How do I Apply?
To apply for a CHANCE field course, please visit the appropriate field course website to complete the online application form under the “Application” link on the official website for that course.
In addition to completing the online application form, the following is also required: 1) a one page essay highlighting why you wish to take this course and how it will benefit your career goals; 2) a letter of recommendation; and 3) for students, you will need an unofficial copy of your student transcript.
Your Judicial (if applicable) and Academic Records will be reviewed as part of the application process.
Deadlines for applications are listed on each field course website, as is information on vaccinations, passports, visas, and deposits.
Is there a payment plan?
Yes, an official payment plan will be sent to you. Three separate payments will be due throughout the spring or summer semester (depending on departure set for program).
Are scholarships available?
All Penn State University undergraduate students who apply for the CHANCE programs should apply immediately for the competitive Pennsylvania Commonwealth Education Abroad Scholarship provided by the Penn State Office of Global Programs. For more information contact Education Abroad directly at 814-865-7681. Deadline is March 15.
The Penn State Student Engagement Network is also offering grants to those interested in expanding their undergraduate experience through engagement experiences. The number and amount of grants will vary based on the number of applications received; however, there is a maximum allotted amount of $3,000 per applicant. Deadline to apply is March 20.
If accepted into a CHANCE field course, how do I register?
Penn State undergraduates who are accepted into a field course will be officially registered through the Penn State Lehigh Valley Registrar Office for the spring semester (3 credits) and the summer semester (1 credit) of that academic year.
Is tuition associated with the price of a CHANCE field course?
Penn State undergraduate and graduate students are required to pay for one credit hour for the CHANCE field course (practicum) component of each packaged program. All others need to pay tuition cost based on number of credits and enrollment status. Note that credits hours are not mandatory for in-service teachers and Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) are also an option with a nominal fee. See "Cost" link on each field course program website.
Do I need a passport, Visa, and vaccinations?
Passports, Visas, and immunizations vary as to whether the selected field course is international or national. This information is provided under the “Application” link for each CHANCE field course.
How many participants are accepted into each course?
Course size depends on location. On average, 20 participants are selected per course. At least 2 Penn State professors are present at all times in the field.
Costa Rica/Panama biodiversity course: 20 participants
China environmental sustainability course: 15 participants
Australia conservation biology course: 20 participants
Who are your instructors?
CHANCE instructors are some of the most talented and interesting Penn State professionals you’ll have the chance to meet. Each comes with a research expertise that helps define and carry out the field-based activities and projects set for each course. For more information, read their biographies on the “Faculty” link for each course website.
Please note that select faculty, field conservationists, scientists, and non-governmental and governmental leaders are also invited to join each CHANCE course during its field course practicum.
What exactly is required of a participant who has registered for a CHANCE field course program?
Each CHANCE field course program consists of two courses which are collectively divided into three sessions:
1. PRE-TRIP: Preparation
2. TRIP: Experience
3. POST-TRIP: Synthesis
The pre-trip session consists of electronic assignments using recommended web sites and required readings over the months of March, April, and if applicable, May and June. These assignments prepare participants for upcoming field-based experiences and research.
The trip component consists of a twelve to seventeen-day excursion throughout selected areas of the world. While in these areas, students will evaluate the biodiversity of select ecosystems, economic development and human livelihood(s), natural resources, conservation efforts, international impacts, and cultural dimensions. Whether working to protect an endangered species in Costa Rica or Panama, or collecting and interpreting data on the pollution of China’s third largest freshwater lake, hands-on research activities are an essential part of this component.
The post-trip session consists of the submission of selected journal entries and group research reports or PowerPoints, and the completion of post trip questions and reflections.
See "Outline" link for each CHANCE field course for more information.
Yes! You do need current medical insurance coverage while on-course. The insurance, underwritten by United Healthcare Global (UHCG), is provided as a blanket policy so no special enrollment is required. Penn State requires that all participants obtain international health insurance, available through the International Health Insurance Portal (there is a nominal per day fee).
Do I need medical insurance?
Is travel insurance required?
No. Travel insurance is not required but we do recommend considering purchasing a short-term policy that covers your time out of the country. CHANCE recommends Travel Guard Insurance.
Attendance and regular participation are required. Behavioral issues cited in the EA Conduct Standards Agreement as the PSU Code of Conduct apply to your classroom performance as well as to attendance in class or on field trips. Infractions of the academics agreement will have a negative impact on your grade and could result in an official CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATION NOTICE being sent to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.
