Some courses are more demanding than others and some students take more time to study than others. Students seem to spend between two and five hours each day outside of class working on papers, group projects, reviewing notes, and reading assignments. Most courses have a midterm and a final exam. Some have additional tests between those times. A final paper may take the place of a final test.
Foreign studies take place for one term or more.
Examples of Cornell-sponsored overseas studies include a geology class that spent a month studying in the Caribbean and a politics class that went to Brazil. Every other year there is a Shakespeare literature course taught in England for one block. Independent research and internships can be done on or off-campus for one or two terms, with credit available. According to Steve DeVries, physical education professor and wrestling coach, missing class time for travel to athletic events is not a serious problem at Cornell. Coaches schedule most events on weekends and take advantage of block breaks for extended travel.