How to Apply

You are advised to submit your application early. It generally takes 3-6 months to process the visiting scholar application and the visa application.

Required application materials

Please note: Additional documents will be required for visa processing.

To apply for visiting status with the Institute for Korean Studies, please send the following documents by email or postal mail:

1. A cover letter, addressed to the Institute for Korean Studies
2. Curriculum vitae (in English): Please include home and business addresses, phone and fax numbers, e-mail address, date and place of birth, education, and a complete list of publications and professional activities
3. Proposal (in English) outlining the research that will be undertaken while in residence at Indiana University. The proposal should be no more than three pages in length
4. Certified statement of financial support from your place of employment or financial institution
5. A scanned copy of passport clearly showing picture, number and expiration date

Email: iks@indiana.edu
Institute for Korean Studies
355 N Eagleson Ave 2050BB
Bloomington, IN 47405

Mandatory health insurance

Every visiting scholar and all accompanying dependents must have health insurance coverage that meets the standards of Indiana University. Health insurance coverage may be purchased through the IU Office of International Services.

If you have health insurance provided by your home institution, it will not be necessary to arrange insurance here, providing it meets certain criteria. However, you will need to provide documentation in English of that insurance upon your arrival. This information should include the amounts covered (money available and the extent of the coverage). Maternity coverage is required for women.

Proof of English proficiency

The Office of International Services (OIS) requires proof of English language proficiency that is sufficient to meet U.S. J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa requirements. The proof must be dated within the last twelve months.

The U.S. Department of State accepts these objective measurements of English language proficiency:

• A recognized English language test: Internet-based TOEFL minimum 105, or print-based TOEFL minimum 620, or IELTS minimum 7.5, or MELAB minimum 87); or
• Signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school confirming proficiency level; or
• A documented interview conducted by the faculty sponsor either in-person or by videoconferencing, or by telephone if videoconferencing is not a viable option; or
• Confirmation that your native language is English. This is usually confirmed by submitting evidence of completing at least three full years of secondary school in one of the approved countries or having citizenship in an English speaking country.

Proof of funding

Proof of funding sufficient to meet U.S. visa requirements for yourself and any accompanying dependents.

You must provide proof of your financial support. The Office of International Services at Indiana University requires at a minimum the following figures to issue a J-1 visa certification: $1,200 per month for the J-1 Scholar, $500 per month for the first J-2 dependent, and $300 per month for each additional J-2 dependent.

Visa application

Generally, the length of time visiting scholars spend at Indiana University is six months to one year. Once we have agreed to host you as a visiting scholar, our institute will request a visa certification (Form DS-2019) on your behalf to allow you to apply for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. Note that your accompanying dependents must apply for the J-2 Visa.

Annual administrative fee

An annual administration fee ($1,000 for visiting scholars and $7,000 for visiting fellows) is due following the mandatory immigration orientation, which is held at the IU Office of International Services. Further instruction on the payment will be provided in the official invitation letter.

Scholarly responsibilities

Visiting scholars affiliated with our institute are expected to participate actively in our intellectual community and have monthly meetings with a mentor or our institute director. They are asked to submit a report on the progress of their research upon the completion of their residency.