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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is a Field Study course different from a regular course?
A Field Study course packs all of the 48 contact-hours of a traditional course into eight adventure-filled days, so you get three semester-hours of credit in about a week. In addition, rather than taking place in an education center, a Field Study course takes place in a historical European city where the subject being studied has its roots. You will visit historical sites and museums as well as participate in lectures that bring it all together for a one-of-a-kind learning experience.
Field Study courses are also scheduled during the registration weeks between UMUC-Europe's five regular terms, so they shouldn't interfere with your traditional courses.
What is the difference between the upper- and lower- level options of a Field Study course?
Each Field Study course may be taken for three upper- or lower-level undergraduate credits. Students may receive credit for each Field Study course at only one level (for example, if you have already taken ARTH 199C "Modern Art in London," you may not receive credit for ARTH 489C "Modern Art in London"). The level you choose determines the amount of work you will have to do. Generally, upper-level students are required to complete the same assignments as the lower-level students, with the addition of a research project to be handed in a couple of weeks after the course has ended. Please note that once the course begins, you will not be able to switch your registration from upper- to lower-level or vice versa.
How will a Field Study course apply to my degree program?
Please see the Field Study Applicability page for the answer to this question.
How and when may I register for a Field Study course?
Unlike traditional courses, you may register for a Field Study course at any time during the academic year prior to the registration deadline for that course. Because class sizes are limited, students are encouraged to register early for Field Study courses; this also allows adequate time for textbooks to be delivered and read before the course begins.
Registration for a Field Study course is similar to registration for any other course; simply see your UMUC-Europe field representative to complete the necessary paperwork and pay tuition. In addition to the usual forms, you will be required to fill out a General Information and Liability Release form, stating that UMUC-Europe is not liable for any damages sustained during a Field Study course. If the Field Study course has a hotel accommodation fee, you will also be required to pay it before the registration deadline.
How much does a Field Study course cost?
Tuition for a Field Study course is the same as a regular three semester-hour course. You may also be required to purchase textbooks for the course. In addition, there may be a hotel accommodation fee (see below). Other costs associated with Field Study courses (which will not be collected by UMUC) may include items such as transportation to and from the Field Study site, meals, and spending money.
What does the Field Study hotel accommodation fee cover?
The hotel accommodation fee will vary from course to course, and some courses do not have an accommodation fee because group hotel accommodations have not been arranged. In these cases, students must make their own arrangements, but the Field Study Office or the instructor will usually have suggestions. In cases where there is a Field Study accommodation fee, it will cover your double-occupancy hotel stay for seven nights, which usually includes a continental breakfast. (If you prefer a single room, it can probably be arranged with advance notice and and at additional cost.) In addition, many (but not all) hotel accommodation fees include items such as museum entrance fees or travel fees for excursions taken as part of the course. The hotel accommodation fee does NOT cover transportation to or from the Field Study site, textbooks, or most meals.
May I make my own hotel arrangements and waive the Field Study fee?
Yes, you may make your own hotel arrangements and waive the fee. In some instances, however, the hotel fee covers other costs such as museum entrance fees, which you will still be required to pay.
How do I find out if the Field Study course is a "go?"
By 5:00 pm on the registration deadline, the Field Study Office will have decided whether the course will "go" or be cancelled, based on the number of enrollments. Sometimes this can be determined at an earlier date providing enrollments are high. Registered students who have provided functional e-mail addresses at registration will be notified via e-mail, and all field representatives will be notified. You may also contact the Field Study Office directly. Please note, however, that it is your responsibility to verify with your field representative or the Field Study Office that the course is a "go"--UMUC-Europe will not assume responsibility for travel costs, delayed graduation dates, or any other misfortune that may befall you as a result of your travel to a Field Study site when the course has been cancelled.
Does UMUC-Europe provide transportation to and from the Field Study course site?
Because Field Study students are traveling to the course site from any number of sites, we are not able to provide or arrange transportation to or from the Field Study course site. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the course location.
What if I have to cancel my Field Study registration?
If, for any reason, you have to cancel before the registration deadline, all fees will be refunded and there will be no penalty. If you have to cancel from the course after the registration deadline, you will be charged a $100 cancellation fee, but your tuition and other fees will be refunded. If you have to cancel after the registration deadline for duty-related reasons, provide TDY orders or a note from your commander, the $100 cancellation fee will be waived. Please note that textbooks may be returned only if they are in original condition.
How does a Field Study course apply toward my degree program?
ENGL Field Study courses meet Arts and Humanities General Education Requirements or elective credit requirements. They can also be applied toward credit requirements of the Primary Area of Specialization in ENGL and, in some cases, HIST Bachelor of Arts degrees. For major degree programs, they apply to Arts and Humanities General Education, the Major/minor in Humanities, and Elective credit requirements. They will NOT meet the intensive upper-level writing requirement for either the Specializations or Majors.
ARTH Field Study courses can be generally used to meet the Historical Context Cross-Curricular course requirement for Specializations and Majors. Although they may be applicable toward the International Perspective Cross-Curricular requirement for a Primary Area of Specialization under an earlier curriculum, they may not be used to meet this requirement under Major programs. ARTH Field Study courses can be used to meet Humanities major requirements (Music, Art and Theatre), Arts and Humanities General Education and Elective credit requirements.
Students should always check with an Academic Advisor before enrolling to determine the application toward the degree they are pursuing.
May my family member or friend, who does not wish to take the course for credit, accompany me on the Field Study?
Occasionally, we are able to accommodate your family member or friend who may wish to accompany you on the Field Study course without actually registering for the course, on space-available basis, but you must first:
a) check with the Field Study Office in Heidelberg when you register.
b) have permission from the instructor, especially if the instructor is arranging hotel accommodations.
c) pay the hotel accommodation fee (if applicable) for your family member or friend.
How do I contact the Field Study Office?
You may contact us at: edfieldsty@ed.umuc.edu