How to Apply
The Sigur Center for Asian Studies has transitioned to a paperless application process beginning with the 2020-21 academic year. PLEASE NOTE THAT AS OF SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2024, GW HAS CHANGED ITS REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITING SCHOLARS. In order to apply, please complete the Visiting Scholars Application Form by following the link below:
A completed application will include the following attachments, which can be uploaded directly to the form linked above:
- A detailed description of the research project (one page), which must be on a topic relating to Asia. Successful examples are listed under Research (below).
- A description of what resources in the area or virtually that you will use
- A copy of a certified English-language test no older than two (2) years (TOEFL minimum: 80; IELTS minimum band score: 6.0 with no individual score less than 5.0). We conduct a departmental interview as an alternative.
- A detailed resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation in English
- A description of how you will finance your term here
- A description of how you will be an active contributor to the intellectual and/or outreach programming of the Sigur Center. This description should also include any collaboration – new or existing – you intend to undertake with a GW faculty or staff member, or program affiliated with the Sigur Center. Examples may include but are not limited to: research presentations and/or reports; public events; workshops for scholars and/or practitioners; digital or audio-visual content; and scholarly publications. This must also include why the Sigur Center and GW specifically were chosen for collaboration
If you are interested in being considered for a resident or non-resident Visiting Scholar affiliation, please submit an application following the instructions listed above. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis to meet demand, and only complete application packages will be considered. Following your acceptance into the program, additional documentation may be requested by the Center in support of your J-1 visa sponsorship.
Please direct general inquiries to gsigur@gwu.edu.
Application Timeline
Please consider your application and research timeline in conjunction with the complexity of paperwork that may be required, such as procuring visa sponsorship. We will try to work with applicants’ deadlines*, including those imposed by funding organizations, so please let us know if you are working under such a deadline in your application’s funding section. As of August 2024, the Sigur Center reviews applications on a rolling basis.
It is strongly recommended to submit a complete application as early as possible, but at least 4 months before your desired affiliation start date for all applicants. Additionally, please factor in extra time for visa appointment delays, rescheduled flights, quarantine time, etc.
- *Applicants to the China Scholarship Council (CSC) are strongly encouraged to send their complete application package 5 months before the deadline as a number of questions or changes often occur and may take a month to resolve. Applicants to the CSC and Fulbright programs are welcome to clarify in the application’s funding section if they would like to independently continue their candidacy and source(s) of funding if they are not selected for the fellowship; the invitation letter will be issued with clarified conditional language and cannot be easily altered for revised dates. Otherwise, CSC and Fulbright applicants’ affiliation is contingent on securing the award.
We welcome applications from candidates all over the world. Once the Sigur Center has agreed to host a scholar, and the scholar has accepted the invitation, it is expected that the scholar will withdraw any other applications to potential host institutions.
Research
Proposed research terms are usually 3-12 months long for resident Visiting Scholars, while non-resident scholars may request a longer affiliation term. Please clearly state your desired term at the top of the application. By the end of each affiliation term, scholars are required to make an intellectual contribution about their research in the form of an oral presentation or written report.
Projects can range in topic as long as they are focused on Asia to a significant degree. Previous research projects undertaken by visiting scholars include:
- “Think tanks’ role in US Policy towards Myanmar”
- “America’s ‘Gray Zone’ Strategy in the US-China Trade War”
- “Soft Power Influences in the Indo-Pacific”
- “Geopolitics, mapping, and border-making in the Himalayas”
- “Taiwan’s New South Bound Policy: SWOT and Cross-domain strategy analysis”
Funding
Applications will be evaluated by the Elliott School of International Affairs and the Sigur Center. If accepted, a bench fee of up to $1,000 per month may be required for resident scholars. Due to the high volume of Visiting Scholar applications and limited office space, accepted visiting scholars have access to a research suite equipped with six workstations, in addition to the main university library’s workstations and a VPN service. Non-residents can access on-campus facilities, but do not have access to the Sigur research suite.
The Sigur Center does not offer fellowships, scholarships, or funding of any kind to visiting scholars at this time. Please keep in mind that visiting scholar applicants will have to secure funding from an organization, government, or provide proof of personal funds before a visa can be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone is eligible to apply for the Sigur Center for Asian Studies Visiting Scholar Program. Applicants must submit the following materials with their application:
- A detailed description of your Asia-related research project (one page).
- A description of resources in the area or virtually you will use.
- A description of how you will be an active contributor to the intellectual and/or outreach programming of the Sigur Center. This description should also include any collaboration – new or existing – you intend to undertake with a GW faculty or staff member, or program affiliated with the Sigur Center. Examples may include but are not limited to: research presentations and/or reports; public events; workshops for scholars and/or practitioners; digital or audio-visual content; and scholarly publications.
- A copy of a certified English-language test no older than two (2) years (TOEFL minimum: 80; IELTS minimum band score: 6.0 with no individual score less than 5.0). We can conduct a departmental interview as an alternative.
- A detailed resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation in English
Please note we cannot consider providing affiliation to applicants without a proposal that clearly links the applicant’s research project to ways they will contribute to the Center’s intellectual and outreach activities.
What’s the difference between Visiting (Resident) and Non-Resident scholars?
Visiting (Resident) Scholars conduct the majority of their research terms while being physically based at The George Washington University. Visiting Scholars are provided access to an office space at the Sigur Center. Visiting Scholars are eligible to receive J-1 research visa support and, if applicable, J-2 visa support for dependents from The George Washington University. Note that J-1 visas may either support short-term stays (under six months) or long-term stays (above six months). Please consult the U.S. Department of State’s exchange visitor website for additional information. Non-Resident Scholars are expected to complete the majority of their research term outside of The George Washington University and do not need J-1 visa support in order to conduct their respective research projects. As such, Non-Resident Scholars are not eligible to receive J-1 visa support. However, Non-Resident Scholars are welcome to visit the Sigur Center and can access office spaces at the Center upon request.
Due to the high volume of Visiting Scholar applications and limited office space, accepted Visiting Scholars have access to a research suite equipped with six workstations, in addition to the University’s main library’s workstations and a VPN service. Non-Residents can access on-campus facilities, but require advance notice and approval to access the Sigur Center research suite.
Does your university offer J-1 visa support for Non-Resident Scholars?
Non-Resident Scholars are not eligible for J-1 visa support from The George Washington University. It is expected that Non-Resident Scholars conduct the majority of their research terms remotely and without the need for J-1 visa support.
Can I select both Resident and Non-Resident on the application?
No, we recommend that you apply as either a Visiting (Resident) or a Non-Resident Scholar depending on your visa status and resource needs.
If I am not granted Visiting (Resident) Scholar status, will my application still be considered for a Non-Resident Scholar position?
No. You must reapply as a Non-Resident Scholar to be considered for a Non-Resident Scholar role.
How should my recommenders submit their letters of recommendation? How soon should their letters be submitted after I submit my application?
You can attach the two letters of recommendation to your online application, or the letters can be emailed to gsigur@gwu.edu. The sender should write the name of the applicant and “Visiting Scholar Letter of Recommendation” in the subject line. Please note the letters of recommendation should be in English.
Will I receive assistance from the Sigur Center to secure housing?
The Sigur Center will not be able to assist with housing. It is the responsibility of the Visiting Scholar to acquire their own accommodations. We can offer a list of nearby hotels for immediate stays.
Can I receive medical insurance from The George Washington University?
No. Neither Visiting Scholars nor Non-Resident Scholars are eligible to receive medical insurance coverage from The George Washington University. Visiting Scholars must acquire their own travel insurance in compliance with J-1 visa requirements. It is the responsibility of the Scholar to find and secure travel insurance. We can provide information on commonly used travel insurance companies, but we cannot provide exhaustive lists of companies or consult on which companies best suit a Scholar’s individual needs.
Are TOEFL or other English-language proficiency test scores required?
Visiting Scholars are requested to submit a copy of a certified English-language test no older than two (2) years as part of their application (TOEFL minimum: 80; IELTS minimum band score: 6.0 with no individual score less than 5.0).
If an applicant does not have an English-language test, we can conduct a departmental interview as an alternative.
