Summer 2008 closed

5 weeks (June 30 - August 1, 2008)

Sponsored by the Department of Anthropology in the College of Social Science

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Since 1986, more than 200 students from MSU and 20 other universities have completed the "Forensic Anthropology and Human Identification" study abroad program. The first two and the last two weeks of the program take place in London, and the third week is spent in the coastal town of Bournemouth.

In London, classes are held in facilities at the University of London. Field trips are scheduled to the Museum of Natural History, the Royal College of Surgeons, the British Museum, Guy's Hospital, and the London Hospital. Eminent scientists provide lectures and behind-the-scenes tours at each of these sites.

In Bournemouth, students study human skeletal anatomy at Bournemouth University. This week is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in human osteology.

The student's academic experience will be enhanced by the opportunity to become immersed in a foreign lifestyle. In addition to coursework, group activities include the theatre in London and a banquet in Bournemouth. Students will be encouraged to take advantage of the many excellent cultural opportunities available in both London and Bournemouth. Three-day weekends allow for independent travel.

What can I study?

Lectures will cover basic bone biology, skeletal anatomy, skeletal analytical techniques (such as age and sex determination), methods of positive identification, trauma analysis and human remains recovery. Guest speakers will provide information on forensic dentistry, non-human remains, human evolution, and a variety of related topics in physical anthropology.

Students are required to enroll in a minimum of eight (8) semester credits for the following courses:

Undergraduate Courses:

Graduate Courses:

Opportunities are available for advanced students to pursue independent study in a research lab or fieldwork situation.

Evaluation will be based on a lab quiz, a final examination, and course participation. Graduate students will be expected to submit an independent project.

Classes will be held Monday through Thursday.

What are the requirements?

Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Preference is given to anthropology and criminal justice majors, but all applications will be considered.

Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

In London, students will live in a University of London residence hall located between the Paddington and Marylebone districts. Breakfast and dinner are served in the residence hall and are included in the program fee.

During the week Bournemouth, students will stay at a local hotel. Only breakfast is included. A program banquet will be held on the final evening in Bournemouth.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Norman Sauer
Department of Anthropology
354 Baker Hall
Phone: (517) 353-6722
E-mail: nsauer@msu.edu

Dr. Norman Sauer, Professor of Anthropology, Director of the MSU Forensic Anthropology Lab, and adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University, has extensive casework, teaching, and research experience in forensic anthropology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and past chair and secretary of the Physical Anthropology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. He is also on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology.

Todd Fenton
Department of Anthropology
318 Baker Hall
Phone: (517) 355-5190
E-mail: fentont@msu.edu

Dr. Todd Fenton, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, is a Fellow and past chair and secretary of the Physical Anthropology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. He has extensive forensic anthropology case experience in Michigan and in the American Southwest and was recognized for his outstanding undergraduate teaching. Dr. Fenton makes regular trips to Albania to carry out research on an archaeological recovered skeletal collection.

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks are usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/passports.html

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/visas.html

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations, visit the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/health.html

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $4,324 and includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• some meals
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• additional meals
• books and supplies
• passport application fee ($100)
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/studrec/ for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate, regardless of state of residence.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/finaid/index.html

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are February 1st for spring break programs, March 1st for summer, academic year and fall semester programs, and October 15th for winter break and spring semester programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/scholarships/index.html

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form by visiting http://studyabroad.msu.edu/applications/index.html

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for winter break and spring semester programs; February 1st for spring break programs, and by March 1st for summer, fall and academic year programs. We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to these deadlines.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter. You can also read the handbook online at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/abcs/index.html.