Our Visitors Program

Each year the Law School hosts visiting scholars from around the world, mostly from Asia, to spend a semester or an academic year with us. We welcome our visitors and make every effort to integrate them into our faculty and Law School activities, including seminars, lectures and social events. Each visitor is asked to participate in one of our seminar programs, either to present a talk to faculty members or to our students during his or her stay at the Law School. If they wish, visitors who arrive early enough in August may also participate in the Law Library's introduction and other orientation sessions given for international students in the LLM program.

Visiting scholars may use all University of Hawai`i libraries and are entitled to computer access in the Law Library, as well as in Room 208, which is set aside for the use of visitors and adjuncts. Because of space limitations, the Law School cannot provide individual offices or library carrels. Not all our computers run foreign-language software, so we recommend that you bring your own laptop if you wish to use those programs. If you do bring your laptop, wireless internet access is available throughout the Law School, including the Library.

With the permission of the instructor and the director of international programs, visiting scholars may audit courses in their area of interest; professional auditing fees may also apply. Those who wish to receive formal credit or a degree should apply to our LLM program for international legal professionals.

Application Requirements

Visiting scholars will ordinarily be legal specialists from law schools, law firms, prosecutors offices, research institutes or other academic institutions. Special consideration will be given to visitors who can make a contribution to our Law School community through their research and other activities. No TOEFL or other English test is required, but English proficiency is a significant criterion in granting admission to the program.

Prospective visiting scholars must apply to the Law School using our application form (DOC or PDF). Applicants should attach a copy of their current resume, their proposed research plan, any financial sponsorship and the approximate dates of their visit. Requests for application forms may also be sent to Spencer Kimura, International Programs, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai'i, 2515 Dole Street, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96822 or to kimurasp@hawaii.edu . Visiting scholar applications should ordinarily be received at least six months in advance of the proposed arrival date.

Once accepted for participation in the visiting scholar program, scholars will be sent information on visas and other requirements. Applicants must provide proof of support for the visitor and all accompanying family members. The University's Office of International Education handles the administration of visa applications, in conjunction with the Law School's International Programs office. Most applicants will need to obtain a J-1 visa for their visit.

Visiting Fees

The fee for Visiting Scholars is $1,000 per academic year and $500 for a semester or partial semester; auditing fees are additional. Visiting scholars are not eligible for Law School financial aid or support, but the visitors fee may be waived in special cases, including financial hardship and close association of the applicant's institution and the Law School.

Other Expenses

Visiting scholars are also responsible for housing, food, medical insurance fees, as well as for travel and personal expenses. The Law School does not have funds to assist visiting scholars with their travel or living expenses, or staff to assist visitors to secure outside funding. Positions as lecturers or faculty members are not available to visiting scholars.

Housing

The University does not at present have graduate dorms or provide faculty housing for international visitors and students, so most visiting scholars must seek off-campus housing in Honolulu. They may consult the University's off-campus housing office for assistance. A single visitor should budget $1600-2000 for living expenses per month. The standard budget for married visitors calls for at least another $11,500 in living expenses for the spouse and $6500 per child.

Health Insurance

All visitors are required to secure health insurance for themselves and their families. They may subscribe to the University health insurance policy if they do not have insurance from their own country.