About the Program
Field Experience in Religious Studies is offered as a two-term course (RLST: 291). Students in good academic standing at Lawrence are eligible to apply and they must enroll in the course in the term prior to travel. In the subsequent term, they will complete a project in addition to the one- to two-week field experience.
Students must also commit to an orientation weekend at Bjorklunden in the term prior to travel. They receive 6 units of credit for completing the entire program.
As an academic course with a travel component, students are expected to travel together and remain with the group for the duration of the program. However, there will be free time for students to explore destinations on their own.
Financial Information
Student fees cover visas, travel insurance, lodging, meals, local transportation, airfare between countries, and entrance fees to religious and historical sites. Fees will not cover any CDC-recommended vaccinations or medications necessary for travel, nor will fees cover spending money for souvenirs, etc.
If accepted into the program, a non-refundable deposit is due prior to the start of the term. The remainder of the program fee will be billed to the student's account at the start of term, unless other arrangements are requested.
How to Apply
Students can apply to the program online.
In addition to completing the online application, students must submit the following:
- A copy of your academic transcript (an unofficial one printed off of Voyager is OK)
- A color scan of the info and signature page of your passport. Passports must be valid through the school year and must have at least two blank pages for visas and stamps.
- A letter of recommendation from someone who has taught or supervised you in college.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Students are notified of their acceptance into the program within one week of the application deadline.
Prior Field Experience Courses
2019 – 2020: Buddhism in Asia
The 2019-2020 field experience course examined religion and globalization through the lens of Buddhism. During the fall term, student were introduced to Buddhist traditions in South and Southeast Asia, and explored some key issues related to globalization. In December, the course traveled to India and Thailand, where students interacted with religious communities in Delhi, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, and Bangkok. Students completed and presented independent research during the winter term.
Off-Campus Programs
Want to study in places like India and Senegal for the entire term? You can through an off-campus program.