Sakıp Sabancı Center Visiting Scholars Program

Sakıp Sabancı Center Visiting Scholars Program

The Visiting Scholars Program at the Sakıp Sabancı Center for Turkish Studies appoints a small number of Visiting Researchers each academic year. This program is designed for doctoral candidates, faculty, and researchers whose projects in Turkish Studies require access to Columbia University’s archival and library resources to advance their research and scholarship. Applications are carefully reviewed to ensure alignment with the Center’s mission and priorities. This non-stipendiary appointment lasts between one month and one year and provides:

  • Access to Columbia University’s library system, including borrowing privileges
  • A temporary university ID card
  • A Columbia email account
  • Lecture auditing privileges (with instructor’s permission; formal enrollment is not allowed)

Please Note: This program does not provide monetary compensation, travel assistance, health insurance, or housing support.

Program Details

Faculty Sponsorship

Applicants must secure sponsorship from a Sakıp Sabancı Center faculty member whose academic discipline aligns with their research interests. The faculty host must be in residence during the scholar’s stay and is responsible for fostering academic engagement between the scholar, faculty colleagues, and students. Applications without a faculty sponsor will not be considered. Faculty sponsors are available to visiting scholars for collegial (rather than collaborative) support.

Visa Requirements

For scholars requiring a visa to enter the U.S., the visa type must match the purpose of the visit. Scholars should hold J-1 status (or another appropriate visa type, excluding a tourist visa).

  • Columbia University sponsors a limited number of J-1 visas. Visa sponsorship requires an administrative fee of $500 (not including U.S. government visa fees).
  • Scholars must meet U.S. government requirements, including proof of financial resources (minimum of $3,000 per month) and health insurance coverage.
  • Additional documentation is required for the issuance of the DS-2019 form to support the J-1 visa application.
  • If you have already secured a visa via an avenue such as a Fulbright scholarship, the department will still need to obtain certain documents from you to register you as a visitor with ISSO.

For further details, please consult the ISSO website.

Workspace

While dedicated office space cannot be guaranteed, an open workspace may be provided based on availability.

Participation and Expectations

Visiting Scholars are expected to:

  • Reside in the greater New York area during their appointment period
  • Actively participate in the Center’s events and seminars
Appointment Timeline
  • Appointments typically run from September 1 to June 30 of the academic year.
  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting in early fall. Once the program reaches capacity, no additional applications will be accepted for that academic year.

Application Requirements

Interested scholars should compile the following items in PDF format and email them to [email protected] by no later than April 1st of the prior academic year and at least 4 months before their intended start date:

  1. Proof of Faculty Sponsorship
    Applicants must provide evidence of recommendation by a Sakıp Sabancı Center faculty member, including a statement of mutual academic benefit. It is the applicant’s responsibility to locate and secure a faculty sponsor.

 

  1. Cover Letter
    A one-page cover letter indicating:
    • Current institutional affiliation or recent academic credentials (within the past five years)
    • Purpose of research
    • Requested affiliation duration (start and end dates)
    • A clear statement of how access to Columbia University’s resources is critical to the success of the proposed research.

 

  1. Research Proposal
    A detailed research proposal (1,000–1,500 words) summarizing the project, including:
    • Research objectives
    • A detailed research schedule describing the library, archival, or collection resources to be consulted.

Learn more about research proposal requirements here.

 

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    An updated academic CV highlighting relevant experience and publications.

 

  1. English Language Proficiency
    Scholars must meet U.S. Department of State requirements for English proficiency. Refer to English Language Proficiency Verification for more information.

Need more Information?

For any questions about the program or application process, contact Sümeyye Yar at [email protected].