Visiting Scholars Program

The Korean Studies Center Visiting Scholar Program serves to assist the increasing number of international scholars who wish to do research in the field of Korean Studies and related topics. The Center invites a select number of academics and professionals every year who wish to conduct research using George Mason facilities and the Washington D.C. area’s resources, including the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Museums. The Center accepts qualified scholars, authors, government executives, and artists whose research expertise and interests directly involve Korea, broadly defined. The process is competitive.

To Apply for Visiting Scholars Program, the following documents should be sent to the KSC director. 

  1. Research Proposal (clearly identifying how the proposed research is related to Korea and Mason is the place for the research to be conducted)
  2. Current Curriculum Vitae
  3. Two Recommendation Letters
  4. Proof of Financial Support from Your Institution or Sponsor
  5. There are other documents and information the Center will have to submit on the applicant's behalf (e.g., English language test), which can be found here. Please carefully review it and submit all the necessary items to the Center. Note that applicants do not directly submit anything to the OPIS until instructed so.

All applications for J-1 visiting scholars are reviewed and processed by the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS). Once the Center submits all the relevant paperwork, OIPS determines eligibility and advises non-immigrant students, scholars, faculty, and staff at George Mason University in consultation with the Center. Important: Do NOT contact OIPS directly unless explicitly instructed so.

The entire process takes a long time. The Center's preferred deadlines are February 15 (for summer/fall arrivals) and September 15 (for winter/spring arrivals).

For more information about the KSC Visiting Scholar Program, please contact:

Dr. Young-chan Ro
Director, Korean Studies Center
Department of Religious Studies
4400 University Drive, 3F1
Fairfax, Virginia 22030 USA
Tel. 703 993 1292
Fax. 703 993 1297
Email: yro@gmu.edu