Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions or download the pdf version
Applications
What if I don't have my Doctorate yet, but will get it soon?
What if I don't have a PhD, but I have several years of experience in my field?
What is the difference between a Post-doctoral Fellow and a Visiting Scholar?
How should I prove my English ability?
Can I defer my acceptance at CES?
How long can I remain at CES as a Visiting Scholar?
Visas
What/Where is the HIO?
If I must leave the U.S. briefly to visit home, will I face problems when I re-enter?
What is the difference between Short-Term Scholar and a Research Scholar?
How can I prove my financial support, and what are the amounts necessary?
Can my spouse and children accompany me?
Can my fiancé/fiancé or partner accompany me?
What if I already have a visa?
May I stay on just a tourist visa?
Being a Visiting Scholar
What will I be required to do as a Visiting Scholar at CES?
Can I take classes at Harvard or other universities in the area?
How can I apply for a stipendiary position?
Will I have Library access?
Will I have office space at CES?
Does CES provide computers / printing / email / internet access / mailboxes / telephones?
Living In Cambridge
Do I need Health Insurance? How can I get it?
How can I find housing?
Where is there to eat in the Harvard/Cambridge Area?
How difficult is public transportation/bicycles/getting a car?
How do I get my Harvard ID?
How is the weather and how should I dress?
What if I don't have my Doctorate yet, but will get it soon?
Unfortunately, we do not accept pre-doctoral applicants as Visiting Scholars. All applicants must possess their PhD at the time of application.
What if I don't have a PhD, but I have several years of experience in my field?
CES may occasionally accept highly qualified non-PhD candidates, who are well-known in their field, as visiting scholars and encourages such individuals to apply. Please contact CES Executive Director, Patricia Craig, pcraig@fas.harvard.edu for further information.
What is the difference between a Post-doctoral Fellow and a Visiting Scholar?
CES accepts two types of researchers in the Visiting Scholars Program: Visiting Scholars and Post- doctoral Fellows. Visiting Scholars are post-doctoral scholars on leave from an academic (or, in some cases, professional) position.
Post-doctoral Fellows are recent doctoral graduates who have received their PhD within the last 3 years and who may not yet have held a teaching position. Both positions carry the same privileges and obligations in the Visiting Scholars Program. Please note that CES does not accept pre-doctoral candidates.
How should I prove my English ability?
Providing a brief letter (two to three sentences) attesting to English abilities signed by the applicant or scanned TOEFL scores will suffice.
Can I defer my stay at CES?
No, acceptance is granted only for the year applied for initially. However, you may renew a previously submitted application rather than submitting a new application.
How long can I remain at CES as a Visiting Scholar?
Appointments have a minimum of three months and last up to one year.
What/Where is the HIO?
The Harvard International Office (HIO) is an important resource for Visiting Scholars. It is located at Holyoke Center Room 864, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA. The HIO provides information on a wide range of topics, including visas, work permits, travel, financial questions, social and cultural differences, and personal concerns. We ask that Visiting Scholars from countries outside the U.S. check in with the HIO within 15 days of their arrival in the U.S. for required registration. Their website is http://hio.harvard.edu/.
If I must leave the U.S. briefly to visit home, will I face problems when I re-enter?
No, a J visa with a valid visa stamp allows for multiple entries.
What is the difference between a Short Term Scholar and a Research Scholar?
J-1 Short Term Scholars: This visa is for a maximum of 6 months. At the end of that time you cannot get an extension and must leave the U.S. The advantage of this visa is that there is no time requirement for when you are eligible to return to the U.S. on another visa.
J-1 Research Scholar/Professor: This is a visa that can be extended for up to five years. You must be based in the U.S. for the duration of the visa, and once the visa expires you cannot return to the U.S. for two years.
How can I prove my financial support, and what are the amounts necessary?
The U.S. government requires financial proof of $30,000 per year. If you plan on bringing a spouse and/or children, you must provide additional proof of $5,000 per year per person. CES follows these guidelines for all visiting scholars. If you must apply for a J-1 visa, the U.S. government will require proof of such funding.
Can my spouse and children accompany me?
Yes, you may bring your spouse and children with you. For visa applicants, you must show financial proof of an additional $5,000 per year for a spouse and for each child.
Can my fiancée/fiancé partner or same-sex spouse accompany me?
Yes, but only on a 90-day tourist waiver or a B2 visa for "cohabitating partners," if approved by the U.S. Embassy. Please contact the HIO or your U.S. Embassy for more information.
What if I already have a visa?
Please inform CES if you currently hold a visa. The HIO must keep records of all international visitors, and you may need to apply for a change of status during your time at CES.
May I stay on just a tourist visa?
A tourist visa lasts up to three months without the possibility of extension. As CES Visiting Scholar appointments must be at least three months, and up to one year, we do not recommend using a tourist visa. Please note that you cannot enter the U.S. on a tourist visa and stay on a J-1 Exchange visa.
What will I be required to do as a Visiting Scholar at CES?
It is expected that visiting scholars take part in CES events and activities. The Center endeavors to be a dynamic and welcoming institution for those engaged in scholarship on Europe. We have an active calendar of conferences, study groups and lectures, and we hope you will attend the ones that interest you. CES also strives to integrate the research undertaken here with our reaching and training mission. We would therefore welcome your availability to graduate and undergraduate students and your willingness to give presentations in classes or more informal settings. In particular, as a visiting scholar you are expected to participate in the weekly New Research on Europe Lunch Seminar. Chaired by Arthur Goldhammer, this seminar is open to the public and features work in progress by visiting scholars and is a chance for you to obtain feedback and comments on your current work. CES also values its strong sense of community. On most Fridays during the academic term, many members of the entire CES family gather in the Guido Goldman Room for Friday Lunch. Other social events are planned throughout the year.
Can I take classes at Harvard or other universities in the area?
As a Visiting Scholar, you can sit in on most classes at Harvard. As a courtesy, it is recommended to always ask permission of the instructor first. These courses may not be taken for credit.
How can I apply for a stipendiary position?
Visit our funding page to view stipendiary fellowships for visiting scholars.
Will I have Library access?
Yes, accepted visitors will have a research appointment with full access to Harvard's Library Systems.
Will I have office space at CES?
While we do offer office space at CES, offices are limited and are not guaranteed.
Does CES provide computers / printing / email / internet access / mailboxes / telephones?
CES does not provide Visiting Scholars with a computer, so we recommend bringing a laptop. Our IT Staff will assist you with any computer needs. CES provides internet access as well as printing from public printers from your own laptop. We also have pubic computers within the building that Visiting Scholars are welcome to use at any time. Mailboxes are provided for all visiting scholars and those who are given an office will also have a telephone.
Are there any fees involved with the Visiting Scholars Program?
Yes. All visiting scholars will be assessed a $500 processing fee per semester (or per 4 month period). Payment to CES is due upon arrival. In addition, international visitors applying for visas are responsible for paying all the fees associated with the visa, such as the Visa Application Fee, SEVIS Fee, telephone fees for making the Embassy/Consulate appointment, and Visa Issuance Fee.
Do I need Health Insurance? How can I get it?
According to the U.S. Government, all visiting scholars must have health insurance while they are in the U.S. under a visa sponsored by Harvard University. Visitors with a J-1 visa should consult the Harvard International Office (HIO) in regards to current health insurance information by visiting their website at http://hio.harvard.edu.
How can I find housing?
There are many resources available to find housing in the Cambridge and Boston areas. Although Harvard University does not offer affiliated housing or provide housing services, we can offer some helpful recommendations through our housing guide.
Where is there to eat in the Harvard/Cambridge Area?
There are many restaurants and cafes within close walking distance of CES. For a list of nearby locations, visit the Harvard Square website at http://www.harvardsquare.com.
How difficult is public transportation/bicycles/getting a car?
The MBTA offers subway, bus, and train services in and around Boston that will take you to and from CES and Harvard. Visit http://www.mbta.com for maps and details. Bicycles are also recommended for the warmer months, but it may be difficult in the winter due to the cold weather and snow. Zipcar offers Harvard affiliates deeply discounted memberships and rents cars by the hour or day, with many locations in and around Cambridge. Also, past Visiting Scholars have noted that renting or buying a car during their stay has proved to be very inconvenient. Driving in Boston can be very difficult for newcomers, and also very expensive.
How do I get my Harvard ID?
Your Harvard ID will be very important for setting up your computer account and getting into most libraries on campus. Visit the ID Office on the 8th Floor of the Holyoke Center (1350 Mass Ave in Harvard Square) after you check in at CES to obtain your ID.
How is the weather and how should I dress?
Cambridge experiences wide ranges of weather during the year. Autumn is pleasant and sometimes cool, winters tend to be very cold and snowy, spring is usually brief but wet and rainy, and summers are normally hot and humid. Please dress accordingly.
Click on the questions or download the pdf version
Applications
What if I don't have my Doctorate yet, but will get it soon?
What if I don't have a PhD, but I have several years of experience in my field?
What is the difference between a Post-doctoral Fellow and a Visiting Scholar?
How should I prove my English ability?
Can I defer my acceptance at CES?
How long can I remain at CES as a Visiting Scholar?
Visas
What/Where is the HIO?
If I must leave the U.S. briefly to visit home, will I face problems when I re-enter?
What is the difference between Short-Term Scholar and a Research Scholar?
How can I prove my financial support, and what are the amounts necessary?
Can my spouse and children accompany me?
Can my fiancé/fiancé or partner accompany me?
What if I already have a visa?
May I stay on just a tourist visa?
Being a Visiting Scholar
What will I be required to do as a Visiting Scholar at CES?
Can I take classes at Harvard or other universities in the area?
How can I apply for a stipendiary position?
Will I have Library access?
Will I have office space at CES?
Does CES provide computers / printing / email / internet access / mailboxes / telephones?
Living In Cambridge
Do I need Health Insurance? How can I get it?
How can I find housing?
Where is there to eat in the Harvard/Cambridge Area?
How difficult is public transportation/bicycles/getting a car?
How do I get my Harvard ID?
How is the weather and how should I dress?
Applications
What if I don't have my Doctorate yet, but will get it soon?
Unfortunately, we do not accept pre-doctoral applicants as Visiting Scholars. All applicants must possess their PhD at the time of application.
What if I don't have a PhD, but I have several years of experience in my field?
CES may occasionally accept highly qualified non-PhD candidates, who are well-known in their field, as visiting scholars and encourages such individuals to apply. Please contact CES Executive Director, Patricia Craig, pcraig@fas.harvard.edu for further information.
What is the difference between a Post-doctoral Fellow and a Visiting Scholar?
CES accepts two types of researchers in the Visiting Scholars Program: Visiting Scholars and Post- doctoral Fellows. Visiting Scholars are post-doctoral scholars on leave from an academic (or, in some cases, professional) position.
Post-doctoral Fellows are recent doctoral graduates who have received their PhD within the last 3 years and who may not yet have held a teaching position. Both positions carry the same privileges and obligations in the Visiting Scholars Program. Please note that CES does not accept pre-doctoral candidates.
How should I prove my English ability?
Providing a brief letter (two to three sentences) attesting to English abilities signed by the applicant or scanned TOEFL scores will suffice.
Can I defer my stay at CES?
No, acceptance is granted only for the year applied for initially. However, you may renew a previously submitted application rather than submitting a new application.
How long can I remain at CES as a Visiting Scholar?
Appointments have a minimum of three months and last up to one year.
Visas
What/Where is the HIO?
The Harvard International Office (HIO) is an important resource for Visiting Scholars. It is located at Holyoke Center Room 864, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA. The HIO provides information on a wide range of topics, including visas, work permits, travel, financial questions, social and cultural differences, and personal concerns. We ask that Visiting Scholars from countries outside the U.S. check in with the HIO within 15 days of their arrival in the U.S. for required registration. Their website is http://hio.harvard.edu/.
If I must leave the U.S. briefly to visit home, will I face problems when I re-enter?
No, a J visa with a valid visa stamp allows for multiple entries.
What is the difference between a Short Term Scholar and a Research Scholar?
J-1 Short Term Scholars: This visa is for a maximum of 6 months. At the end of that time you cannot get an extension and must leave the U.S. The advantage of this visa is that there is no time requirement for when you are eligible to return to the U.S. on another visa.
J-1 Research Scholar/Professor: This is a visa that can be extended for up to five years. You must be based in the U.S. for the duration of the visa, and once the visa expires you cannot return to the U.S. for two years.
How can I prove my financial support, and what are the amounts necessary?
The U.S. government requires financial proof of $30,000 per year. If you plan on bringing a spouse and/or children, you must provide additional proof of $5,000 per year per person. CES follows these guidelines for all visiting scholars. If you must apply for a J-1 visa, the U.S. government will require proof of such funding.
Can my spouse and children accompany me?
Yes, you may bring your spouse and children with you. For visa applicants, you must show financial proof of an additional $5,000 per year for a spouse and for each child.
Can my fiancée/fiancé partner or same-sex spouse accompany me?
Yes, but only on a 90-day tourist waiver or a B2 visa for "cohabitating partners," if approved by the U.S. Embassy. Please contact the HIO or your U.S. Embassy for more information.
What if I already have a visa?
Please inform CES if you currently hold a visa. The HIO must keep records of all international visitors, and you may need to apply for a change of status during your time at CES.
May I stay on just a tourist visa?
A tourist visa lasts up to three months without the possibility of extension. As CES Visiting Scholar appointments must be at least three months, and up to one year, we do not recommend using a tourist visa. Please note that you cannot enter the U.S. on a tourist visa and stay on a J-1 Exchange visa.
Accepted Visiting Scholars
What will I be required to do as a Visiting Scholar at CES?
It is expected that visiting scholars take part in CES events and activities. The Center endeavors to be a dynamic and welcoming institution for those engaged in scholarship on Europe. We have an active calendar of conferences, study groups and lectures, and we hope you will attend the ones that interest you. CES also strives to integrate the research undertaken here with our reaching and training mission. We would therefore welcome your availability to graduate and undergraduate students and your willingness to give presentations in classes or more informal settings. In particular, as a visiting scholar you are expected to participate in the weekly New Research on Europe Lunch Seminar. Chaired by Arthur Goldhammer, this seminar is open to the public and features work in progress by visiting scholars and is a chance for you to obtain feedback and comments on your current work. CES also values its strong sense of community. On most Fridays during the academic term, many members of the entire CES family gather in the Guido Goldman Room for Friday Lunch. Other social events are planned throughout the year.
Can I take classes at Harvard or other universities in the area?
As a Visiting Scholar, you can sit in on most classes at Harvard. As a courtesy, it is recommended to always ask permission of the instructor first. These courses may not be taken for credit.
How can I apply for a stipendiary position?
Visit our funding page to view stipendiary fellowships for visiting scholars.
Will I have Library access?
Yes, accepted visitors will have a research appointment with full access to Harvard's Library Systems.
Will I have office space at CES?
While we do offer office space at CES, offices are limited and are not guaranteed.
Does CES provide computers / printing / email / internet access / mailboxes / telephones?
CES does not provide Visiting Scholars with a computer, so we recommend bringing a laptop. Our IT Staff will assist you with any computer needs. CES provides internet access as well as printing from public printers from your own laptop. We also have pubic computers within the building that Visiting Scholars are welcome to use at any time. Mailboxes are provided for all visiting scholars and those who are given an office will also have a telephone.
Are there any fees involved with the Visiting Scholars Program?
Yes. All visiting scholars will be assessed a $500 processing fee per semester (or per 4 month period). Payment to CES is due upon arrival. In addition, international visitors applying for visas are responsible for paying all the fees associated with the visa, such as the Visa Application Fee, SEVIS Fee, telephone fees for making the Embassy/Consulate appointment, and Visa Issuance Fee.
Living in Cambridge
Do I need Health Insurance? How can I get it?
According to the U.S. Government, all visiting scholars must have health insurance while they are in the U.S. under a visa sponsored by Harvard University. Visitors with a J-1 visa should consult the Harvard International Office (HIO) in regards to current health insurance information by visiting their website at http://hio.harvard.edu.
How can I find housing?
There are many resources available to find housing in the Cambridge and Boston areas. Although Harvard University does not offer affiliated housing or provide housing services, we can offer some helpful recommendations through our housing guide.
Where is there to eat in the Harvard/Cambridge Area?
There are many restaurants and cafes within close walking distance of CES. For a list of nearby locations, visit the Harvard Square website at http://www.harvardsquare.com.
How difficult is public transportation/bicycles/getting a car?
The MBTA offers subway, bus, and train services in and around Boston that will take you to and from CES and Harvard. Visit http://www.mbta.com for maps and details. Bicycles are also recommended for the warmer months, but it may be difficult in the winter due to the cold weather and snow. Zipcar offers Harvard affiliates deeply discounted memberships and rents cars by the hour or day, with many locations in and around Cambridge. Also, past Visiting Scholars have noted that renting or buying a car during their stay has proved to be very inconvenient. Driving in Boston can be very difficult for newcomers, and also very expensive.
How do I get my Harvard ID?
Your Harvard ID will be very important for setting up your computer account and getting into most libraries on campus. Visit the ID Office on the 8th Floor of the Holyoke Center (1350 Mass Ave in Harvard Square) after you check in at CES to obtain your ID.
How is the weather and how should I dress?
Cambridge experiences wide ranges of weather during the year. Autumn is pleasant and sometimes cool, winters tend to be very cold and snowy, spring is usually brief but wet and rainy, and summers are normally hot and humid. Please dress accordingly.