Field Studies: Application Process

If you are interested in the possibility of becoming a part of the environmental field school, please contact Professor Paul Friesema, the director of the program, as the first step. Professor Friesema's office is 304 Scott Hall. His e-mail is pfree@northwestern.edu.

There is no absolute closing date for applications except for the close of the academic year. But, because placements are all individually negotiated, and take time, applications early in calendar year 2005 are very desirable. The ideal size of the group for program management is 6-10 students. So early applications are desirable because the program might close out. Or a particular park opportunity might have closed because a park has made other commitments or has filled up its available seasonal housing. Another reason why early applications are desirable concerns financial aid and support. There are programs for financial aid and support that are available, but they are competitive, and the sources may dry up early.

The application process is fairly straightforward. There is no application form, as such. You must submit an informal transcript, a resume, the name of someone (ideally someone on campus) who knows you quite well, and can serve as a reference, and a brief essay describing your background and your purposes for wanting this opportunity. An edited version of this application material will subsequently be sent on to park decision makers as a placement is negotiated. Before submitting the application materials a student should definitely have a face-to-face meeting with Professor Friesema.