Global Arts and Media Visiting Scholar Program

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Last Updated: Feb 24, 2026, 08:36 AM

CAM collage banner.Global Arts and Media Visiting Scholar Program

The Global Arts and Media Visiting Scholar (GAMVS) program offers university faculty, graduate students, and professionals in the fields of architecture, art and design, journalism and advertising, media arts, music, or theater and dance from around the world the opportunity to undertake one or two semesters (up to six or 12 months) of research and/or creative activities in the College of Arts and Media (CAM) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU Carbondale).

Program Details

The program recruits intellectually curious and dedicated individuals who are working on significant research and/or creative projects in the arts and media. Collaboration is a key part of the program. Each visiting scholar or professional is matched with one CAM faculty member.
As a visiting scholar, you can expect to participate in some of the following activities:
  • connect with CAM faculty in discussing shared interests and developing research and/or creative collaborations;
  • present research and/or creative work to the CAM community or at other professional venues;
  • visit select CAM graduate and undergraduate classes (subject to the college and school’s prior approval) and engage in scholarly and creative exchanges with faculty and students;
  • enroll in SIU Carbondale courses for non-native English speakers at an additional fee; and
  • access campus resources, facilities, and events such as libraries, wireless Internet connection on campus, recreational facilities (subject to SIU Carbondale regulations), and public lectures, exhibitions, and performances.

Eligibility

This Global Arts and Media Visiting Scholar program is designed for university faculty, graduate students, or professionals in arts and/or media from outside the United States.  If you are interested in participating in the program, you must be:
  • a university faculty member, graduate student, or professional in arts and/or media from outside the United States;
  • an intellectually curious and dedicated individual who is working on a significant scholarly and/or creative project in arts and/or media;
  • able to work independently on scholarly and/or creative projects;
  • able to communicate in English; and
  • willing to be matched with a CAM faculty member as your mentor in research or creative activity.

Cost

If accepted, applicants must pay a program fee of $2,500 (for a visit of up to six months) or $5,000 (for a visit of up to 12 months) before arrival.  Additional program fees may be required for unique CAM resources needed, which, if any, will be determined beforehand. 

The applicant is responsible for completing all necessary U.S. entry visa application procedures and paperwork. The applicant is also responsible for arranging and paying for the visit-related travel, accommodation, required health insurance, local transportation, and other living expenses.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your application package to Dr. Hong Cheng, dean and professor, College of Arts and Media, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, at hong.cheng@siu.edu.

Please include: 

  • a letter of application;
  • a brief description of the proposed research/creative activity topic and plan;
  • Your latest curriculum vitae.
  • names and contact details of two references knowledgeable about your suitability for this kind of project, and
  • information/material listed on the last page of Form CIE-60, as requested by the SIU Carbondale Center of International Education (CIE) for a DS-2019 form.

The application must indicate a proposed length of visit and an intended start date. You are recommended to start your visit at the beginning of the fall or spring semester.