Embracing the interdisciplinary academic, technical, and artistic capabilities of the Harvard community, CAMLab offers Harvard students broad opportunities to explore the intersections of humanistic inquiry and cutting-edge technology. Students can partake in multiple facets of CAMLab, from academic research to creative production and curating. Furthermore, students take a seat at the table of CAMLab’s planning process; they contribute recommendations for engaging audiences across various channels of creative practice, both digital and materialized. In addition to gaining skills applicable to an array of fields—cultural heritage preservation, global diplomacy, design, tech, exhibition making, performance, and more—Harvard students join CAMLab’s efforts to pioneer experimental projects and methodologies.
Harvard FAS CAMLab is thrilled to launch our Visiting Student Program. This program is an exceptional opportunity for enthusiastic and dedicated students who are in the midst of their academic pursuits. We are looking for individuals who have a keen interest in Asian art and culture, and who are eager to explore the dynamic interplay between scholarly research and media technology. This is more than just an academic experience; it’s a chance to deepen your understanding and appreciation of these fields in a vibrant, collaborative environment.
What We Offer
- Participate in Harvard courses specializing in the history of art and architecture, alongside other related subjects.
- Involvement in CAMLab’s leading-edge research and creative projects.
- Access to Harvard’s unparalleled academic resources and facilities.
- The chance to learn from and work with Harvard’s world-class faculty and researchers.
Who Should Apply
Graduate students currently enrolled in a degree program seeking an immersive academic experience in their field of study and interested in exploring the intersection of traditional scholarship and digital innovation.
Application Process
Important Deadlines to Submit Your Application: We conduct two application rounds annually, in the Spring and Fall. The respective deadlines for these rounds are April 1st and October 1st. To be considered, please ensure that you submit the following materials to visitingstudent@harvardcamlab.com by the specified deadline:
- A current academic transcript and a letter of enrollment from your home institution.
- A 500-1000 words research plan outlining your academic goals and how the program aligns with them.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor.
- Writing sample or portfolio.
*Please note: Only candidates who fully submit all the required materials in PDF format will be considered. The portfolio should not exceed 10MB in size and should not include hyperlinks for downloading.
Interview: If we find your materials compelling, you will be invited for an interview as part of our selection process. The interview provides an opportunity for you to discuss your research and academic interests in more depth. Interviews are typically conducted in English and Chinese and are held via Zoom. This stage is an important part of our comprehensive evaluation but is only one factor in the final decision-making process.
The Application Review Process: Following the interview stage, our Admission Committee conducts a comprehensive review of all submitted materials. The committee, composed of CAMLab members from various disciplines, carefully considers each application for a thorough and balanced assessment. Final decisions are made based on this holistic review, and applicants are notified of the outcome accordingly.
Administration Fee
The administration fee is essential for the continued provision of high-quality services and support throughout the program. The specific amount of the administration fee will be disclosed upon inquiry.
Harvard University fosters an inclusive environment and strongly encourages applications from students of all backgrounds from around the globe. If accepted as a visiting student, the candidate will receive a formal notification letter and a request for additional information in order to process the J-1 visa.
Please submit your application materials to visitingstudent@harvardcamlab.com.
Embrace this opportunity to broaden your horizons and become a part of Harvard’s vibrant academic community.
FAQs
- Selection Criteria: The program’s selection process prioritizes academic excellence, alignment of research interests with CAMLab’s objectives, and the potential for meaningful academic contribution.
- CSC Support and Exchange Opportunities: Scholars benefiting from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) support are invited to apply for exchange opportunities at CAMLab. For detailed consultation and inquiries, kindly reach out to either visitingscholar@harvardcamlab.com or visitingstudent@harvardcamlab.com, depending on the category of your application.
*Please note: Only those who have completed the entire application process and are officially accepted will receive an acceptance letter. We are unable to provide any form of invitation letters to applicants solely for the purpose of CSC applications. Additionally, while we strive to provide timely decisions, we cannot guarantee acceptance. We kindly request that applicants refrain from using CSC deadlines to accelerate our review process. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. - Assistance with Visa Applications: While the responsibility for securing a visa lies with the individual, CAMLab provides requisite support in procuring necessary documentation for visa applications. Please direct your queries to the aforementioned email addresses for specific guidance.
- Language Test Scores: The submission of English language proficiency test scores, while recommended, is not a mandatory requirement for application.
- O-1 Visa Holders: Individuals possessing an O-1 visa are welcome to apply, subject to the standard selection criteria and program stipulations. Relevant inquiries should be directed to the appropriate contact email.
- Undergraduate Student: Our program is specifically designed for master’s, PhD students, and scholars. At this time, we are unable to accept applications from undergraduate students. This criterion is in place to ensure that the program’s content and structure are well-suited to the academic and research needs of more advanced students and professionals. We encourage you to regularly check our website for upcoming projects and opportunities, as there may be future initiatives or alternative ways in which you can participate and contribute to our academic community.
- Writing Sample Specifications: Submission of a writing sample is recommended but not required. When submitting one, the applicant should choose a piece that can best demonstrate their research prowess and alignment with CAMLab’s focus areas.
- Administrative Fee Structure: The administrative fee is set at $5,000 per semester, applicable equally to all participants.
- No Another Fee: 5000$/semester is the administrative fee. Other possible costs include but are not limited to onsite living expenses and health insurance. However, we cannot provide an exact number for this part. We encourage scholars to find different sources of funding opportunities(e.g., the China Scholarship Council).
- Funding and Scholarship Opportunities: On rare occasions, CAMLab may offer merit-based scholarships to exceptionally qualified candidates. However, given the scarcity of such scholarships, candidates are encouraged to primarily explore alternative funding avenues.
- Housing Provisions for Scholars: Successful applicants, upon their admission to the program, will become part of the Harvard community. Standard housing options will be available for their consideration, albeit at personal expense. Detailed housing information will be furnished post-admission.
- Program Duration and Renewal Policy: The program operates on a semester basis. A full academic year (two semesters) is recommended for a comprehensive experience, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon evaluation and mutual agreement at the term’s conclusion.
- Application Process Timeline: Due to the high volume of applications we have received, our review process is thorough and careful, which means it may take approximately 2-3 weeks to finalize decisions. We are committed to providing each application with the attention it deserves, and we thank you for your patience during this period.
- Program Content and Focus Areas: The program encompasses a variety of themes and areas of study, details of which are available on the CAMLab website.
- Course Structure and Academic Schedule: The program’s courses are structured in accordance with the academic calendar, with specific formats detailed on the website of the Registrar Office of Harvard University
For any further information or clarification, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact visitingstudent@harvardcamlab.com as appropriate to their application.
