Visiting Scholars Program

Program Overview

Visiting Scholars are independent researchers affiliated with the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and in residence at Berkeley. CLACS accepts Scholars who are pursuing a research project related to Latin America in any discipline. We welcome applications from academic researchers, university faculty members, and Ph.D. students, as well as from individuals with experience in government, business, or other professional fields who are likely to benefit from interactions with research scholars.  

Visiting scholars give public talks and participate fully in the intellectual life at CLACS.

Visiting Scholar appointents are temporary (3-12 months) and are categorized as either a Visiting Scholar (academic researchers and faculty who have held a PhD or equivelent degree for at least five years and hold a paid university position) or a Visiting Student Researcher (currently enrolled MA or PhD students who possess a BA degree or its equivelent).

Privileges of a Visiting Scholar/Student Researcher

• Enjoy full access to UC Berkeley’s libraries and electronic resources.
• Receive access to shared office space at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and a Berkeley email address.
• Welcome to attend all public events on campus.
• Audit courses taught at Berkeley, subject to the instructor's approval.  

Responsibilities of a Visiting Scholar/Student Researcher

• Invitation to present in seminars or conferences organized by CLACS.
• Invitation to write an article for the Berkeley Review of Latin American Studies or the CLACS Blog. 
• Share copies of work produced during the residency.
• Please note that CLACS does not provide funding for the Visiting Scholars/Visiting Student Researchers it agrees to host. Applicants must submit documentation verifying and detailing funding for the entire period of their desired affiliation. For information about minimum funding requirements for issuance of a United States visa, please click here.

Visiting Scholar Requirements

Visas

Non-U.S. citizens will apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa sponsored by UC Berkeley. Visiting researchers receive a J-1 visa and their spouse and dependents receive J-2 visas. The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies will serve as the official host department and sponsor for the J-1 visa and campus affiliation. Visiting researchers should not initiate the visa application process until their appointment has been officially approved by the CLACS Director and by the UC Berkeley Visiting Scholar & Postdoc Affairs Office (VSPA).

NOTE: Visa processing requires a minimum of 3-6 months. Scholars should NOT make any travel arrangements until after the visa is approved and issued.

Income and Funding

CLACS does not provide funding for Visiting Researchers. Visitors are required to provide proof of their own funding (such as a sabbatical salary, grant, or fellowship from an extramural organization). J-1 scholar funding requirements are established by the U.S. Government. The minimum funding requirements are currently: $1,800 per month available for yourself, plus $500 per month if you are accompanied by your spouse, plus $300 per month per accompanying child. (For example, visitors planning to come with a spouse and two children would need at least $2,900 per month, or $34,800 per year.)

Health Insurance

All international visiting scholars on the UC Berkeley campus are required to have medical insurance that meets the University's minimum coverage requirements, either through the UC Berkeley Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan or from another insurer. Please refer to the VSPA Visiting Researcher Health Insurance page for more information.

English language proficiency

UC Berkeley requires all international scholars to provide proof of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, or signed documentation from an approved English language school). Upon verification, a confirmation of demonstrated proficiency in English can be issued by CLACS. Visiting researchers cannot rely on staff support for translation services.

For more information regarding Visiting Researcher requirements, please contact the Berkeley International Office or visit the VSPA website.