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University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

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For more information

Contact Spencer Kimura, Director of LLM and Summer Programs, at (808) 956-9038.

Visiting International Professionals & Scholars

Each year the Law School hosts a small group of visiting scholars from around the world to spend a semester or an academic year with us. We welcome our visitors and make every effort to integrate them into our Law School and faculty, including seminars, lectures and social events. During their stay at the Law School, visitors are also invited to participate in one of our seminar programs, which might include a talk for faculty members or a discussion with students.

Visiting scholars may use all University of Hawai‘i libraries, in addition to the Law Library, which can also provide computer access. But wireless internet access is available throughout the Law School, and we recommend that visitors bring their own laptops for use here. Because of space limitations, the Law School cannot provide offices for visiting scholars, but individual carrels in the Law Library will be assigned to visitors who request them and lockers may also be available. We hope that visitors will contribute to our programs and acknowledge the Law School in the publications they work on while they are here.

Visiting Scholars are not allowed to audit classes, however, they may observe a class session with the permission of the instructor and the director of international programs. Visitors who wish to receive formal credit or a degree should apply to our Master of Law (LLM) program or our Advanced Juris Doctor (AJD) program for foreign law graduates. We also offer legal specialists who wish to pursue a more concentrated course of study the option of applying to the Visiting international professionals (VIP) program, whether for the academic year or for a semester.

About the Program

Application Requirements

Visiting scholars will ordinarily be law teachers and scholars from law schools, research institutes or other academic institutions; we do not accept graduate or research students as visiting scholars. Special consideration will be given to visitors who can make a contribution to our Law School community through their research and other activities, or who will work with colleagues here. Although the Law School does not require TOEFL or other English tests, English proficiency is a significant criterion in granting admission to the program. Applicants who require a J-1 visa must also show proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS test scores, a certificate of English proficiency from an academic institution, or a telephone interview.

Prospective visiting scholars must apply to the Law School using our application form [PDF, 213KB].  Applicants should attach a copy of their current résumé, their proposed research plan, one letter of recommendation, any financial sponsorship and the proposed dates of their visit. Requests for application forms may also be sent to:

Spencer Kimura ’96, International Programs,
William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaiʻi
2515 Dole Street
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822-2350

or by email. Applications by email are preferred.

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 Scholar applicants will be considered twice a year: on August 1 for the Spring semester of the following year and on December 1 for Fall semester for the following year. 

Expenses

Visiting scholars are responsible for housing, food and 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 teaching assistants are not available to visiting scholars.

For visa purposes, visiting scholars must be able to show that they can meet the minimum support requirements for themselves and their J-2 dependents:

  • Visiting scholar: At least $2000 per month
  • Spouse: Additional $700 per month
  • Child: Additional $500 per month per child
Health Insurance

All visitors are required to secure health insurance for themselves and their families. Learn about Insurance Requirements

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.

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