Access to the application, information on extra costs, and more details are available at the links below. Students who are interested in any of these courses, should be in touch with the faculty directly.

2026 Off-Campus Short Term Application Deadline: 11:59pm, January 18, 2026

[EACS S21] Geology and Archaeology of Arizona
Prof. Daniel Chupik and Rebecca Minor, Visiting Lecturer and Assistant in Instruction
Dates: May 4, 2026 to May 27, 2026 (subject to change)
Estimated Extra Cost: $3,000 (to be confirmed by January 2026, financial aid available)
Enrollment: Up to 16 students
Location: Arizona, USA
Pre-requisite courses: (1) one or more of EACS 103, EACS 104, or EACS 109.
Learn more and apply here.
This field-based short course offers students an immersive exploration of the spectacular geological and cultural landscapes of Arizona. Over the duration of the course, students will traverse a variety of geological provinces and delve into the region’s complex tectonic, volcanic, and geomorphic history that has shaped the modern Southwest.

[EDUC S24] Rural Education in Zambia
Prof. Anita Charles
Dates: May 8, 2026 to May 23, 2026 (subject to change)
Estimated Extra Cost: $4,000 (to be confirmed by January 2026, financial aid available)
Enrollment: Up to 16 students
Location: Zambia
Pre-requisite courses: (1) one prior education course preferred but not required.
Learn more and apply here.
This Short Term course will explore aspects of education in Zambia, focusing on the rural area of Kaoma in the Western Province, an under-resourced province with a comparatively low Human Development Index based on income, educational opportunities, and life expectancy. In partnership with the nonprofit WISE-Zambia, whose overarching goal is “Empowerment through Education” (https://wisezambia.org/), Bates students will have the opportunity to engage directly with children and youth through Community Engaged Learning experiences. Bates students will collaborate with secondary students in Zambia to develop materials and activities for WISE’s new STEAM center; provide tutoring for secondary school students; and engage in literacy activities with primary children in outlying villages. Students will have an opportunity to visit schools in the area and to learn about Zambian history and culture, particularly in relation to education. 

You can learn more about previously offered off-campus short term courses here.

Important Policies Related to Short Term Off-Campus / Extra Cost Courses

Financial Aid for Short Term Off-Campus / Extra Cost Courses

Financial aid is available to cover all or a portion of the costs associated with an off-campus/extra cost Short Term course for eligible students. Each instructor provides Student Financial Services with a list of students who have been given permission to participate in their course and this information is used to determine who will receive financial aid for the course, there is no additional application process. You must currently be eligible for Bates institutional grant funds to receive this additional assistance. In past years, students have been asked to contribute between $0 and $2,500, depending on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for the academic year and available financial aid funds. Official financial aid awards will be available to students prior to committing to the program. Please note that withdrawal from a course, after committing to the course, may result in charges for non-refundable costs. Generally these are not able to be covered by financial aid.

If you have additional questions related to your specific financial situation, please contact Student Financial Services sfs@bates.edu.

Financial Responsibility and Course Withdrawal

After acceptance and course confirmation, students become financially responsible for costs related to the course. This can be up to the total cost of the course. Bates will attempt to obtain refunds for students who withdraw after confirmation but items like airline tickets, provider fees, performance tickets, and hotel deposits are often non-refundable.

Withdrawals within 30 days of the start of the course will result in a a charge of the full cost of the course.

Visa Costs and Travel

The application cost of necessary visas to participate in these courses is included in the extra cost. The extra cost may cover some but not all expenses related to visa application travel and biometrics. Please meet with a member of the Center for Global Education to learn more.

Personal Costs and Other Travel Costs

While most costs are covered through the course fee, students should expect and plan for other costs that are not covered. These might include visa travel costs, additional luggage fees, approved solo travel, non-course site seeing or meals, and similar items that aren’t part of the course structure.

Academic or Physical Accommodations

Students with disabilities that may require accommodations should be in touch with staff in the Center for Global Education and/or the faculty leaders of the course they’re interested in early in their considerations. The earlier these conversations can happen the better that accommodations can be determined for the course. This includes housing accommodations. Discussions related to the accessibility of the course must happen prior to the application deadline. Students may also ask the office of Accessible Accommodations for assistance in this process.