The American Academy of Religion is committed to the promotion of international scholarship in the study of religion by building networks of international colleagues, funding international research grants, and highlighting regional scholarship. This page answers questions and provides resources especially for international members. If you have a general question related to international membership that is not answered here or suggestions on how to improve the information available here, please contact Olga Kazmina, chair of the International Connections Committee.
International Connections Committee
The International Connections Committee (ICC) of the AAR fosters attention to the worldwide scope of scholarship in religion and the international composition of the Academy's membership. To fulfill its charge, the committee sponsors special programs, communicates with scholars abroad, and extends hospitality to international attendees at the Annual Meeting.
The chair of the ICC is Olga Kazmina of Moscow State University. She invites you to contact her directly about issues affecting international members at [email protected].
International Association for the History of Religions
The AAR has long been interested in how it can best serve the needs of its international members and facilitate critical conversations about the diverse ways that religion is studied in different geographical settings and institutional contexts. As one reflection of these commitments, in 2010 the AAR joined the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) as one of nearly fifty national and regional member organizations. This membership has enabled us to foster cross-national scholarship and collaboration and to establish new relationships with others among the IAHR member organizations.
Collaborative International Research Grants
The AAR launched the International Collaborative Research Grants (CIRG) competition in 2013. This initiative supports generative research collaborations between and among scholars located in different geographical regions who wish to pursue focused, joint projects in any area of the study of religion with awards ranging from $500 to $5000.
Special International Discounted Membership Rate
International scholars working or residing outside those countries designated as high income by the World Bank may take advantage of a discounted rate of $15. Members from the following countries are not eligible: United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. See the membership categories and rates for more information.
Visas and Letters of Invitation
It is necessary for those entering the United States for the Annual Meeting to clear customs and immigration. Visitors from Canada and Mexico must present a passport in order to enter the United States.
Non-US citizens should inquire about possible visa requirements from their own country. It may take several months to obtain a visa, so plan accordingly. Official letters of invitation to the Annual Meeting to support visa applications are available. E-mail [email protected] with your name, address, and the full contact information of the consulate of your country.
Related Information
The following links include information particularly relevant to the AAR's international membership: