Visit Pittsburgh
Explore Cool Pittsburgh. Come to learn, research, teach. Come to live. Pitt’s campus is convenient to downtown, yet forms its own intellectual community with neighboring campuses of Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Carlow University, and Chatham University. The city of Pittsburgh is well known as a steel city, but it has undergone a renaissance fueled by education and healthcare industries. With an active arts scene (fueled in part by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the unique world-class Andy Warhol Museum), there is always something to do or see. Since 2000, Pittsburgh has topped a most liveable city list six times, including those of The Economist, Forbes, and The Places Rated Almanac. In 2012, it was named among the best places in the world to visit by National Geographic Traveler. The Huffington Post in 2015 dubbed Pittsburgh “The Coolest American City You Haven’t Been To,” Zagat named Pittsburgh winner of "The Top 17 Food Cities" and Bon Appetit named Pittsburgh the next big food city in 2014. Come find out what everyone’s raving about (and dining out on) for yourself!
NOTABLE OPPORTUNITIES:
Italian Fulbright Distinguished Chair and DAAD Visiting Professorship
Italian academics interested in applying to teach for a semester at the University of Pittsburgh as part of the U.S.-Italy Fulbright Commission’s Fulbright Distinguished Chair should apply via the Fulbright website: www.fulbright.it/university-of-pittsburgh.
Il concorso Fulbright-Distinguished Chair offre a docenti universitari e ricercatori confermati con affidamento didattico l’opportunità di intraprendere un breve soggiorno di insgnamento presso University of Pittsburgh nell’ambito degli European/Italian Studies e, in particolare, degli Studi Umanistici e delle Scienze Sociali.
Pitt also holds a DAAD visiting professorship that allows a German scholar to teach on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh for up to five years. The current DAAD professor is Katja Wezel, Department of History.
Through its Summer Research Scholar Program, the European Studies Center (ESC), a Jean Monnet EU Center of Excellence (JMEUCE), in collaboration with the University Library System (ULS) at the University of Pittsburgh, seeks to facilitate and further research on all aspects of European integration and the European Union. The ESC and ULS are offering two research grants to post-doctoral and senior scholars to be in residence at the University of Pittsburgh.
Practical Information for Other Visiting Scholars
We encourage scholars from abroad to engage with our faculty and students, and with the Pittsburgh community. Because we receive a large number of requests from potential visiting scholars, we are unable to accept all opportunities. While the ESC often facilitates visits of scholars from Europe or working on topics related to Europe, the decision process is often decentralized to a departmental level (or other relevant units). Nevertheless, there are some common elements of consideration:
- The prospective visitor’s educational and experiential background, scholarly achievements, area of academic interest, and English language skills (a minimum level of competency is required for some visas)
- The specific research proposal
- Institutional affiliations (possibilities for longer-term collaboration)
- Most importantly, the availability and interest of a Pitt faculty member to supervise or collaborate in the proposed research project or otherwise mentor the prospective visitor
Applying to be a Visiting Scholar at Pitt
We recommend that you contact prospective Pitt faculty hosts or departments directly with your request. Here are some helpful components of a formal request:
- A résumé or curriculum vitae
- A description of the proposed research, including a statement explaining why Pitt is an appropriate setting for the work
- The name of the Pitt faculty member or members whom the prospective visitor proposes to serve as his or her mentor
- A letter of recommendation from an academic colleague
- The proposed length and dates of the visit
- If the prospective visitor is interested in observing a particular course, a statement indicating the course and the reasons for the interest
If the prospective visitor’s native language is not English, a description of relevant experience and training in English and the degree of their proficiency with the English language. Proficiency expectations may vary by discipline and research project, and is ultimately decided by the host department or faculty member.
Prospective visitors may research our academic offerings and faculty interests, and reach out directly to faculty with shared interests and expertise to discuss their proposal and to explore the possibility of being hosted at Pitt. If there is mutual interest, then the Pitt faculty host/mentor will reach out to the European Studies Center (when relevant) and our Office of International Services (OIS) for next steps.
Applying for a Fulbright or other financial support
Most visitors are supported by funding sources in their home countries or through sabbatical leave salaries from their home institutions. In general, no financial aid, stipends, or housing are available for visiting scholars.
We are not involved in the review of Visiting Scholar applications for Fulbright or other grants. For information about programs, how to apply and deadlines, please contact the granting agency directly. For Fulbright, contact your country’s Fulbright commission or the public affairs section of the US embassy.
Visa and immigration questions
The University of Pittsburgh’s Office of International Services (OIS) assists visitors with immigration processing to support the University and our diverse scholar population in achieving its academic goals.
Visiting scholars will be provided with information about visas and other important details. They will also be asked to supply financial documentation to support their visa applications. Such documents must be originals, in English, which certify financial ability in terms of US dollars.
Airport
The nearest airport to the University of Pittsburgh is the Pittsburgh International Airport. It is a 30-40-minute drive to the University from the airport. Rental cars, taxis, and public transportation are readily available at the airport. The cost of a taxi from Pittsburgh International Airport to the University of Pittsburgh is approximately $60. Both Uber and Lyft also operate in Pittsburgh.
Super Shuttle (800-258-3826) serves the Pittsburgh International Airport and the hotels in Oakland. The charge is about $25.00 one way (you must mention that you will use round-trip service on your first trip to get a slightly discounted, round trip rate). You can make reservations online (supershuttle.com) or in person at the airport. The depot is located behind the escalator near the luggage pick-up (US Airways) and car rental agencies. The Shuttle collects passengers all day and night. Check with the depot when you arrive for the departure times. The shuttle will take you to the Holiday Inn, Oakland, and you should mention that is your destination.
The 28X Airport Express (Port Authority Transit bus) (412-442-2000) is very reliable and inexpensive, just several dollars. The bus runs each 20-30 minutes from the ground transportation area of the airport. The driver does not carry change, so have small bills and change on hand. The bus stops in Oakland at the Corner of Fifth Ave. and Bigelow Blvd, directly opposite the Cathedral of Learning.
Housing
Prospective visitors should realize that, unless their visits coincide with the academic year, securing reasonably affordable short-term housing in the Pittsburgh area may be difficult. The European Studies Center can assist you in your search but cannot act as a housing office for long term visitors.
University of Pittsburgh Housing Services offers a wide-range of housing types to suit your lifestyle during your tenure as an undergraduate on-campus resident. Pitt’s on-campus housing options range from the rich diversity of the residence halls to the more self-reliant environment of apartment-style accommodations.
Off-Campus Living is dedicated to providing Pitt students with the necessary information and tools to successfully reside in off-campus accommodations, including an informative Renter’s Guide, apartment listings, neighborhood descriptions, and a roommate and subletting service.