Visiting Scholar and Visiting Researcher Programs

Due to the outstanding Benson Latin American Collection and the large and distinguished Latin Americanist faculty affiliated with the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies (LLILAS), many scholars choose to spend sabbatical or other research leave at the University of Texas at Austin. To accommodate these researchers, LLILAS offers the Visiting Scholar and Visiting Researcher programs. Visiting Scholars and Visiting Researchers do not receive a stipend, nor is tenure or continuation at UT Austin implied. LLILAS is currently unable to provide office space, but study carrels are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Benson Latin American Collection library.

Visiting Scholars
The Visiting Scholar designation is assigned to individuals who hold a PhD and meet the requirements determined by the university's International Office.

Appointments are made for a minimum of one month and a maximum of one year.

Visiting Researchers
The Visiting Researcher designation is assigned to individuals who do not hold a PhD, but are currently working towards the degree, hold a master's or bachelor's degree, and meet the requirements determined by the university's International Office.

Appointments are made for a minimum of one month to a maximum of one year.

Benefits
Privileges granted with acceptance into both the Visiting Scholar and Visiting Researcher program include:

a UT identification card
the right to check out books from any university library and access to online databases
access to membership in the recreational sports program
access to an on-campus parking sticker
access to membership to the Campus Club for dining and other benefits

Application Process
To apply for affiliation with LLILAS as a Visiting Scholar or Visiting Researcher, applicants must submit a letter of interest and other required documentation. Applications must be submitted at least ten weeks in advance of your proposed arrival on campus. International applicants requiring a visa are encouraged to submit their requests at least three months in advance to ensure adequate time for processing. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications should include a letter of interest addressed to Dr. Juliet Hooker, Associate Director of LLILAS. The letter of interest should specify: the requested status (Scholar or Researcher); exact dates of your visit; source(s) of funding throughout the duration of your stay; your topic of research and planned activities and/or materials you expect to consult; and any contact you may have with LLILAS-affiliated faculty. Please also indicate whether you will require visa assistance.

To begin your application, please provide the following documents by e-mail attachment (in PDF or similar format):

letter of interest
updated curriculum vitae
scanned copy of photo identification (passport or similar)
completed biographical information sheet (DOC, 33K)
background check form (PDF, 232K)

The complete application (including letter of interest, CV, bio sheet, background check form, and copy of photo ID) should be sent to Zhandra Andrade.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Please be advised that LLILAS accepts a limited number of scholars requiring J-1 visa assistance per academic year. Affiliation is neither automatic nor guaranteed by LLILAS, and final approval for all visiting academics is made at the discretion of the Office of the Vice President for Research.

For more information and to submit application materials, contact Zhandra Andrade at +1 512.495.4582.

Visa
Foreign individuals seeking affiliation for more than a total of 90 days will need to apply for a J-1 visa. The application process for a J-1 visa takes 12-16 weeks. Individuals applying under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program will be sponsored by LLILAS. We strongly encourage individuals to apply early. Please be advised that LLILAS accepts a limited number of visitors requiring J-1 visa assistance per academic year.

For additional information, please visit J-1 Visa Exchange Program.

Resources

Current Visiting Scholars and Researchers

William Christopher Dawley
Male gender identity in Latin America

Susana Sofia Jimenez
Mexican history

Rachel Lauden
Culinary nationalism in Latin America

Hwa Yeol You
Role of popular art influencing Latin American mestizo modernism

Previous Visiting Scholars and Researchers, (PDF 119K)

Liberal Arts Services

Visiting Scholar and Visiting Researcher Programs