Frequently Asked Questions
Do study tours award credit for travel?
No. Study tours award credit for academically rigorous
work including evaluation by the instructor regarding a learner's
success in meeting specific learning objectives. Saying that
a study tour gives credit for travel is like saying that on-campus
courses give credit for sitting in a classroom.
What kind of academic work is accomplished in a study tour course?
The kind and amount of work varies with each tour and
the amount of credit attempted by the individual learner (some
study tours offer variable 1-3 hours of credit).
Often such work
includes:
- one to three pre-tour lectures/ workshops
- detailed
field or travel journals
- lists of assigned readings
- book
reports
- practical experiences
- on-site tours and lectures
- field identification exercises
- independent
"challenges" (for example, "it's your turn to guide this group
from Montparnasse to the Latin Quarter").
Study tours also typically
require at least one major project demonstrating learning such
as a research paper, classroom presentation, annotated photo
journal, and so on.
Are there any tests or exams involved in a study tour?
Yes. Sometimes traditional written, oral, or practical testing
procedures are used for some components of a study tour.
Are study tours, especially those in Africa and other
"rough spots," dangerous?
Yes. Any sort of travel, whether down Highway 94 in St. Charles
County or across the Atlantic involve certain risks to life and
limb. Statistically, our study tours offer no more risk than
simply coming to campus (often LESS risk). Nonetheless, study
tour directors are very careful in minimizing risk. Pre-tour
sessions train travelers in risk-management. Tour leaders provide
up-to-date information from CDC, State Department, and other
sources regarding safety, health, and other issues of concern.
All participants sign statements assuming full responsibility
and liability for risks incurred and also relieve the college
and its employees from liability. |
Study Tour
Instructor Characteristics
-
Experience in study tour education (primary
instructor)
- Masters degree or better in primary teaching field and in
at least one component of each interdisciplinary course (should
have other training/experience in interlaced fields)
- Demonstrated outstanding ability to teach in the field and
in other informal and non-classroom settings
- Exhibits group leadership and coordination skills
- Proficient in sociological and psychological management of
groups in close quarters under intense conditions
- Thinks and teaches in an interdisciplinary manner
- Motivates learners to explore, interact, and learn from new
environments and situations
- Ability to deal with travel issues, concerns, and crises
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