Field Trip Envy!

***PLEASE NOTE ANY OF THE SPECIFIC TRIPS IN RELATION TO COURSES THAT I MENTION, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, AS IS FUNDING!***

So this time of year appears to be field trip season!  Whilst the majority of my course spend a year abroad within their degree and so, don’t have any scheduled field trips, a lot of courses at the University of Leicester do.  Three of my housemates have had field trips already this year: a Geology student who has been to both Spain (September/October) and Anglesey (April), an Archaeology student who has just (April) returned from Cyprus and a Human Geography student who is currently (April/May) in Vancouver!  Whilst I don’t have my own field trip to attend, I am going to tell you why they are such a great opportunity and experience, which is why I am just so jealous!

1. Compulsory ones are often mostly, if not, fully funded!
   This means that everyone on the course is able to attend, with no restrictions based on cost.  This makes them an even greater opportunity than if you had to save up your pennies to afford it yourself!
2. They are a fun way to help you understand and relate what you are seeing, to your module!
   Field trips help you to discover new skills and apply what you have learnt in lectures and seminars/tutorials to the real world and it’s issues.
3. They are to some REALLY cool places!
   Bryony’s trip to Vancouver is the one I am most jealous of, because I visited the city with my family about two and a half years ago and it is just the most beautiful place!  Some of the trips on offer at our university are to places which may actually be your dream holiday destination, and whilst you will obviously have to do work whilst you are there, you will still be able to experience the tourist-side of things.
4. Some can be once in a lifetime opportunities!
   To go to Cyprus, Jowan had to apply and have an interview before being selected as one of six students to attend.  They stayed in a local B&B and dined at the RAF Base in Akrotiri in and around their daily digging next to the coastline.  I have no interest in digging whatsoever, but from what I’ve heard, I would have loved it!
5. You will either go with existing friends, or make lifelong ones during the trip!
   If the entire course gets to go on a compulsory field trip, then the likelihood is, you will be going with some of your closest friends.  If not, then it is almost certain that you will make some great ones during the adventure who will stick with you for the rest of your degree and beyond!

All in all, if you get the opportunity to go on a field trip, then I suggest making the most of it and going!  If you have been on or have any upcoming field trips then please do let me know in the comments below!

CLC