INTERNATIONAL FIELD RESEARCH PROGRAM

The purpose of UMBC's field research program is to prepare participants for the increasingly sophisticated requirements of a global society, to develop an international perspective on important policy issues, and to gain experience using social science field research techniques.

A variety of opportunities for academic credit have been developed to enable students to conduct field research in other countries on issues that include health and social policy, science and technology, culture, and lifestyles using an international framework. Students will be introduced to a range of disciplines that conduct social science research. These academic experiences use a variety of tracking techniques such as lectures, discussions, and structured exercises but all are linked to travel outside of the U.S. for a period of one to two weeks. The travel portion of the experience often includes site visits to learn about best practices in a specific field.

For undergraduates, the experience provides an introduction to research methods that are widely used in business, government, and education for policy evaluation, program development, and management.

Please check out the pictures from some of the field trips that have been undertaken as part of the International Field Research Program.