Q: Am I eligible to apply to be an Oberlin Shansi Visiting Scholar?

A: Staff and faculty from Oberlin Shansi’s partner institutions are eligible to apply to be a Visiting Scholar. These institutions are: Gadjah Mada University (FIB and CRCS Faculties only), Lady Doak College, and Syiah Kuala University. Applicants need to seek permission from their departments or offices before they apply. 

Q: How long does the program last?

A: The Visiting Scholar program usually lasts one academic semester (4 months).

Spring semester: Late January – late May

Fall semester: Late August – mid-December

(Note: There are occasional exceptions to this time period for applicants who propose a 4 to 12 week project.)

Q: I want to propose a shorter term as a Visiting Scholar. How would I go about doing that?

A: Candidates looking to apply for a shorter term will need to indicate this on their application forms. Their proposals need to be highly detailed and must convince reviewers that the candidate will be able to use their time effectively. We recommend that candidates applying for shorter terms have a specific project in mind, as auditing classes and participating in many aspects of community life typically require a full semester.

Q: When preparing my proposal, should I reach out to faculty and staff at Oberlin College?

A: Please do not contact any Oberlin faculty or staff directly. All questions about your application can be directed to staff of Oberlin Shansi and to Shansi Fellows at your respective sites. You can also visit Oberlin College’s website and course catalog to learn more about possibilities for your term as a Visiting Scholar. Should you be selected for the program, Shansi staff will put you in touch with potential mentors and collaborators when you arrive in Oberlin.

Q: Who would serve as a good resource to learn more about the Visiting Scholars program and life in Oberlin?

A: Oberlin Shansi Fellows working at your institution are great resources to ask about what Oberlin is like, as all Shansi Fellows graduated from Oberlin. Past Visiting Scholars are also great resources for questions and can write a recommendation letter for your application. You can see lists of current and past Shansi Fellows here and Visiting Scholars here. Ask around your institution for contact information for these people. 

Q: What materials do I submit in order to apply? 

A: In order to apply, you must submit:

• An application form

• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume

• A self introduction essay of 750 words or fewer

• A proposal of 1500 words or fewer

• The names and contact information for two professional recommenders

See the Apply page for more detailed information. 

Q: Where does the Visiting Scholar program take place? 

A: The Visiting Scholars program takes place on the campus of Oberlin College & Conservatory, in Oberlin, OH. Oberlin College & Conservatory is a small liberal arts college and music conservatory with 2,900 students in a town of about 8,000 residents. It is about a 40-minute drive from Cleveland, OH, population 350,000. 

Oberlin has a walkable, flat campus with a small downtown of shops, restaurants, and galleries. The campus hosts over 500 concerts, plays, and shows every year. Visiting Scholars reside in a house close to campus and to downtown, about 15 minutes walking distance to many places on campus. You can watch a video tour of Oberlin’s campus here.

Q: I am not a staff or faculty member at Oberlin Shansi’s partner institutions. Am I still eligible to apply to be a Visiting Scholar? 

A: At this time, Oberlin Shansi only accepts applications from staff and faculty from select partner institutions: Gadjah Mada University (FIB and CRCS Faculties only), Lady Doak College, and Syiah Kuala University.

Q: Does Shansi provide health insurance for Visiting Scholars?

A: Yes, Shansi does provide health insurance. This insurance only covers care for illnesses and accidents incurred while on the program. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that insurance will cover pre-existing conditions. Prior to finalizing an offer for a Visiting Scholar opportunity, Shansi will require candidates to provide a certificate from a medical professional that determines their fitness for the program.

Q: Is my family allowed to join me during my term as a Visiting Scholar?

A: We recognize the difficulty of living abroad away from family. However, we are unable to accommodate family members. We do not have the facilities to support additional family members, and they would not be covered by Shansi’s insurance.