Visiting Scholar Program
CARGC offers short-term and long-term visiting fellowship positions for a limited number of visiting scholars from institutions other than the University of Pennsylvania whose research aligns with current CARGC research themes.
During their residency at CARGC, visiting scholars develop their own research projects and take an active part in the life of the center by mentoring CARGC fellows and participating in center events and research activities.
Short-term visiting scholars stay in residence at CARGC for up to two weeks. They are provided with a workspace, computer, library access, and receive a $2,500 allowance for travel and incidental expenses.
Long-term visiting scholars can stay at CARGC for a full semester. They receive a workspace, computer, and library access, but are expected to provide their own funding. This position is best suited for scholars on funded research grants and sabbatical leaves.
Apart from the university resources offered above, short-term and long-term visiting scholars also have opportunities to attend and participate in formal and informal scholarly events at CARGC, Annenberg, and Penn at large.
Eligibility
- Visiting scholars are expected to have completed a Ph.D. and be employed at an institution other than the University of Pennsylvania
- Visiting Scholars must provide health insurance for themselves and any accompanying dependents
- Long-term visiting scholars are required to provide their own funding. International long-term visiting scholars will be required to submit the proof of funding as a part of their visa application process.
How to Apply
Please email the following application materials to cargc@asc.upenn.edu by May 31st, if applying for the fall semester, and by August 31st for the spring semester:
- CV
- Cover letter outlining the dates you hope to stay at CARGC and describing what you would like to work on during your visit
- A 1-page research statement that outlines how your work fits with one or more of CARGC’s research themes.
Expectations
Visiting scholars at CARGC are expected to:
- Hold office hours to facilitate mentorship opportunities for CARGC doctoral and postdoctoral fellows
- Hold an informal hour-long lunch workshop for the CARGC community (fellows, staff, and affiliates)
- Work with CARGC’s Senior Research Manager to discuss opportunities for recording an episode of the CARGC Global Media & Communication podcast and/or getting involved in other ongoing research projects at CARGC
- Attend public and internal CARGC events that may overlap with the visit.
Thoughts From CARGC Visiting Scholars
Anis Rahman (CARGC Visiting Scholar, Spring 2025):
"During my visit to CARGC, many of my ideas, developed over a decade of research on postcolonial political economy and communicative authoritarianism in Bangladesh and South Asia, were not only validated but also celebrated—an experience that is rare in the America-centered field of communication studies. CARGC provided a genuinely welcoming atmosphere where I could exchange ideas with other fellows and staff members and receive constructive feedback to refine and advance my research. The scale of CARGC’s activities and engagements, combined with its depth of intellectual and theoretical vision, is remarkably productive and profoundly enriching. It is no surprise that CARGC stands out as one of the best institutions for studying global communication."
Sneha Gore Mehendale (CARGC Visiting Scholar, Fall 2024):
"I had an enriching stint at CARGC, owing to the formal and informal avenues of learning provided by this space. Stepping away from my routine work and temporarily living the life of a scholar again was an excellent opportunity to focus on my research and developing the ideas further. The interactions with doctoral scholars, postdocs, and faculty members were a great value add! CARGC turned out to be a warm, interdisciplinary space which is incredibly supportive of early career scholars. I certainly look forward to associating with them again in future!"
Samina Mishra (CARGC Visiting Scholar, Fall 2024):
"I am very grateful for my time as a visiting scholar at CARGC that allowed me to share my work with scholars from diverse backgrounds and see how work created in a specific context translates and communicates with audiences that are from other, different contexts. The conversations were rich and I have carried back a renewed sense of purpose. It was also great to have a space to call my own and access to the university facilities so I could get quiet time to work in. The warmth of everyone at CARGC made it very special and I hope I will be back!"