Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit to me in taking a university level course in conjunction with my overseas travel?
One very important benefit is that in this day of intense competition for entrance into a post-secondary institution, GPA and SAT scores alone will not necessarily get you into the college or university of your choice. Because of the high demands to enter certain institutions, university entrance evaluators are looking for that extra ingredient which helps to set you apart from your competitors. Having an academic transcript which shows that you successfully undertook a university level program such as this, significantly improves your chance of being placed before others, without this experience, for entrance consideration.
I am a high school freshman. Can I enroll in university courses?
Yes. Any student traveling on approved educational travel programs, grade 9 or above, who is in good academic standing may enroll in courses for university credit.
I am a junior high / middle school student. Can I enroll in a university course?
All students traveling on approved educational travel programs are eligible to enroll in the one (1) credit university course, Comparing Cultures and Societies or World of Arts - An Introduction.
Do I get credit for going on the trip?
Not exactly. The trip will be a very valuable educational experience in itself; however, earning university credit does require the completion of assignments based on your travel experience and varies with the course you select and the number of credits you would like to earn. Courses include such assignments as keeping an academic travel journal and preparing a brief summary report when you return; giving a slide or video presentation to a community or school group; or preparing a photo essay based on your travels.
How many credits should I take?
That's difficult to answer. Many of the assignments involve activities that you will probably be completing in the normal course of your travels - keeping an academic travel journal, taking pictures, collecting artifacts, interviewing citizens of your travel country, giving presentations when you return, etc. The number of credits you decide to take will depend on the type and amount of work you feel you can complete by the course deadline. Look through the course information to see what activities and courses fit what you would like to accomplish. Courses range from 1 to 5 credits each. Under optimum conditions, a student may complete 12 to 15 credits, or, one academic quarter.
Do the credits transfer to any college?
Credits earned will appear on an official university transcript as resident credit and are fully transferable. How the credits transferred to the receiving college or university are applied toward the student's degree is up to that institution. In many cases, they are accepted as electives. Check with your prospective university if you have any questions.
Do I need to attend classes at your university?
No. All assignments are completed from your area or during travel and are mailed to the Eisenhower Center office for evaluation by the university's professors once you have returned. These courses are directed study courses, not correspondence, which is important when the admissions evaluator reviews your transcripts.
Can I add on credits after initial registration?
Yes. A university credit is one of the best ways to document your student experience. But we also know the financial strain many of you are facing. Therefore, for this program, it is possible to register and pay for 1 or more credit(s) now and add more later, even after you return.
How long do I have to register?
In most cases, course registration will continue until approximately ten (10) days before your specific travel date. We do advise however that you register before that time if possible.
Which university course is most often taken by students?
Actually, there are two: Comparing Cultures and Societies - History for 1-5 credits and Photography for Communicating Experiences - Journalism for 3 credits. Remember that there is a one credit option in the history course just for being a satisfactory participant and keeping a good academic journal.
How will I be graded?
There are two major components used in assigning a grade: how you fulfilled your responsibilities as a student while traveling and, did you successfully complete the written requirements. All courses are offered on the graded option. If a pass / no credit grade is desired, a written request must be made at the time you register.
What if I have more questions?
International Field Studies has a toll-free number 800.541.2125 that you can call with questions regarding registration, course content, or assignments from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST (GMT-08:00). Or, you may reach by email at ifsprogram@ewu.edu.
