Welcome to the Visiting Scholar Program at the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Hawaii. Our program invites scholars from around the globe to delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, history, and contemporary issues. As a visiting scholar, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with our vibrant academic community and collaborate with renowned faculty members. Whether your interests lie in literature, politics, economics, or any other aspect of Chinese studies, our program offers a supportive environment for scholars at all stages of their careers. We welcome applications from scholars eager to contribute to the dynamic intellectual landscape of our center and to foster cross-cultural understanding through scholarly exchange.

The Center for Chinese Studies (CCS) is accepting applications from scholars who wish to spend a semester or one-year to conduct research and/or academic exchanges at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UHM).

Who is eligible to apply?

• Faculty or graduate degree students from universities/colleges or other academic institutions
• Plan to collaborate with affiliate CCS faculty at UHM to conduct research on topics in the field of Chinese Studies.

Note: Visiting Scholars are responsible for identifying a CCS faculty who will serve as the UHM faculty sponsor.If the proposed research is not related to Chinese Studies, the Visiting Scholar should contact other departments at UHM and make arrangements directly with them.

The Application Review Process

1. Approval of sponsoring faculty’s Department Chair
2. Approval of CCS Executive Committee
3. Approval of College of Arts, Languages & Letters (CALL) Dean
4. Approval of UH Office of Export Control (OEC)

Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and evaluated to consider the demands upon the time of the potential UHM/CCS faculty sponsor and her/his department, as well as the availability of CCS resources. There will be no more than five visiting scholars at any given time. Successful applications usually include a description of research that is enhanced by being in Hawai‘i. The application reviewing process usually takes about 30 business days. Upon confirmation, CCS will send a letter of invitation to the Visiting Scholar who will need to follow UH and U.S. federal government procedures to process visa documents and to apply for a visa in their home country.

Visiting Scholars Mandatory Activities at UH

• Registration orientation offered by FSIS upon arrival
• Presentation (75 minutes) on Visiting Scholar’s research topic in English (Preferred) as part of CCS Webinars series.

Note: Visiting Scholars are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in all CCS Webinar Series.

If a J-1 visa is needed, the Visiting Scholar will be contacted by CCS staff to provide additional information and work in cooperation with UH Faculty Scholar Immigration Services (FSIS) to obtain necessary approvals, which may require additional processing time (usually 3 months). Visiting Scholars are responsible for their appropriate visa fees. Directions will be provided. If the VS has not allowed sufficient time to process the visa before his/her start date at UHM, it may be necessary to adjust the visit schedule. You may also check on the details about entering UH as a J-1 exchange visitor.

Visiting Scholars Financial Responsibilities

• Visa Application Fee
• Living expenses (housing, transportation, food, etc.)
• Medical Expenses
• Health Insurance

Note: Visiting Scholars are required to purchase health insurance as stipulated by J-1 Exchange Visitor Program regulations and find their own housing arrangements. UHM does not have faculty housing for Visiting Scholar. CCS is unable to provide office/desk spaces or computer access but can help with applying for UHM library access.

Per FSIS, the visiting scholars and J-2 dependents must have adequate financial support while they are in the U.S. A UH department may provide some or all of the funding or the visiting scholars may procure their own funding for the program. Either way, the visiting scholars and/or department must show there is enough money to meet these minima for the entire period being requested:

• Visiting Scholars: At least $3,000 per month
• Spouse: Additional $900 per month
• Child: Additional $700 per month per child

The Required Documents for Application

1. CCS Visiting Scholar application form;
2. Current curriculum vitae or a professional resume;
3. Proposed detailed research plan
4. Proof of financial support in U.S. dollars – statement must show support of minimum US $3,000 per month, plus additional $900 per month for spouse and $700 per month for each accompanying child;
5. Letter from a UHM/CCS affiliate faculty member stating their support and collaboration on your research project;
6. A letter of recommendation from a scholar of the VS’s home institution with expertise in the area of their intended research;
7. Confirm English proficiency through the options offered through UH J-1 Exchange Visitor English Proficiency Certificate

To apply, please email all the required documents to uhccs@hawaii.edu. If the CCS sponsoring faculty belongs to College of Social Sciences (CSS), the Visiting Scholar must apply through the CSS Kuaili Online Application System