Visiting Scholar Program
CARGC offers 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.
We are currently not accepting applications for short-term visits. However, we will still consider applications from visiting scholars who can stay at CARGC for a full semester and provide their own funding. This position is best suited for scholars on funded research grants and sabbatical leaves.
Visiting scholars will be provided with a workspace, temporary Penn ID, library access, and 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 are required to provide their own funding and health insurance for themselves and any accompanying dependents
- International 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. Scholars applying for a self-funded visiting fellowship must indicate their source of funding while visiting CARGC, e.g. sabbatical pay, scholarship, government funding, personal funds, etc.
- 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
Adrienne Shaw (CARGC Visiting Scholar, AY 2024-2025)
"Although only a short commute from my own university, being able to spend a year as a visiting scholar at CARGC allowed me the space to think and engage with my work in new and different ways. The vibrant and interdisciplinary intellectual community, friendly atmosphere, and formal and informal discussions were a welcome respite from an ongoing tumultuous time in higher education. I hope to continue the conversations and collaborations moving forward."
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!"