Visiting Scholars

Calvin Theological Seminary is pleased to offer the Visiting Scholar Program to professors and pastors who would like to spend a study leave of one or more months on campus.

The Visiting Scholar Program

As a visiting scholar, you will have the opportunity to become connected with professors who are experts in their fields, engage with renowned centers and institutes, gain access to the exhaustive resources of the Hekman Library, and experience in-depth classroom learning.

Apply To Be A Visiting Scholar

Calvin Seminary accepts applicants from the United States, Canada, and around the world for its Visiting Scholar Program.

Scholars outside the United States should begin the application process for the program no earlier than six months prior to their anticipated arrival in the United States.

  1. Statement of Purpose: Submit a one-page Statement of Purpose to Sarah Chun, Dean of International Students and Scholar Services. The Statement of Purpose should include your official name, birthdate, nationality, exact dates you plan to be in the United States (for scholars outside the United States only), and a brief description of the research you expect to be engaged in during your time at Calvin Seminary.
  2. Letter of Invitation: Upon acceptance, the Dean of International Students and Scholar Services will issue a letter of invitation. For scholars outside of the United States this letter will contain your name, birthdate, nationality, and the exact dates that you plan to be in the United States.
  3. Declaration of Finances (International Scholars Only): Scholars outside of the United States will then be given a Declaration of Finances form to complete. The Declaration of Finances form must be completed and returned no later than two months prior to your intended arrival in the United States.
  4. Visa Application (International Scholars Only): Upon approval, Calvin Seminary will provide scholars outside the United States with the documentation you need to present to a United States consulate or embassy abroad in order to enter the country as a visiting scholar on a J-1 Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For Accepted Visiting Scholars

To ensure library access, visiting scholars should contact the Theological Librarian, Paul Fields (pfields@calvin.edu), of the Hekman Library.

Visiting scholars may attend one course per academic term as a visitor (not for credit) during their time at Calvin Seminary. Visiting scholars should contact the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Registrar, Joan Beelen (jrb44@calvinseminary.edu), to gain the permission before attending class.

Upon arriving to campus for the first time, all visiting scholars should contact the Dean of International Students and Scholar Services, Sarah Chun (sc038@calvinseminary.edu).