Notice
Please note that we will be suspending applications for the GWIKS Visiting Scholars program temporarily as we shift to a new application process. These changes to the Visiting Scholars program are due to updated guidelines and requirements from the George Washington University. Under the new procedures, applications will be received on a rolling basis during two application periods and reviewed twice per year (after April 15 and after August 15). We will reopen the application portal from March 1 — April 15, 2026 for scholars wishing to start in the Fall 2026 semester.
GWIKS reserves the right to stop accepting new applications at any time due to limited capacity. Thank you for your understanding.
Please contact gwiks@gwu.edu with any questions.
The GW Institute for Korean Studies accepts visiting scholars from around the world who are selected on a highly competitive basis to conduct research related to Korean studies.
Visiting Scholars carry out an active role in the intellectual activities at the Institute of the Korean Studies as well as the Elliott School of International Affairs. Visiting Scholars conduct individual research as proposed in the application by fully taking advantage of the resources available at GW and various resources available outside of the university, such as think tanks and other organizations located in the Washington, DC area. Along with research, scholars are expected to participate in activities such as attending events hosted by GWIKS and providing guest lectures in GW courses related to their research topic. They should also actively participate in the monthly GWIKS-Sigur Center Visiting Scholar lunch seminars. GWIKS Visiting Scholars are required to live in the metropolitan Washington area (D.C., Maryland, or Virginia) during their term. Scholars must give a lecture presenting their research (one hour) or submit a written research paper in English (1,000-1,500 words) before the end of their term.
Visiting Scholars will be provided a shared office in the Elliott School building. They will be also have access to shared computers for Internet access and research; resources from the Gelman library at GW; limited telephone, fax, and photocopying; and opportunities to interact with other scholars focusing on Korean studies and Asian studies. All resident visiting scholars are required to pay administrative fees of $1,000 per month unless otherwise specified.
How to Apply
In order to apply*, please complete the Visiting Scholars Application Form by following the link below:
A completed application will include the following attachments, which can be uploaded directly to the form linked above:
- A detailed description of the research project (one page), which must be on a topic relating to Korea.
- A description of what resources in the area or virtually that you will use
- A copy of a certified English-language test no older than two (2) years (TOEFL minimum: 80; IELTS minimum band score: 6.0 with no individual score less than 5.0, or an equivalent TOEIC score). We conduct a departmental interview as an alternative.
- A detailed resume or CV
If you are interested in being considered, please submit an application following the instructions listed above. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis during two application periods annually, and only complete application packages will be considered. Following your acceptance into the program, additional documentation may be requested by the Institute in support of your J-1 visa sponsorship.
Please direct general inquiries to gwiks@gwu.edu.
Application Guidelines
UPDATED GUIDELINES:
Each academic year, GWIKS will welcome a Fall cohort and a Spring cohort of visiting scholars. We ask that applicants specify which cohort they would like to join and plan for a start date accordingly. Fall start dates: between August 15 and September 15. Spring start dates: between January 15 and February 15.
Please consider your application and research timeline in conjunction with the complexity of paperwork that may be required. It is strongly recommended to submit a complete application as early as possible. The visa application process will take at minimum three months to complete, and usually longer, so please keep that in mind when considering your start date.
We will try to work with applicants’ deadlines, including those imposed by funding organizations, so please let us know in your application if you have any such requirements. Proposed research terms are usually 3-12 months long. Please clearly state your desired term in the application form. Applications will be evaluated by GWIKS core faculty members.
GWIKS does not provide fellowships, scholarships, or funding of any kind to visiting scholars. Please keep in mind that you will have to secure funding from an organization, government, or provide personal funds before a visa can be issued. Once GWIKS has agreed to host a scholar, and the scholar has accepted the invitation, it is expected that the scholar will withdraw any other applications to potential host institutions.
For more information and questions about the application process, please send an e-mail to gwiks@gwu.edu.
