Faculty Resources

VIU Field School Proposal Process

VIU Field School Proposal Package

Download the Budget Template and Example to start planning your budget.

Some things to consider while budgeting:

• VIU faculty are compensated for travel expenses (flights, accommodations, per diems) that are recovered through program and tuition fees
• Faculty salary and tuition fees are not to be included in your budget
• Tuition and Student Activity Fees are always collected separately

Draft an itinerary with the Field School Itinerary Template.

Designing Accessible Field Schools

How to incorporate Universal Design principles in faculty-led Field School programs.

What is Universal Design?

The principles of Universal Design encourage programming that is usable by the widest range of people possible with the minimal modification, regardless of age, ability, or status in life. 

The Stats

According to Open Doors, 12.4% of students studying abroad in 2019-2020 had a disability of some kind. 

• Mental Disability (37.9%)
• Learning Disability (31.5%)
• Chronic Health Disorder (18.1%)
• Other Disability (5.1%)
• Physical Disability (3.2%)
• Sensory Disability (2.2%)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (2.2%)

The Benefits of Participation for Students

Students with disabilities/accessibility needs experience a lower employment rate than their nondisabled peers; participating in an educational program that offers a competitive edge in today's global market helps improve career prospects.

Clear Communication and Dynamic Design

• Developing an accessible Field School will be an evolving process
• Leaders should solicit & implement participant feedback, modifying field school design where possible/appropriate
• Program developers are encouraged to share information on inaccessibility with prospective participants in advance, so students can understand accessibility challenges and either accept the extra challenge based on where they place themselves on the functional spectrum and their other resources - or opt for a different program

Research

• Research contact information for captioning/interpretational/care aid services, if required
• Refer to Google Maps street view to check for accessibility of locations

Other Considerations

• Review accessible housing options
• Offer early arrival options, so students can ‘get their bearings’
• Aim for a degree of course flexibility (post-trip assignment deadlines; assistive technologies; accessibly formatted course materials)
• GSO Student Travel Grant recipients can allocate funds for individual accessibility expenses (captioning, interpretation, personal care aid)
• Establish confidential procedure for students to disclose personal accommodations once accepted onto the program

Downloadable/Printable Guide to Designing Accessible Field Schools

Designing Accessible Field Schools

Complete and submit a Field School Webpage Request Form to Education Abroad for inclusion on our page

Download the generic  Field School Application Template Field School Application Template

Required Pre-Departure information for leaders:

• Leader Pre-Departure Form
• Leader Communication Form

Learn more about pre-departure expectations for students

VIU Mobile Phones and International Roaming

 VIU Incident Report and Investigation Form

Policies

• Learning off-campus
• Student Conduct
• Academic Conduct
• Behavioural Conduct
• Sexual Misconduct

• Field School Faculty Trip Report
• VIU Employee Expense Claim