Department of Resource Economics and Policy

The Department of Resource Economics and Policy (REP) officially uses the term "Field Experience" to represent internship type experiences, but also uses the term "internship" interchangeably. The department does not have any classic "coop" type programs where students regularly alternate between work terms or semesters, and university semesters. The Field Experience course (REP 396 Field Experience) is a variable credit course (one to 16 semester credit hours). The REP Field Experience course is normally taken in the summer between a student's junior and senior year. There is no requirement that the REP B.S. students complete a Field Experience although they are aware of the opportunity through the REP orientation process and advising. At the present time, the REP department does not have a minimum GPA requirement although the matter has been discussed. As a general rule, since the Field Experience is not required, it is the better students that are normally advised into, and have the motivation to locate, a Field Experience opportunity.

Generally one credit hour is awarded for each 80 hours worked, although there is some flexibility depending on type of responsibilities and other considerations. A Field Experience that takes up most of the summer is usually six credit hours, although many students that do not need extra academic credit will sign up for fewer credit hours, as they do not want to pay more tuition than necessary to graduate. It is not uncommon for students to take three or six credits of Field Experience in a fall or spring semester along with regular classroom courses, but it is rare that a student would take 15 or 16 credits of Field Experience instead of traditional coursework.

The department maintains a bulletin board with announcements regarding internship positions. There is a Field Experience faculty advisor who assists students in finding positions, and assists in developing objectives. Most, but not all of the REP Field Experience students conduct their Field Experience within Maine, but some go as far as Alaska and Florida. Students conducting their Field Experience within the state are normally visited by the faculty advisor once at their work site. Before students can begin their Field Experience, there must be a three-way agreement in place (faculty advisor, student, Field Experience supervisor). This document outlines the work tasks and learning objectives of the Field Experience. While most REP Field Experience students get paid for their Field Experience work, it is not always the case, and, the faculty advisor does not become involved in any compensation matters. Students enrolled in REP 396 received a document outlining the specific requirements of the course.

Students from universities other than the University of Maine, wishing to conduct a Field Experience through the Department of Resource Economics and Policy, are recommended to enroll at the University of Maine for the Spring semester, with plans to stay through all or some of the summer for a Field Experience. During the spring semester, the student would meet with the Field Experience advisor who would help locate a summer position. While a Field Experience position is not guaranteed, most motivated students pursuing a position are able to locate one. The current Field Experience advisor at the University of Maine, Department of Resource Economics and Policy, is REP Senior Instructor Mark Anderson (Mark.Anderson@umit.maine.edu).

Non-U.S. citizen students interested in pursuing internships at the University of Maine are likely to need a work permit. In some cases, the internship can be designed so that the work is done on campus, thus not requiring a work visa. This very important issue should be explored before students finalize plans.

For more information on international students and programs at the University of Maine, including visa and immigration issues, please see the Office of International Programs' website (http://www.ume.maine.edu/~international/welcome.html).

Contact information: 206 Winslow Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5782, (207) 581-3171, peggy.mckee@umit.maine.edu