Field Studies

Domestic Field Studies (Grades 9-12)

International Field Studies (Grades 10-12)

Duke University TIP offers challenging adventures in science and humanities for motivated, dedicated, and talented students with a desire to learn in a unique setting. Each Domestic (U.S.) and International Field Study involves travel to an exciting location that is ideal for research and creative exploration.

How To Apply

Interested students should fill out the application forms or complete the online registration. Duke University TIP makes admissions decisions within three weeks of receipt of the student’s completed application. Admissions decisions are based on high school grades, strength of coursework, extracurricular involvement and leadership, standardized test scores, school recommendation, and quality of the student’s brief narrative responses. Early admission deadline is February 22, 2008, and early application increases chances of acceptance. The final application deadline is March 21, 2008; however, Duke TIP will continue to accept applications after the deadline if any program spaces are still available. Limited need-based financial aid is available on a first come, first served basis or the Domestic (U.S.) Field Studies. Please refer to the financial aid instructions on the application. At this time, financial aid is not available for the International Field Studies.

  • Early Application Deadline: FEBRUARY 22, 2008
  • Final Application Deadline: MARCH 21, 2008

Educational Model

Approximately twenty to twenty-five students are selected to participate in each Field Study.* Each program has a minimum of three staff members who remain with the students throughout the entire course. One or two of these staff members serve as the instructor and/or group leader, while other staff members serve as academic and residential assistants. Field Study instructors may be professors or doctoral students from leading universities or exceptional teachers from schools across the country. The teaching/residential assistants are usually highly skilled graduate or undergraduate students who possess experience in both the course content and student educational programs. The unique on-site opportunities for students, small classes, and academic enthusiasm of the staff team combine to make each Field Study one of the best experiential learning adventures available to high school students.

*Up to thirty-two students are selected for Filmmaking.

Academics

A Duke TIP Field Study is much more than just a science or humanities class. Each program is an authentic academic experience, and, while students enjoy exciting adventures and visit unique locations, the academic work takes priority in these two-week programs. Students selected to participate in one of these courses will receive a detailed syllabus from the instructional staff several weeks prior to the program. This syllabus may include a preliminary assignment to be completed before the beginning of the course. During the field study, students will participate in a variety of activities such as discussions, research projects, fieldwork, and/or presentations. Each instructor’s personal combination of methods has been developed to maximize student achievement while drawing from the unique features of each site. Students will receive a rubric assessment and narrative from the instructor detailing their individual performance throughout the program instead of receiving a letter grade. While it is very likely that any motivated student will succeed in these courses, they have been developed specifically for academically gifted students.

Duke TIP Field Studies are similar to college field courses, and as participants travel and study around the world, they are expected to adhere to the high academic and social standards set by Duke TIP. Behavior guidelines for these programs were prepared with the health, safety, and enjoyment of all program participants in mind, and specific discipline policies and consequences are listed in detail in the Student and Parent Guide linked on the individual program Web page.

Domestic Travel

Upon acceptance to a Domestic (U.S.) Field Study, Duke University TIP will send each student an acceptance packet that includes complete information regarding travel arrangements for the program. Students and parents should not make any travel arrangements prior to the receipt of this acceptance packet. Each participant is required by Duke University TIP to secure travel arrangements that will ensure arrival at the destination airport or host site within the designated time period. Please carefully review information detailed in the acceptance packet and contact Duke University TIP with any questions prior to finalizing your travel reservations. Airfare is not included in the program cost.

International Travel

Participants in International Field Studies will meet Duke TIP Field Study staff at the gateway airport before departure to the international destination. To ensure each student’s safety, Duke University TIP has secured a group reservation for each individual program to ensure that all students and staff members travel as a group from the gateway airport to the international destination and back. Participants are required to travel with Duke TIP staff as part of this group reservation. Upon acceptance to an International Field Study, each student will receive a packet that includes complete information regarding travel arrangements for the program. Please do not make any travel arrangements prior to the receipt of this acceptance packet. Upon receipt, carefully review information detailed in the acceptance packet and contact Duke University TIP with any questions prior to finalizing your travel reservations. Airfare is not included in the program cost.