Next Application Deadline: February 1, 2009

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Each year the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies (DRCLAS) selects a number of distinguished academics (Visiting Scholars) and professionals (Fellows) who wish spend one or two semesters at Harvard working on their own research and writing projects. The Center invites applications to its Visiting Scholars and Fellows Program for academic year 2008-09. Visiting Scholars and Fellows are selected competitively on the basis of the applicant's qualifications, the quality of the applicant's research plans, and the relevance of both to the Center's mission and objectives.

For fellowship holders, the minimum stay is three months during the regular academic year. Fall term appointments run from September 1 to mid January. Spring appointments begin in mid-January and end on June 30. Visiting Scholars and Fellows are expected to be in residence a minimum of three months.

DRCLAS offers residential fellowships for Visiting Scholars and Fellows from Argentina, Brazil, the Caribbean, Central America, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador, Mexico, and Venezuela. There are typically 10-12 Visiting Scholars and Fellows in residence each academic year. Scholars from other countries whose work focuses on Brazil, Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela are also eligible. In addition, resources are available each year to provide one residential fellowship from any country in the region. The Center currently offers nine fellowships that provide support for one semester of residence for Visiting Scholars and Fellows who are engaged in research projects on any country in Latin America or the Caribbean.

Visiting Scholars and Fellows are provided shared office space, computer, library borrowing privileges, access to University facilities and events, and opportunities to audit classes and attend seminars in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and in other Harvard professional schools. The residential fellowships cover round-trip travel expenses, health insurance (for the Visiting Scholar or Fellow and accompanying immediate family), and a taxable $25,000 living stipend while at Harvard. Appointments are typically for one or two semesters. Recipients are expected to spend a minimum of twelve weeks at the University. Visiting Scholars and Fellows may also obtain funding from their own academic institutions, outside foundations or personal resources.

Proficiency in both written and spoken English is expected of Visiting Scholars and Fellows. Each Visiting Scholar or Fellow is expected to present a lecture in English on a topic related to his or her research and encouraged to be available for formal for informal consultation by faculty and students with related interests.

To facilitate contact with students and faculty in relevant disciplines, the Center encourages Visiting Scholars to consider offering a for-credit seminar or course. However, approval of the appropriate department or Faculty is required and not always possible to secure. Interested applicants should so indicate on their application and enclose a course proposal.