Institute for Field Research

FAQ's

Q. Who can attend the program?

A. Programs are open to students from any major and any university in the world, and students will receive 8 semester credit units from our partner institution -- Connecticut College. You must be 18 to participate. Most participants are typically college students ages 18 to 24.

Q. How do I apply for a program?

A. Admittance requirements differ from program to program. At a minimum, you must fill out an application, and applicants will be admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some programs require phone interviews and other programs require recommendation letters. Please review each program webpage for enrollment information.

In order to complete the registration process you must submit a $500 nonrefundable deposit payment. Upon completion of the application process, you will receive an e-mail informing you of the status of your application.

Q. When is the last day to register for a program?

A. If space is still available in the program, the final registration deadline is May 30, 2013.

Q. How do I pay for my program?

A. Final payments can be by check or cashier check sent to the Institute for Field Research (for address, click here).

Q. When can I begin making payments?

A. Students can begin to make payments immediately. The deadline for full payment is April 19, 2013.

Q. When is the final payment deadline?

A. Final payments are due by April 19, 2013. Financial aid students are exempt from this deadline.

Q. When do programs usually fill up?

A. It is difficult to predict. Some programs fill up within a few weeks. It is a good idea to apply early.

Q. What materials do I need to submit with my application?

A. A number of documents should be submitted with you application. They include the following:

1. Application form

2. Enrollment Form

3. Waiver of Liability Form

4. User Permission Form

5. Payment Schedule Form

Q. How do I get a passport?

A. You will need to contact the nearest passport agency. Many post offices offer passport services. The passport process usually takes 10-12 weeks. Expedited service is available for an extra fee. For more information, please visit the US State Department Passport Section.

Q. What if I am unable to obtain a passport within 60 days of my application?

A. If your passport is not ready within the 60-day deadline, do not worry. But be sure to turn in your passport photocopies as soon as possible.

Q. Do I need to get a visa?

A. Our programs do not require student visas, but some countries require tourist visas. Instructions about visa requirements for the particular program will be sent to each participant.

Q. Are there any immunizations required for my program?

A. We recommend you visit the Centers for Disease Control web site for more information about health and safety abroad.

Q. Will the courses I take in the program transfer to my school?

A. Students should consult with an academic advisor and the Registrar's Office at their home institution. Students will recive 8 semester credit units from our partner institution -- Connecticut College. The Institute for Field Research staff is standing by to assist in the process.

Q. What will my housing be like?

A. Housing varies from program to program. Visit the section called "Accommodations" for your program to read a description of the program housing. Complete details for housing, including address information, will be sent to all program participants in the spring and will be discussed in the orientation prior to departure.

Q. Can I provide my own housing?

A. No. All students and staff are required to stay in the housing the project arranges. The cost of accommodations cannot be deducted from the program fee.

Q. Can a guest stay with me in program housing?

A. Guests (includes spouses, children, other family members and friends) are not allowed in program housing or on any program-related activity. The Institute for Field Research does not assist with housing arrangements for family, friends, or other guests of program participants.

Q. How will I receive information about my program?

A. It is very important that you submit an e-mail address that you check regularly when filling out your application. Periodically, you will receive notices from the Institute for Field Research with important information about your program. A welcome packet will be sent to you within a few weeks of your application. In addition, a mailing will be sent to you in the spring (usually by the end of May) with important information about your program. Finally, an orientation session for your program will be arranged at least six (6) weeks prior to departure. This orientation will take place via phone conference and will be run by your own program director.

Q. Can I drop a required course?

A. Each program consists of a required course curriculum of 8 semester credit units. Students are automatically enrolled in this curriculum. This curriculum is mandatory and cannot be dropped without terminating participation in the program.

For more information about each program's curriculum, please visit the section marked "Syllabus" on the program's web site.

Q. How do I cancel my participation in my program?

A. Please do not enroll in a program unless you are sure you intend to participate. Remember that your deposit is nonrefundable.

If you cancel your registration, the following applies:

$500 is not refundable under any circumstances;
Tuition (minus the $500 deposit) are refundable until April 19, 2013.
No refunds are available after April 20, 2013.

In order to cancel once you have registered, you must complete the Letter of Program cancelation (link) and mail or fax it to the Institute for Field Research offices. Failure to cancel prior to the April 20, 2013 deadline will result in a bill for the full program fee.