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
    1. Clearly identify how the proposed research is related to Korea.
    2. Discuss how and why Mason in general and KSC in particular is the place for the research to be conducted.
    3. Discuss the commitment to interdisciplinary research (what is interdisciplinary research?) and minimize discipline-specific languages.
    4. If possible, propose a rough timeline that outlines how your project will progress over the course of your stay in Mason.
  2. Current Curriculum Vitae
    1. Be specific about your academic qualifications (i.e., degrees)
    2. If you have had an educational experience in the United States, make sure to include it.
  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 to do 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). The Center does not accept applications from individuals serving in official religious or political leadership capacities.

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

Dr. Byunghwan Ben Son

Director, Korean Studies Center

Email: bson3@gmu.edu