The Columbia Climate School Visiting Scholars/Scientists Program is established to host faculty and researchers from other academic institutions or professionals from industry, museums, or other entities who want to pursue their own independent research using University resources or facilities without collaborating with any Columbia faculty member or officer of research. Visiting Scholars/Scientists are selected through a process based on professional qualifications, the quality of research plans, and the relevance of both to the Climate School’s mission and objectives.
About the Program
"Visiting Scholar/Scientist" is a courtesy designation that does not signify a formal association with the University. This designation can last a period between one month and one year, with an option to extend for up to one additional year. Visiting Scholars/Scientists receive Columbia University library access and borrowing privileges, a temporary Columbia University ID card and email address, and the option to audit open courses, but they are not given office space and are not entitled to secretarial assistance. Visiting Scholars/Scientists may not claim a University affiliation to apply for grants and contracts and should not represent themselves in their publications and correspondence as having a University affiliation.
Visiting Scholars/Scientists must be sponsored by a faculty member at the Climate School, who will serve as the scholar's academic adviser and provide guidance on the progress of the visitor's research. Visiting Scholars/Scientists are responsible for arranging for their own financial support and benefits. In addition, the Climate School is unable to assist Visiting Scholars/Scientists in obtaining housing in the Columbia-New York area.
Applications will be reviewed twice during the year, corresponding with two program intakes:
- April 15 – for visitors starting between September 1st and December 31st
- September 15 – for visitors starting between January 1st and August 31st
For questions, please contact Esteban Andrade, Assistant Director of Faculty Affairs at the Climate School, by emailing him at [email protected].
Application Details
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- A one to two-page proposal that includes a full description (or the original proposal) of the project on which they are currently working, a description of the research done to date, and a detailed explanation of why they want to come to Columbia addressing the research they expect to accomplish while here and how the proposed research will benefit from Columbia's unique resources (such as libraries, faculty, and initiatives). More information on what the proposal should include can be found here.
- An endorsement note/letter from a Climate School faculty member or officer of research
- Two letters of reference
- A complete CV
A Visiting Scholars/Scientists Committee in the Climate School will review and approve applications for submission to the Provost’s Office.
Restrictions and Fees
- The Climate School will charge a one-time administration fee of $300 for all accepted Visiting Scholars/Scientists.
- Visiting Scholars/Scientists are not allowed to participate in collaborative research with University officers of instruction or officers of research. Some examples of collaborative research include, but are not limited to, co-authoring papers, chapters or books, collecting and analyzing data together, or co-PIs on grant(s).
- International Visiting Scholars/Scientists who require a visa will be charged a fee of $500 by Columbia’s International Student & Scholars Office (ISSO).
Visa
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) has determined that all International Visiting Scholars/Scientists must enter the United States with a J-1 visa (this rule does not apply to U.S. citizens or permanent residents). The ISSO will provide individuals with a DS2019 form, a document that is to be presented to U.S. Consulate authorities when applying for a J-1 visa (the $500 fee mentioned under Restrictions and Fees will cover the cost of issuing a DS2019 form).
In addition, Columbia University requires specific documentation showing that Visiting Scholars/Scientists are able to support themselves financially while in the U.S.; for example, a letter stating that Visiting Scholars/Scientists will have the necessary funds (US$3,000 or more per month) to sustain their living expenses while in the U.S. If traveling with other family members, the applicant must show proof of financial support for that (those) person(s) as well, ($1,000/month for spouse, and $500/month per child).
If Visiting Scholars/Scientists have a grant or scholarship from their sponsoring university, organization, or government, a letter from either of these institutions will suffice. If Visiting Scholars/Scientists are coming to Columbia University on their personal funds, a letter from their bank is necessary. All documentation must be submitted in English after the scholar application has been accepted by the Climate School’s reviewing committee.
Visiting Scholars/Scientists may enter the country up to 30 days prior to the start date of their J-1 program (the start date listed on the DS-2019 document). There is also a 30-day “grace period” after the conclusion of the visit during which bearers of J-1 visas can remain in the country. Immigration policies are constantly changing--visit the ISSO website for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, "Visiting Scholar/Scientist" is a courtesy designation that does not signify a formal association with the University. Individuals named to these titles may not claim a University affiliation for the purpose of applying for grants and contracts and should not represent themselves in their publications and correspondence as having a University affiliation.
Housing in New York City is expensive and difficult to obtain, so be sure to allow ample time to arrange a place of residence. Unfortunately, Visiting Scholars are not eligible for University housing. Some useful links for your housing search follow:
- International House is a residence specifically intended for international scholars and students.
- Craig’s List offers real estate listings and more.
- TheSublet.com lists sublets and roommates.
No, the Climate School is not able to offer office space to Visiting Scholars/Scientists.
Yes, Visiting Scholars/Scientists are given access to the libraries, including online collections, plus borrowing privileges for the duration of your designation.
Visiting Scholars/Scientists are not allowed to take courses for credit, however, they may audit a class with the permission of the faculty member teaching that class
Yes, there is an administration fee of $300 and a DS2019 fee of $500 for the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
Visiting Scholars/Scientists are allowed to stay for up to one year with the possibility to extend their visit for an extra year for a maximum of two years. Visiting Scholars/Scientists can come for visits shorter than one year.
Visiting Scholars/Scientists will need to submit a formal letter explaining why an extension is needed and justifying the need for the extra time. These requests will be reviewed by the Provost’s Office and will be under their discretion to approve it, or not.
Once an application has been approved by the University, we will coordinate with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at Columbia to obtain a DS2019 document that Visiting Scholars/Scientists use to apply for the J-1 visa in their home country.
No, it is necessary to obtain a J1 visa to come as a Visiting Scholar/Scientist regardless of the length of your stay.
No, it is necessary to obtain a J1 visa to come as a Visiting Scholar/Scientist.
Make an appointment with Esteban Andrade, Assistant Director of Faculty Affairs at the Climate School, by emailing him at [email protected].
U.S. Department of State regulations require all J-1 visa holders and their dependents to have health insurance, with specified minimum coverage, while in the United States. We encourage you to review this ISSO information.