Global Field Study

Global Field Study (GFS) consists of semester-long courses with a global focus and are open to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Some courses may admit sophomores; please see course descriptions for more information. 

FOR SPRING 2021 ONLY: GFS courses are open for registration, no application or deposit needed. Because international travel restrictions and quarantine requirements prevent us from visiting most field study locations in person this spring, instructors have arranged innovative virtual field study options that will connect students with people and places around the world. GFS courses will meet all AUC designations listed in course descriptions. There will be no fee for courses that do not travel. 

Please read the course description below for more information about GFS Ireland: Inspired by the View, which may include travel to Ireland because of the extended length of the planned field study. If you have any questions, please contact oip@arcadia.edu.

Enrolling in a GFS Course

All spring 2021 GFS courses are available for enrollment through the Self-Service portal. Please note the travel fee for GFS Ireland, which will be charged to student accounts if travel is possible. For more information on the enrollment process or GFS Ireland, please visit the GFS Courses page or email oip@arcadia.edu. 

GFS Ireland Travel Fees

The following information regarding travel fees is related to GFS Ireland participants only. All other spring 2021 GFS courses will operate without a travel fee. The Inspired by the View: The Beauty and Boldness of Ireland Global Field Study course carries a travel fee, in addition to your regular tuition. The travel fee for this course is listed on the GFS Courses page. Payments can be made online via Self-Service/eBIll, or you may pay by cash or check at the Office of Student Accounts. Make checks payable to Arcadia University.

The cost of the GFS travel fee will be finalized closer to the Spring semester, depending on the location and the length of the GFS Ireland course’s field study. The travel fee typically includes:

• Accommodations
• In-country ground transportation
• All tours, lectures, and group activities

Other cost details specific to your field study location will be outlined by your faculty leader.

Dropping a GFS Course

The drop period for GFS courses ends one day (24 hours) after your first class meeting.  At that time, you will be responsible for the entire amount of the travel fee for your GFS course, even if you later withdraw.

Cancellation/Refund

In the case of the total cancellation of your field study program by the University, all fees will be refunded to all participants.

Who is eligible to participate in the GFS courses?

• Full and part-time matriculated juniors and seniors. 
• Transfer students who have completed at least one semester (a minimum of 12 credits) of coursework at Arcadia.

Some courses are open to sophomores and graduate students as well. See the course descriptions of each course for eligibility details.

How do I apply for a GFS course?

Applications will not be required for Spring 2021 GFS courses. 

How many credits will I receive?

Most Global Field Study courses carry 4 credits for undergraduate students and 3 credits for graduate students.

How are the Field Study topics and location focuses chosen?

Each semester, the Office of International Programs puts out a call to Arcadia faculty and staff for Global Field Study course proposals. The courses we offer are based on the research interests and expertise of our faculty and staff who lead them. We strive to offer a varied slate of courses, based in different academic disciplines and in different corners of the world, including North America.