Field Schools

What Are Field Schools?

Field Schools are intensive courses with an off-campus component that are designed and led by passionate KPU faculty. Usually international in scope (though some field schools may take students across Canada), field schools are an opportunity for KPU faculty to internationalize their curricula and take students on a transformative journey outside the classroom.

The idea for a field school can be inspired by many things: a personal connection at a partner university, a conversation with a student, or even a professional development workshop. The duration of a field school can vary, but most KPU field school programs run between 2-6 weeks and carry 3-6 credits. Longer programs may offer 9-12 credits.

For a more detailed look at field schools, download the International Field School Guidelines for KPU Faculty.

Past KPU Field Schools

Who Can Lead a Field School?

Any KPU faculty member. Whether you’re a senior faculty or a new instructor, the Office of Global Engagement at KPU International can work with you to turn your field school idea into a reality.  
To get started, download and read through the International Field School Planning Timeline, then get in touch with the Global Development Manager in the Office of Global Engagement for a consultation.

When is the Deadline to Start a Field School?

You should begin planning your field school at least 16 months before you hope to run it, and the field school proposal must be submitted at least 14 months before the proposed field school.

For example, if you want your field school to run in January 2022, planning should begin in September 2020, and the proposal should be submitted by November 2020.

For a more detailed look at the timeline and process, download the International Field School Planning Timeline.

Are Field Schools Funded?

In general, field schools are not funded—they are meant to be financially self-supporting and thus should operate on a cost-recovery model (excluding any academic fees). A budget that accurately reflects the confirmed and anticipated costs associated with the full operation of the field school must be developed.

This means that students will be responsible for course tuition costs, flight costs, and a program fee. However, there are funding sources that field school students can apply for. You can also help students fundraise to offset their field school cost, please contact the Office of Advancement for more information.

As faculty, field schools are counted as part of your regular course load, so there won’t be any financial cost to you to run one.

For more details regarding financial considerations, read Section 2.3 – Financial Considerations in the International Field School Guidelines for KPU Faculty.

Field School Documents

• International Field School Guidelines for KPU Faculty
• International Field School Guide for Students
• International Field School Planning Timeline
• International Field School Proposal Form
• International Field School Risk Assessment & Safety Planning Record
• International Field School Budget Template
• Photo Release and Testimonial Form
• Third Party Waiver/Release of Information Form