Academic Travel

Academic Travel is Franklin’s signature program and an essential part of the Franklin degree program. Three-credit Academic Travel courses are regular semester courses that include a 10-14 day travel period, thus adding an experiential learning piece to regular classroom activities. The graduation requirement for Academic Travel is normally fulfilled by successful participation in four three-credit Academic Travel classes (12 credits).

Academic Travel Participation

All students, including study abroad, are required to participate in Academic Travel, which is a fully integrated part of the regular curriculum at Franklin University Switzerland. The degree requirement for Academic Travel is normally fulfilled by successful participation in four three-credit Academic Travel classes. Students must enroll in an Academic Travel class each semester until they complete the required number of travels.
Once students have completed their four required three-credit Academic Travel courses, they may continue to take advantage of Franklin’s signature program as an integrated part of their studies. Students then have the option to participate in one- or three-credit Academic Travel courses, depending on what best suits their academic program needs and interests. Three-credit travel courses may count as general electives, Global Responsibility core requirements, and/or major electives. One-credit Academic Travel courses count as general electives.
For transfer students coming to Franklin with 30 or more credits, a minimum of three consecutive, three-credit Academic Travel classes is required. For transfer students with 60 credits, a minimum of two three-credit Academic Travel classes is required.
Students cannot normally complete an Academic Travel course without participating in the actual travel. Exceptional situations should be addressed with the Dean of Academic Affairs.
Auditing of any Academic Travel course (one- or three-credit) is not permitted
Non-compliance with the class attendance policy will result in removal from the travel portion of the course and a failing grade for the class.

Withdrawal from Academic Travel courses

Only in case of a medical or family emergency will students be allowed to withdraw from three-credit Academic Travel courses prior to the travel period. In case of such an emergency, students must submit documentation attached to a formal petition signed by the student and the student’s academic advisor to the Academic Affairs Coordinator. Documentation must be submitted prior to the Academic Travel dates in October and March. No late documentation will be considered.

Students may not withdraw from one-credit Academic Travel courses after the travel period.

Academic Travel Visas

Students are responsible for obtaining their visas to the Academic Travel destinations. It is the responsibility of the student to ascertain his or her likelihood of obtaining a visa prior to enrolling in the travel, and to then take the necessary steps to obtain the visa. Regulations for visas can change frequently. After consulting with the travel leader, students may decide to obtain their visas during the period in which they are in their home country between semesters.

Guidelines for Conduct on Academic Travel

At all times during the Academic Travel, students should remember that they are representatives of Franklin University and of their own countries.
Any actions which interfere with, or make more difficult, the fulfillment of the academic purpose of the trip are considered disruptive. This includes loud parties, excessive drinking, missing or arriving late to planned visits, or being in such a condition as to prejudice the academic purpose of the trip.
Any actions which interfere with another person’s rights or are disturbing to either Franklin University Switzerland students or citizens of the place the student is visiting, are considered disruptive.
Any student who is judged by the faculty travel leader to be disruptive may be dismissed immediately from the trip, and the University will be so notified. This will also result in a failing grade. After returning to campus, a student who has not observed the norms may be called before the Judicial Board and will be subject to the appropriate consequences.