I did a GFS course because I am trying to fit in as many study abroad experiences as possible before I graduate - I want to see the world! By the time I graduate, I will have studied abroad for a semester in London, a semester in Ireland, a GFS in Bali, another GFS in Dominica and hopefully another one offered in Spring 2024!
Alexis Fischer
Global Field Studies Course Listing Notes:
- Application: GFS courses are not open to direct registration. Students must submit an application and meet other eligibility requirements. Most students wishing to apply for GFS courses will have received an email with a personalized application link; if you aren’t able to locate that email or believe that you did not receive it, please contact globalengagement@arcadia.edu.
- Subject to Change: Please note that travel locations, dates, and fees are subject to change. For more information, see the Global Field Study FAQs listed below.
- AUC: Many GFS courses fulfill Arcadia Undergraduate Curriculum requirements. These AUC fulfillments are shown in the descriptions below. Any with an asterisk (*) are anticipated but pending final approval.
Fall 2024 Course Offerings
GFS 308 Dominica
Instructor: Thomas Brinker & Meg Nolan
Meeting Time: Tuesdays 2:10-3:50pm
Anticipated Travel Dates: 1/2/25 – 1/9/25
Travel Fee Range: $3,275-$3,575
AUC Fulfillment: GCE/GCR, SS
This is an interdisciplinary course that studies the pre-history, politics, economics and/or artistic heritage of a foreign culture. It is not intended for tourists, but rather for individuals with a sincere interest in learning about and interacting with people and events in another culture. In January, we travel to the Capitol, Roseau, and throughout Dominica during our visit.
The trip to Dominica will take you out of your comfort zone and will strengthen you in more ways than you can imagine. It will open your mind and give you the chance to really see how other cultures live. Less developed regions of the world can be difficult to witness firsthand, but there’s no better way to change your perspective on life than to witness how little people in the rest of the world have and live with on a daily basis. Moreover, you will have an opportunity to visit and interact with factories, power plants, organic farming, community leaders, politicians, entrepreneurs, local citizens and high-ranking civil servants.
Developing countries are in the midst of economic and cultural upheaval; they are always changing and Dominica is no exception, especially after Tropical Storm Erika, Hurricane Maria and the Covid Pandemic. This small island nation is undergoing a massive transformation in the areas of commerce, infrastructure and politics. Studying in an area where poverty is high usually means educational opportunities are low, which also means that there are plenty of opportunities to lend a helping hand. We will be including community service activities throughout our stay.
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
GFS 306 Marine Biology and Cultural History of Fiji
Instructor: Naomi Phillips & Keliia Jaffe
Meeting Time: Fridays 2:00-4:00pm
Anticipated Travel Dates: 1/2/25 – 1/12/25
Travel Fee Range: $3,900-$4,250
AUC Fulfillment: GCE/GCR, NPL
This course will focus on the marine biology and cultural history of Fijian Islands. It is a 10-day field trip in January to the Fijian island chains. The Fijian archipelago has more than 330 islands with 110 permanently inhabited encompassing a land area of about 18,300 square kilometers (7,100 sq mi). We will be taking daily trips to explore and learn about key marine habitats and cultural sites of the islands. We will learn about both the marine plants and animals of the island, but will focus on the marine plants since these are less well characterized. Evening activities include lectures, night snorkels, and other lab activities.
Prerequisites: An interest in nature, marine biology and/or Pacific culture. Trip includes rigorous daily hikes and snorkeling, thus one needs to be in reasonable physical shape and a capable swimmer. Snorkeling and water safety will be taught in the required pre-trip classes. A swim test will be given later in spring term to determine final eligibility.
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
GFS381: Mindscapes of Vienna: A Cultural Journey through Psychoanalysis and Beyond
Instructor: Marianne Miserandio & Ilze Nix
Meeting Time: Fridays 2:10-3:50pm
Anticipated Travel Dates: 1/2/25 – 1/11/25
Travel Fee Range: $3,100-$3,350
AUC Fulfillment: SS
Among the most famous of Vienna’s intellectuals were three of its psychologists, who together established the basis of the modern practice of psychotherapy. This seminar will consider the theories of Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, and Viktor Frankl, the evidence each theorist used to build and refine his theory, and the impact each perspective has had on modern psychological theory and practice, and the impact of the culture and history of Vienna, Austria on each psychologist and his theory. Utilizing Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, we will explore the importance of environmental factors and social influences in shaping not only these views, but also views of mental health and treatment of the times. Students will visit the Freud house and museum in Vienna, the Mauthausen Concentration camp in upper Austria, and special sites of historical and cultural interest in and around Vienna. Grades will be based on short reaction papers, quizzes, longer review papers; class participation; and the final presentation.
Open to all majors. Prerequisite: PY 111
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
GFS 381 Great Britain: Lochs, Legends, and Literature
Instructor: Rhianon Visinsky & Allyson McCreery
Meeting Time: Tuesdays 7:00 – 10:00pm
Anticipated Travel Dates: 1/2/25 – 1/12/25
Travel Fee Range: $3,050-$3,350
AUC Fulfillment: CABR, CL, W
This Global Field Study will examine the literary, architectural, and landscape intricacies of England, Scotland, and Wales. Using geocritical theory as a guide, students will explore the ways in which the landscapes of these countries influenced the creation and adaptation of narratives and how those narratives, in turn, influence the ways in which the land is viewed by those “reading” it. We will do this, in part, by reading select stories inspired by the regions that we visit. The tales we explore will range from global fantasy phenomena like the Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings to local legends like those of the Loch Ness Monster and King Arthur. As part of our geocritical exploration we will explore how power and privilege are at work in the spaces that these stories create and inhabit. Special attention will be paid to how these stories create fandoms that bring people together and deal with issues and ideologies that that segregate and divide. Coursework includes analysis and research of spacial and social landscapes of texts, architecture, and geographic locations; write a research essay and a group project; and create literary maps of the respective landscapes. The field component of this course will explore the storied landscape of Great Britain. These destinations offer unique insight into the ways that landscape and architecture influence the stories and allow us to create, modify, and commodify them for our own purposes of education and enjoyment.
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors AND graduate students
Spring 2024 Course Offerings
Environmental Sustainability in Bali, Indonesia
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Instructors: Jennifer Riggan and Dejenaba Gordon
Meeting Time: Fridays from 2:45-5:45pm with some exceptions
Course Code: GFS 381/481
AUC Designations: NP, SS, GCE/GCR
Travel Dates: 5/18-6/3/2024
Travel Fee: $3850-$4250
This course examines the promises and challenges of environmental sustainability from the perspective of Bali, an island in Indonesia. Sustainability is a major, global challenge for human societies. Bali is a perfect-fit to explore themes in sustainability because it is at a critical turning point in its development: trying to balance tradition and modernity, cultural sustainability and economic advancement. During the semester, we cultivate a seminar atmosphere to encourage collaborative knowledge building and use a systems-thinking approach to explore topics including: principles for sustainability; sustainability as “inclusive human well-being;” dynamics of social-environmental systems; poverty alleviation through tourism; natural resources as attractions and destinations; the challenges of linking knowledge with action; and governance for sustainable development.
During our field study, Bali is our “living classroom” where we examine the ways that individual, community, and environmental well-being are intertwined and connected to global economies and local ecologies. Exploring Bali’s challenges through interactions with the island’s NGOs provides real-world context for issues discussed in the classroom. Students have multiple learning opportunities including visiting revered Balinese temples and royal palaces, exploring sustainability in a national park, snorkeling over coral restoration sites, speaking with a member of the Balinese royal family, and visiting an organization that brings simple technologies to communities in need. This GFS combines experiential learning with reflective writing, culminating in a project where you explore podcasting or photoethnography based on your experience in the field study.
Open to undergraduate students including sophomores and graduate students
Exploring National Identity in Central Europe
Location: Munich, Germany and Vienna, Austria
Instructors: Chris Cerski and Angela Kachuyevski
Meeting Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:00 – 5:40 pm
Course Code: GFS 321
AUC Designations: CL, GCE/GCR
Travel Dates: 5/18-6/1/24
Travel Fee: $3,700-$3,975
This course will study how nation-states develop a common national identity and its importance to governmental power. Students will develop an awareness about a nation-state’s use of visual culture to form or project a national identity. This course will study the cultural artifacts that have been used throughout history to form national identity and national narratives, including architecture, monuments,memorials, and art. Students will visit Munich/Nuremberg, Germany and Vienna, Austria, and read an array of sources that examine the importance of capital city architecture, memorialization of key historical monuments, as well as the use of museums to preserve artifacts and art that construct national narratives, identity, and history. Before exploring the international sites, students will examine the United States’ national identity and visit Washington, D.C. to explore how our government uses architecture, monuments, memorials, and art to construct an American identity that shapes the country’s cultural and historical narratives.
Field Biology: The Florida Everglades, America’s River of Grass
Location: Florida Everglades and Florida Keys, USA
Instructors: Lauretta Bushar and Christopher Binckley
Meeting Time: Wednesdays from 1:30-2:35pm
Course Code: BI355
AUC Designations: GCE/GCR, NP
Travel Dates: 3/9-3/16/2024
Travel Fee: $2,050-$2,250
In this course students will explore the biodiversity of the Florida Everglades, specifically how changing hydrology affects fresh-water and coastal habitats. Analysis and discussion of primary literature will illustrate characteristics of plant and animal communities. The Everglades is a river slowly flowing from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico, containing an immense diversity of plants and animals. Students will explore, document, and analyze these species, focusing on how hydrology affects their distribution and abundance. This course includes an immersive 8 day trip to Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys, where students will follow the flow of water and explore Everglades ecology in field trips, a museum, and the collection and analysis of ecological data. Students must be able to hike on flat land for several hours to complete the field investigations. This course fulfills the biology major requirement of a 300-level biology elective with a laboratory that has a plant component. Fee covers the cost of airfare, lodging, most meals, and all field excursions including snorkeling trip.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of BI201 and BI242; if there is room in the course, students may be taking one of these concurrently with permission of the instructors. Preference will be given to students who have completed these requirements.
Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors
Geographies of Displacement in Georgia
Location: Tbilsi, Republic of Georgia
Instructors: Ariel Otruba & Allyson McCreery
Meeting Time: Mondays from 7:00 – 10:00pm
Course Code: PS385/IP585
AUC Designations: GCE/GCR
Travel Dates: 5/19-5/29/2024
Travel Fee: $2,975-$3,275
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports more than 100 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. As new conflict situations emerge and intensify, and as existing ones reignite or remain unresolved, there is an acute need for durable solutions to global displacement. In the South Caucasus region, over a million people live in protracted and precarious displacement situations because of the Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazian, and South Ossetian conflicts. This global field study course takes students to the Republic of Georgia to study the geographies of two waves of internal displacement following ethno-territorial conflicts in the early 1990s and 2008. During the semester, students will study the history of these conflicts, peacebuilding efforts, and the challenges experienced by local internally displaced persons (IDPs). Special attention will be given to issues of housing, resettlement, and urban isolation and marginalization. The course will culminate with a 10-day trip to Georgia, where students will make field site visits, participate in service-learning or participatory action research, and meet with key international, governmental, and civil society actors. Students will document their observations and encounters with the landscapes of displacement using ethnographic fieldnotes and a course Photovoice project.
Open to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Additional Instructor approval may be required after application submission.. Students will receive follow up information.
Land, Sea, and Stars of Hawaii
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Instructors: Tatjana Miletic and Kimberly Small
Meeting Time: Mondays from 3:00 – 4:30pm
Course Code: GFS381
AUC Designations: GCE/GCR, NPL
Travel Dates: 5/18-5/27/24
Travel Fee: $2,675-$2,975
This is an interdisciplinary, STEM course that studies land, sea and stars of Hawai’i as well as cultural history related to Hawaiian language and science, culminating in a 10 day trip to Big Island of Hawai’i. Students develop awareness of mindful tourism. Places of interest to visit are: Volcano National Park, Astronomy Institute Imiloa and Mauna Kea Observatory, Place of Refuge and marine life along the coast of Big Island of Hawaii.Imiloa means “to seek far” and is a Hawaiian word for both to explore and explorer. We are adopting Imiloa meaning and while studying Hawaiian land, sea and sky we explore and rethink our place in the Universe.
Mind the Gap: Understanding Disparities in Health Care from Philly to London
Location: London, England
Instructors: Augusto Macalalag and Michele Daley
Meeting Time: Tuesdays from 4:00 – 6:00pm
Course Code: GFS381
AUC Designations: NP, GCE/GCR
Travel Dates: 5/18-6/2/24
Travel Fee: $2,975-$3,275
The Mind the Gap course will study scientific literacy as students explore disparities in healthcare and sustainability in London and Philadelphia. Scientific literacy entails the ability of individuals to use their knowledge of STEM subjects in order to conduct inquiries and be able to test and evaluate claims based on evidence provided. In this course, students will critically evaluate media sources for the content, credibility, and potential bias surrounding information being offered. We will also discuss scientific belief systems, why people may be resistant to change, as well as how we can utilize evidence-based practice and primary literature to convince others of a discordant viewpoint. Students will also study the complexities of healthcare delivery through exploration into the drivers behind healthcare costs, populations who require and utilize healthcare differently, as well as barriers and challenges to accessing healthcare, especially in marginalized populations. While no previous knowledge about healthcare systems is necessary to succeed in this course, an interest in the healthcare system is highly recommended as case studies and field studies to clinical sites will be utilized to enhance understanding. As part of studying sustainability practices, students will compare transportation in London and Philadelphia such as the different modes of transportation, people’s personal choices, costs of transportation and demand, carbon footprint of each choice, and future plan. Students will also observe and document green spaces in both cities, societal use of water, food sources and cultural practices, and garbage and recycling mechanisms. Availability and access to transportation, food, water, green spaces, and others are crucial components of social justice in action.
Course open to undergraduate students including sophomores
Paris Noir
Location: Paris, France
Instructors: Rachel Collins
Meeting Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 12:15 – 1:20pm
Course Code: GFS381
AUC Designations: GCE/GCR, CL, CABR
Travel Dates: 5/8 – 5/15/2024 Please note: travel before graduation
Travel Fee: $2,495- $2,795
This course examines the experiences and writing of African American authors, artists, and intellectuals who spent time living, traveling, and working as expatriates in Paris over the past two hundred years. They traveled to France against a backdrop of American enslavement, violence, disenfranchisement, segregation, and other forms of oppression. Some traveled in Paris for a period of weeks or months, while others found the prospect of returning home to US unbearable, and vowed never to return. Why? Because through collecting new experiences, discoveries, and insights in Paris, they also ended up developing a new understanding of their previous experiences back home in the United States. The central questions we’ll explore include: how did these individuals’ immersion in French culture bring the contours of their American experiences and identities into sharper focus– especially around issues of race and power? What did Richard Wright mean when he said “I tell you frankly that there is more freedom in one square block of Paris than in the entire United States of America!” Why did Jessie Fauset say, “I like Paris because I find something here, something of integrity, which I seem to have strangely lost in my own country.” The class primarily focuses on 20th century authors (like James Baldwin, Richard Wright, Jessie Redmon Fauset, Gwendolyn Bennet, Langston Hughes, WEB DuBois, etc), though we study some 19th and 18th century figures, too (Frederick Douglass, William Wells Brown, Sally Hemmings). Readings include fiction, poetry, memoirs, diaries, and more.
Open to undergraduate students including sophomores and graduate students
Exploring India: Culture, Clothing, and Conservation
Location: Bangalore, India
Instructors: Raghu Kurthakoti and Meg Nolan
Meeting Time: Thursdays from 12:20-2:00pm
Course Code: GFS381
AUC Designations: GCE/GCR, NP
Travel Dates: 5/18-6/1/24
Travel Fee: $3,075-$3,375
India is a unique culture that is quite different from the United States and Western culture. In this course, we will explore Indian culture, especially the culture of South India through a study of its foods, clothing and collective support systems. For this exploration, we will use the case of the silk industry – how silk is produced and adds value to the local and global communities. In this course, we will have opportunities to learn about and taste various foods from South India. We will learn about social sustainability by visiting an NGO, and conservation efforts through a visit to an Elephant Camp. During the travel component, we will travel to the state of Karnataka, the largest state in South India and home to Asia’s largest Silk Cocoon Auction Markets, where we will meet with experts on ‘seri-culture’ and have hands-on experience in the silk production and marketing process, including silkworm rearing and mulberry farming. We will be visiting both rural and urban destinations in South India to provide opportunities to experience subcultures within the culture. We will interact with members of a local NGO to learn how they are working to build Social Justice and Equity in the Indian community through nutritious food and/or employment opportunities. We will spend time in Bengaluru, one of India’s most Cosmopolitan cities, referred to as India’s ‘Silicon Valley.’ Students will also have ample opportunities to learn about the culture by visiting Sites from the 8-12th century, including the Mysore Palace, home of the royal family, as well as Temples in Belur which are recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A trip to India is meaningless without an opportunity to taste the delicious foods of India, and you will have plenty of opportunities to taste a wide variety of food offerings. The travel component will conclude with an overnight stay at the Jungle Lodges Elephant Camp in Dubare, where we will learn about elephant conservation efforts and participate in a nature walk with the elephants.
Course open to undergraduate students including sophomores
Global Field Study Frequently Asked Questions
What are Global Field Study Courses?
Global Field Studies (GFS) are 4-credit semester-long courses with a global focus and planned travel component. They are open to juniors and seniors, and sometimes sophomores and graduate students. They can meet major requirements and carry AUC designations. Some courses have prerequisites or other eligibility requirements; see course descriptions for details. Graduate students earn 3 grad-level credits for GFS courses.
Who is eligible to participate in the GFS courses?
- Full and part-time matriculated juniors and seniors. Some courses accept sophomores and graduate students.
- Transfer students who have completed at least one semester (a minimum of 12 credits) of coursework at Arcadia.
- See course descriptions for details on prerequisites and additional eligibility requirements.
How do I apply for and enroll in a GFS course?
GFS courses are not open to direct registration and appear closed in Self-Service. This is because students must submit an application and meet other eligibility requirements. Most students wishing to apply for GFS courses will receive an emailed invitation to apply for GFS with a personalized application link. If you did not receive an invitation to apply, please contact globalengagement@arcadia.edu for assistance.
Enrollment in GFS courses is on a first-come, first-served basis, and in addition to the GFS application, all GFS applicants must submit a GFS deposit of $300 to finalize registration in their chosen course. This deposit will apply toward the total travel fee for the course and can be paid in person at the Office of Student Accounts or online through Self-Service.
How are the Field Study topics and location focuses chosen?
Each semester, Global Engagement 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.
What are GFS Travel Fees?
Global Field Study courses carry a travel fee, in addition to your regular tuition. The travel fee range for courses will be 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.
GFS travel fees vary by course and will be finalized early in the semester the course runs. Total fees depend on the location and the length of the field study. The travel fee typically includes:
- Airfare
- Accommodations
- In-country ground transportation
- All tours, lectures, and group activities
Travel fees can be paid in installments through any method you usually use to pay account charges. Other cost details specific to your field study location will be outlined by your faculty leader.
What is the COVID-19 vaccination policy?
Although strongly encouraged, participants on University-Sponsored International Travel for summer 2023 onward will not be required to be vaccinated against COVID, except where required by the local government, partner institution, or activity. Arcadia strongly encourages all participants, in consultation with their physicians, to follow CDC guidance to remain up-to-date with COVID vaccinations, along with other recommended vaccinations. These are important measures to mitigate the risk of severe illness in our travelers as well as mitigate the spread of COVID and other diseases to the communities in which our students study.
Arcadia does require all students to disclose COVID vaccination status. Students that have been vaccinated will be asked to provide additional information for use as necessary in mitigation efforts.
Can I drop 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. In most cases, students who drop a course before it begins will not be refunded their GFS deposit because the university will have incurred costs on the students' behalf.
Please see this excerpt from the Global Field Study Enrollment Agreement pertaining to the drop policy for GFS courses:
I understand that the drop period for GFS courses ends one day (24 hours) after my first class meeting. After the 24-hour drop period, the travel fee for the GFS course will be placed on my student account and must be paid in full 2 weeks before the end of the semester in which the course travels. The travel fee will remain my responsibility to pay even if I withdraw from the GFS course at any point during the semester after the initial 24-hour drop period. Withdrawals or dismissals from the program for academic or disciplinary reasons are subject to additional fees for non-recoverable expenses.
What if it's not possible to travel to the planned field study location?
Sometimes, Arcadia needs to change travel plans in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. Please read this excerpt from the Global Field Study Enrollment Agreement with more information:
Arcadia University reserves the right to cancel, alter, suspend, or amend any part of any program or to increase fees should circumstances make these actions advisable or necessary. I understand that the program calendar dates posted on the Arcadia University website are tentative in nature, and can change at any time. Arcadia University will alert me of any such changes and will work to minimize any disruption to my planning.
Cancellations / Refunds
In the case of the total cancellation of your course, students will be refunded any monies paid toward the course. If a course continues but the field study portion is altered, students may be responsible to pay alternate programming costs necessary to meet the academic goals of the course, such as local excursions and guest speakers, etc. Students will be informed in a timely manner about these fees.
How do I pay for GFS?
Students can pay online through Self-Service or in person at the Office of Student Accounts, 777 Building.
When paying in person, please request and keep a receipt for your payment. Please send Cheryl Lewis lewisc01@arcadia.edu an email to let her know that you have submitted your payment in person. If you have an account balance of at least the amount you need to pay, you can request that transfer by emailing the Office of Student Accounts and cc me: busoffice@arcadia.edu
Online payment process:
Log in to Self-Service
Click “Finances” tab
Click “View e-bill and pay”
Select “Make a payment” from the left side menu
Choose the correct payment from the “Available Items” section
Continue through checkout process using credit card (fee applies) or electronic check (no fee)
Keep the payment confirmation email you’ll receive once payment is submitted
Passports
Do I need a passport or visa for a GFS course?
Passports are required for all international travel, and you will need to submit a copy to Global Engagement. We strongly recommend that students request expedited passport processing (additional fee applies) for new passport applications and renewals because regular processing time is approximately 3 months. If you currently have a passport, be sure the expiration date is at least 6 months after your return date.
Passport Application and Documentation
Passport application available through the U.S. State Department website.
Please see this excerpt from the Global Field Study Enrollment Agreement on travel documentation, including valid US passports:
Proper Travel Documentation:
I understand that it is my responsibility to have all travel documents necessary for domestic and/or international program travel. For international travel, this includes a valid passport for the duration of my time abroad and for any required amount of time after I return as stipulated by the immigration policy of my host country. I agree to obtain any and all visa and clearances prior to my time abroad and ensure I have obtained the proper authorization to study in my host country. I understand that Arcadia University is not responsible for any decisions made by foreign embassies or consulates regarding approval of visa documentation and/or immigration clearance. I understand that the failure to obtain appropriate travel documents may result in my removal from the program and that I will be responsible for the travel fee and any additional non-recoverable costs incurred by Arcadia University on my behalf.
Passport Processing
Need a passport? All international travel will require one, and processing time is around 12 weeks, so apply now! Visit travel.state.gov for application information. Email globalengagement@arcadia.edu with questions.