Georgetown Law home page Continuing Legal Education A-Z index Directories Search Student Services Admissions & Financial Aid Academic Programs About Georgetown Law Alumni Workshops & Institutes Library Faculty & Administration About this site Site map
Visiting Scholar and Visiting Researcher Program    (http://www.law.georgetown.edu/intl/vsvr.htm) ruler
 
 

Georgetown University Law Center, the Edward Bennett Williams Law Library, and the John Wolff International and Comparative Law Library welcome the opportunity to serve the research needs of a small number of scholars from throughout the world each year.  To the extent allowed by our resources, we provide access to our library collections, campus facilities, and academic community to established legal scholars as well as to those just beginning their scholarly careers.  We are now able to offer the following two programs for those wishing to visit the Law Center:  the VISITING SCHOLAR PROGRAM for experienced legal scholars typically on sabbatical or on leave from their current academic position; and the VISITING RESEARCHER PROGRAM for those who have specific research needs that can be met by affiliation with the Law Center.  Designation as SCHOLAR or RESEARCHER is determined by the committee based on the candidate’s qualifications.  Visits will be limited to a maximum of one year (twelve months).

There are many more applicants seeking these positions each year than can be accommodated by the Law Center.  Selection of SCHOLARS and RESEARCHERS is made by committee on the basis of an application submitted by those wishing to use our facilities.  The committee takes into consideration the applicant's background, proposed plan of research, and dates of proposed residence, as well as the capacity of our faculty and library to meet his or her research needs.

Application Process
 

Interested candidates should download the application form

A candidate will be considered only after submitting a complete application.  A complete application includes:

  • Application Form
  • CV/Resume
  • Letter of Reference or Recommendation
  • Brief statement of research project

*It is also strongly recommended that a TOEFL score and/or indication of your English ability be included if you are not a native English speaker.

Applications are processed on a rolling basis throughout the year.  However, please note that the processing time for applications is generally 4-6 weeks from the date received.

   
Faculty Sponsorship
 

Applicants are not required to have formal faculty sponsorship, though those who have already established contacts with a Georgetown Law faculty member should indicate this on the application form.

We do not arrange faculty members to supervise research on behalf of visitors, nor do we employ visitors as research assistants or visiting lecturers.

   
English Language Ability
 

Visitors need a high level of English language ability to benefit from this academic experience.  Thus, we suggest that candidates whose native language is not English should submit a TOEFL score of 600 or higher or 250 or higher on the computer-administered TOEFL.

Applications without a TOEFL score will be considered, but strong English ability is necessary and should be substantiated.

   
 

Visiting Scholar:              $500 per month in residence, or a flat fee of $4000 per academic year (Sept - May)

Visiting Researcher:        $400 per month in residence, or a flat fee of $3200 per academic year (Sept - May)

  Program fee waivers can be requested at the time of application.  In order to request a fee waiver, please detail in writing the financial need and include this with your complete application.
   
Housing
  The University does not provide visiting scholars/researchers with campus housing, assist participants in finding housing, or arrange housing on behalf of Visitors.  Those wishing to obtain housing in the area should make arrangements well in advance of their arrival.
   
  Applicants should be aware that housing and living expenses in the Washington area are generally very expensive.  The Law Center currently advises its graduate students that single students should expect expenses of approximately $18,000 for the 10-month academic year, with married student expenses in excess of $25,000 for the same period.
   
Visas
 

If necessary, Georgetown University can prepare the paperwork necessary in order to assist you with obtaining a J-1 visa (if a sponsor does not arrange for this).  If accepted, the candidate will need to provide proof of financial support in the form of an original bank statement, sponsorship letter, or notarized financial document.  Estimated living expenses for 2005-06 were $1400 per month, with an additional $700 per spouse and $350 per child if the visitor intends to be accompanied by his/her family.

   
Medical Insurance
  Participants in the program are not employees of the University and are not eligible for insurance benefits or to purchase insurance through the university.  Once accepted into the program, they will be required to purchase private health insurance in order to comply with J-1 visa requirements.
   
Need more information?
  To mail your application or ask other questions about the Visiting Scholar or Visiting Researcher Program, please contact: 
 

Mariah Strauch-Nelson

Office of International and Transnational Programs
Georgetown University Law Center
600 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001

Phone: (202) 662-4057
e-mail: oitp@law.georgetown.edu

 
  You can also fax your application and materials to OITP at (202) 662-4038.
   

Revised January 7, 2007 (CM)