As part of its mission of working across disciplines, cultures and communities, CMS has established a Visiting Scholars program, the goal of which is to facilitate the residency of a limited number of distinguished scholars from other academic institutions or accomplished professionals whose expertise coincides with current research projects.

Eligibility

• Visitors are expected to obtain their own support from research or study grants obtained from a foundation, university, or other agency. CMS provides access to its seminars, colloquia, and conferences, as well as library and email facilities.
  
  
• Students currently enrolled in a degree program are not eligible to become Visiting Scholars. Visiting Scholars are expected to have a Ph.D. and several years of professional experience, or the equivalent.
  
  
• You must apply first to CMS for appointment as a Visiting Scholar. CMS will act as a liaison with the International Scholars Office (ISO) to process visa applications.

Requirements

Individuals wishing to be considered for visiting scholar status will need to display proof of the following:

• Minimum funding required per year (US$):
  
  • Single: $30,000
  • Married, no children: $33,000
  • Married, 1 child: $35,000 (add $1200 per year for each additional child).
  • Single, 1 child: $33,000 (add $1200 per year for each additional child).
• Health Insurance
• Cost of Living in Cambridge and Boston

How to Apply

Please send the following information:

1. A letter describing the kind of work you would like to do while at MIT and the particular research group or faculty member whose research interests coincide with you own. Also include the dates you would like to visit.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. At least one publication or writing sample.

Please mail or email application to:

Leila W. Kinney
Administrator for Academic Programs
Comparative Media Studies
MIT, 14N-213
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139 USA

Please direct email to lwkinney (at) mit.edu.

Deadlines

• No later than May 1 for the following Fall semester (September 1).
• No later than October 1 for the following Spring semester (February 1).

Approval

If your application is accepted, the department will contact you with further details and paperwork about your visit.

Housing

Unfortunately the department cannot help in your search for housing. You are not allowed access to the Current Listings portion of the Off-Campus Housing web site before you arrive at MIT.

Links

International Scholars Office
http://web.mit.edu/scholars/index.html

International Students Office
http://web.mit.edu/iso/www/

Housing and Student Life Programs
http://web.mit.edu/housing/och/