Georgetown Law, the Edward Bennett Williams Law Library, and the John Wolff International and Comparative Law Library welcome the opportunity to serve the research needs 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.  Visits are limited to a maximum of one calendar year.

General Program Benefits

All Visiting Researchers enjoy access to the Edward Bennett Williams Law Library and the John Wolff International and Comparative Law Library, as well as access to the Lexis Nexis and Westlaw databases.  The Edward Bennett Williams Law Library is one of the largest academic law libraries in the United States, with a collection of over 1,000,000 volumes and many of the newest technological innovations in information retrieval.  Collections of note include an extensive American Tax collection and a historical and archival area called Special Collections.  The John Wolff International and Comparative Law Library houses a comprehensive Foreign and International Law Collection.  Special orientation presentations are available for Visitors and designed to maximize the effectiveness of the use of the research sources available at Georgetown.

Visiting Researchers are given access to the libraries and to all of the services offered to our students by those libraries, except that no materials may be removed from the library.  Visiting Researchers are given study carrels, to which materials can be checked out.  Visitors can use their own laptop computers and printers in the library space, and can connect to Georgetown’s wireless internet network.  However, study desks are not secured areas and we would not suggest that personal items be left unattended.  There are also computers and printers that are made available to the entire academic community at various sites in the library. 

Access to Academic Events and Classes

Visiting Researchers are welcome to attend the many general academic and other public events at the Law Center.  They may also audit one course with permission of the instructor.

Application Process

Applications to the Visiting Researcher Program are generally reviewed at three times during the year.  Candidates who propose to arrive during the fall semester (September-December) should submit their applications no later than June 1.  Those who propose to arrive during the spring semester (January-May) should submit their applications no later than October 1 of the previous year.  Individuals who wish to arrive during the summer break period (June-August) should submit their applications no later than March 1.

Candidates whose application submissions do not conform with this schedule should anticipate substantial delays that may preclude their participation in the program.

To apply, a candidate must submit all of the following items.  Please note that an application cannot be processed until all of these items have been received.

• Fully completed application form (click here to download form)

• CV or resume

• Letter of reference

• Evidence of English-language proficiency (Note:  The Law Center gives preference to applicants reporting scores equivalent to the TOEFL 100/250/600 range.)

Program Logistics

Visiting Researchers at the Law Center must arrive at a mutually agreed upon date.  Although not required, we encourage applicants to arrive at Georgetown at the beginning of our fall or spring term.  The Law Center recommends that visitors plan to stay for at least one month, although shorter stays may be considered on an individual basis.  Visitors who wish to stay beyond one year can make a request to renew their status, but will not be allowed to remain at the Law Center for more than two years.

Program Fees

Visitors are charged a program fee of $300 per month for the duration of their research period.  Please note that payment is due in full, either before or upon arrival, by credit card, check, or in cash.

Housing

The University is not able to provide campus housing to Visiting Researchers, assist in finding them housing, or arrange housing on their behalf.  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 in obtaining a J-1 visa (if another sponsor does not arrange for this).  To apply for a visa, an invited candidate will need to provide proof of financial support in the form of an original bank statement, sponsorship letter, or notarized financial document.  As of November, 2009, the minimum level of funding per month is $1800 if the participant is coming without dependents. An additional $900 per spouse and $450 per child is needed if the visitor intends to be accompanied by his/her family. 

Medical Insurance

Participants in the Visiting Researcher program are not employees of Georgetown University.  As such, they 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.

Further information

To request further information, or to submit an application, please contact:

Mariah Strauch-Nelson

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

Phone: +1 202-662-4057
E-mail: transnational@law.georgetown.edu

To view a list of our current visitors, click here.