
A Visiting Scholar should be sponsored by a faculty member who is willing to act as a consultant or collaborator on the Visitor’s research project. Please explore the Program’s website to familiarize yourself with faculty research interests and projects. It is the responsibility of a prospective visitor to contact appropriate faculty members and arrange for sponsorship. Visits may range from one semester to a full year, and the Visitor is expected to make at least one presentation of the research.
Application Process and Selection Criteria
Interested prospective visitors should send the following materials to the Director of the International Affairs Program at the address indicated below:
- Exchange Visitor Proposal form found here
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- A two-three page description of the proposed research, including a statement explaining why Northeastern University’s International Affairs Program is an appropriate setting for the work. Please include the proposed length and dates of the visit and how your residency will be funded.
- The name of the international affairs faculty member or members whom the prospective visitor proposes to serve as his or her mentor or collaborator. Please note that the faculty mentor or collaborator will be required to provide a letter of support.
- A letter of recommendation from an academic or workplace colleague.
- Financial Requirement Documentation. Please see the Financial Requirements for J-1 Scholars for more details.
Prospective visitors whose native language is not English should describe their experience and training in English and the degree of their proficiency with the English language. As English proficiency is a significant factor in granting invitations, TOEFL and academic records may be requested and a Zoom interview may be conducted.
Northeastern University’s academic year begins in early September (the Fall semester); the Spring semester of the academic year begins in early January. Application should be received no later than five months prior to the proposed residency. Please note: there is a 20-week turnaround for decision letters. Deadlines for application are as follows:
- March 1st for applicants wishing to commence research beginning in September.
- August 1st for applicants wishing to commence research beginning in January.
Successful applicants from outside the United States will be provided with information about visas and other important details, and asked to supply financial documentation to support their visa applications. Prospective visitors should realize that, unless their visits coincide with the academic year, securing reasonably affordable short-term housing in the Boston area may be difficult.
Please note: the Visiting Scholar Program is an application process. Decisions letters require a 20-week turnaround.
