Visiting Scholars

The African Studies Program (ASP) hosts scholars, artists, and professionals from around the world whose interests and expertise engage with Africa and the global African diaspora. A mutually beneficial relationship, Visiting Scholars are able to avail themselves of the extraordinary resources at IU, while contributing to the intellectual and cultural life of the university and greater Bloomington through public lectures, performances, film screenings, exhibits, student conversations, and more.

Visiting scholars are often invited by a faculty sponsor with whom they are engaged in collaborative research or creative activity. In coordination with our faculty and their units, ASP hosts a limited number of these Visiting Scholars each year. Visiting scholar appointments are not paid positions.

Visiting Scholars have the opportunity to work with a faculty member, use the facilities of the Herman B Wells Library, and take advantage of other resources on the Indiana University Bloomington campus.

Scholars with a focus on African Studies who wish to conduct independent research while in residence at IU may be eligible to apply to become a Visiting Scholar.

The first step to becoming a Visiting Scholar would be to work with your faculty sponsor to submit an application at least six months before the desired start date of your time at Indiana University; at least eight months before for international applicants (this time frame is due to Visa application and acquisition, and internal clearance through IU’s Office of International Services. In conjunction with your faculty sponsor, please submit an application to the program for review.

Visiting Scholars focus on their research while at Indiana University. They are not permitted to enroll in courses, nor are they allowed to teach. Applications for Visiting Scholars are only accepted during the fall and spring semesters, and they are limited to twelve months. Visiting Scholars may be invited to speak about their research at our colloquia and are encouraged to attend any of the numerus African Studies Program events that are of interest to them.

All Visiting Scholar applicants must prove proficiency in the English language.

For more information, contact afrist@iu.edu.