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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 apply for a research assistant as a Visiting Scholar?
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-doctorates as Visiting Scholars. However, you may apply to CES before you receive your doctorate if you will receive it at least 3 months before your arrival date.
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-Ph.D. candidates who are well-known in their field as visiting scholars, and encourages such individuals to apply.
What is the difference between a Post-doctoral Fellow and a Visiting Scholar?
CES accepts two types of Visiting Scholars: Visiting Scholars and Post-doctoral Fellows. Visiting Scholars are post-doctoral scholars on leave from an academic (or, in some cases, professional) position and have at least 7 years experience in their field.
Post-doctoral Fellows are recent post-doctorates 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 not that CES does not accept pre-doctoral candidates unless they will receive their PhD at least 3 months before their arrival.
How should I prove my English ability?
Providing a letter attesting to English abilities or TOEFL scores will suffice.
Can I defer my stay at CES?
Yes, you may defer your appointment as a Visiting Scholar up to one year. Following that year, you will be asked to re-apply. Please notify CES as soon as possible if you must defer.
How long can I remain at CES as a Visiting Scholar?
The appointment has a minimum of three months and typically lasts 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, 1850 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. Visiting Scholars from countries outside the U.S. must check in with the HIO at least 15 days after they arrive in the U.S.
If I must leave the U.S. briefly to visit home, will I face problems when I re-enter?
No, a J-1 visa allows for multiple entries
What is the difference between a Short Term Scholar and a Research Scholar?
J-1 Short-Term Scholar: This visa is for a maximum of 6 months. At the end of that time you cannot get an extension and must leave the USA. The advantage is that there is no time requirement for when you can return.
J-1 Research Scholar/Professor: This is a visa that can be extended up to five years. You must stay in the country the entire time and once you leave you cannot return for two years.
How can I prove my financial support, and what are the amounts necessary?
The U.S. government requires financial proof of $25,000 per year. If you plan on bringing a spouse and/or children, you must provide additional proof for $6,000 per year for a spouse, $3,000 per year for the first child, and $1,000 per year for each additional child. CES follows these guidelines, but does not require documentation of this; we only require a signed letter stating that applicants do have the necessary funds. If you must apply for a J-1 visa, the US 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 $6,000 per year for a spouse, $3,000 per year for the first child, and $1,000 per year for each additional child.
Can my fiancée/fiancé or partner accompany me?
Yes, but only on a 3 month tourist visa. Some countries allow for an extension. 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 Harvard International Office must keep records of all international visitors.
May I stay on just a tourist visa?
A tourist visa lasts up to 3 months without the possibility of extension. If you will be in the U.S. for less than 3 months, then you may enter on a tourist visa. Please note that you cannot enter on a tourist visa and stay in the U.S. on a J-1 Exchange visa.
Being a Visiting Scholar
What will I be required to do as a Visiting Scholar at CES?
It is expected that visiting scholars take part in many 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 teaching 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 Visiting Scholar you are expected to participate in the weekly Lunch Seminar. Chaired by Arthur Goldhammer, this seminar is open to the public and features work in progress by the 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 whole CES family gather in the Garden Room for Friday Lunch. Other social events are planned throughout the year.
Can I apply for a research assistant as a Visiting Scholar?
Yes, the Center offers Visiting Scholars the chance to apply for an undergraduate research assistant. The Center will also pay the student’s wages.
Can I take classes at Harvard or other universities in the area?
As a Visiting Scholar, you can sit in on classes at Harvard. Usually as a courtesy, it is recommended to 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 webpage to view upcoming stipendiary Fellowships for Visiting Scholars.
Will I have Library access?
Yes, as a Visiting Scholar or Fellow, you 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. CES's IT Staff will assist you with any computer needs. CES provides internet access as well as printing from any 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.
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 program 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 Cambridge. 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 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. Also, past Visiting Scholars are 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 5th Floor of Holyoke Center (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.