IERES Visiting Scholar Program

Program Overview

The Visiting Scholar Program at the Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies (IERES) offers distinguished scholars, researchers, and policy practitioners the opportunity to pursue independent or collaborative work in the heart of Washington, D.C. As part of The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, IERES provides an intellectually vibrant and policy-relevant environment for advanced research on Europe, Russia, Eurasia, and adjacent regions.

Visiting Scholars at IERES gain access to university resources, participate in seminars and academic programming, and join a dynamic community of experts engaging with some of today’s most pressing global challenges. A non-resident affilation option is also available for scholars who don’t need to be in residence. 

In accordance with GW’s university-wide Visiting Scholars Policy, all applicants must:

• Hold a terminal degree or demonstrate recognized expertise in their field;

• Be affiliated with an academic, professional, or research institution outside of GW;

• Be funded independently (GW does not provide salary or benefits);

• Be invited by a GW academic unit—in this case, IERES—and sponsored by a faculty host;

• Complete administrative requirements set by the university prior to their arrival.

The Visiting Scholar visit can be up to one year, with the possibility of extension upon approval. The program is open to both U.S. and international scholars, subject to U.S. visa regulations.

Whether you are conducting archival research, writing a book manuscript, or developing policy-relevant work, IERES offers a supportive platform to deepen your scholarship and expand your network.

Key Benefits

• Dedicated Workspace
  Scholars are offered either a private office, a shared office, or a carrel in a shared space, depending on availability and level of affiliation. All workspaces include basic furnishings, high-speed internet, and access to printing facilities.

• Library and Campus Access
  Visiting Scholars receive full access to the George Washington University’s Gelman Library and its extensive physical and digital collections. They are also eligible for a GWID and GWorld card, which provide access to campus facilities and services.

• Research and Event Participation
  Scholars are encouraged to present their work in a public event and to attend the institute’s frequent public events, seminars, and workshops. They may also collaborate with one of IERES’s research programs on joint projects or publications.

• Academic Community and Networking
  IERES scholars become part of a vibrant international community that includes faculty affiliates, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and fellow visiting researchers. The institute actively facilitates informal networking and scholarly exchange.

• GW Email and Systems Access
  Scholars are assigned a GW email address and gain access to GW’s online academic platforms, databases, and institutional systems relevant to their research.

Please note that Visiting Scholars are responsible for securing their own funding. The program does not provide salaries, stipends, or employee benefits. Scholars must also arrange for their own housing and health insurance, in accordance with GW policy.

Application Timeline

• Initial Inquiry & Faculty Sponsorship
  Prospective applicants should first contact a GW faculty member affiliated with IERES to serve as their Visiting Scholar Host. The host plays a central role in the application process and must agree to sponsor the scholar’s affiliation.

• IERES Review
  Once a complete application is submitted, IERES conducts an internal review and notifies applicants of its decision within 2–3 weeks.

• University Approval
  Upon IERES approval, applications are submitted to the Elliott School dean’s office and the GW Office of the Provost for final authorization. Please note that this stage of the process will require scholars to complete and pass a background check. This process may take an additional 2–3 weeks.

• Official Invitation
  After approval, successful applicants receive an official invitation letter and visiting scholar agreement for signature, which may be used to support visa applications where applicable.

Application Requirements

A complete application must include:

• Visiting Scholar Application (linked below)
  

• Research Proposal (2–3 pages)
  Clearly outline the goals of your proposed project, its relevance to IERES’s areas of focus, and how your work will benefit from your time at GW.

• Curriculum Vitae
  A full academic CV highlighting publications, institutional affiliations, and relevant experience.

• Cover Letter
  Describe your interest in affiliating with IERES, your preferred dates of stay, and the contributions you hope to make to the institute’s intellectual life (e.g., public talks, workshops, collaborations).

• Faculty Sponsor Confirmation
  Written confirmation from a GW faculty member agreeing to serve as your host during your appointment.

• References
  Please provide the names and contact information for two academic or professional contacts familiar with your work and qualifications.

Visiting Scholars are also required to comply with all GW policies, including completion of a background screening, visa processing (if applicable), and submission of proof of medical insurance coverage prior to arrival.

Affiliation Fees

The IERES Visiting Scholar Program offers several levels of affiliation, depending on workspace availability and individual scholar needs:

• Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Workspace preferences should be indicated during the application process and will be confirmed upon acceptance.

• Visiting Scholars are responsible for covering all costs associated with their appointment, including housing, travel, and insurance.

IERES does not provide funding or stipends. Scholars must secure independent funding from their home institutions or external sponsors.

(Note: Exact fees and availability are subject to confirmation; update as needed based on IERES policies.)

Housing Resources

IERES and The George Washington University do not provide housing for Visiting Scholars. All scholars are responsible for arranging their own accommodations for the duration of their stay in Washington, D.C.

While GW does not manage housing directly, the university offers a variety of resources to assist incoming scholars in finding short- or long-term living arrangements near campus or within commuting distance.

Recommended Housing Resources

• GW Off-Campus Housing Website
  A searchable platform for off-campus housing listings tailored to the GW community. Includes apartments, shared housing, and sublets.

• Additional Housing Tools & Tips
  A curated list of external rental sites, relocation guides, and housing search tips compiled by GW’s Off-Campus Student Affairs office.

• Apartments Near Foggy Bottom Campus
  This downloadable list highlights apartment complexes located within easy access to GW’s main campus.

• Sabbatical Homes
  A trusted housing platform specifically designed for academics seeking medium- to long-term rentals, home exchanges, or sublets. Ideal for visiting scholars and their families.

Additional Tips

• The Foggy Bottom neighborhood offers the closest proximity to campus but tends to be more expensive. Many scholars choose to live in nearby areas such as Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights, Arlington (VA), or Silver Spring (MD), which offer convenient public transportation to GW.

• Consider starting your housing search early, especially for fall semester arrivals when demand in D.C. is typically higher.

If you need help understanding local neighborhoods or navigating housing platforms, the IERES office can offer informal guidance.