Sustainable Cities Field School

Urban Europe Sustainability Field School, 2019 (Photo by Jaimie Cryder)

Learn from local experts on sustainability (Photo by Cam Owens)

Cycling is the transportation mode of choice when touring European cities (Photo by Cam Owens)

The Urban Europe Field School travels through Europe from the UK to Holland and Denmark (Photo by Jaimie Cryder)

Please note, this field school will not be offered in 2024. The next offering will be Summer 2025.

When and Where

2023 Field School: May 8th - June 17th

Places visited: Bergen, Oslo (Norway); Stockholm (Sweden); Copenhagen (Denmark); Hamburg (Germany); Amsterdam (Netherlands); Bruges (Belgium); Paris (France)

How to Apply

Apply in: Fall term

Applications are now closed for 2023. Stay tuned for future offerings!

Contact geography@uvic.ca if you have any questions.

Program Overview

For a full program description (including a tentative itinerary), see the Information Sheet.

The Sustainable Cities Field School is run in various locations, depending on the year: Cascadia (Pacific Northwest) or Europe.

The 2023 field school will take place in Western Europe with an itinerary that commences in Bergen, Norway and ends in Paris, France.  Students will connect with activists, urban planners, scholars, and other engaged individuals, learning about Europe’s cultural geography and particularly the challenges and opportunities for building socially, and ecologically sustainable and resilient cities. Travel takes place by train, bus, ferry, bike, and local transit to various sites of interest. Most days involved structured activities (e.g. guided field trips, hands-on workshops, discussions) with time available for individual exploration and group reflection.

Check out the 2019 Urban Europe student video blog to get a taste of the experience!

Eligibility:

  • Students should have completed their first year of study and be able to register in 300-level Geography courses, or be granted special permission from the field school instructor.
  • Must be a UVic student. Non-Geography students are invited to apply.
  • Priority will be given to students with interest in the subject matter - sustainable community development.

If you have any further questions, please email Cam Owens at camo@uvic.ca.

Courses

This field program consists of two courses - applications for individual courses will not be accepted.

Each course is worth 1.5 credits, for a total of 3.0 credits. Successful applicants will be registered in these courses through special registration by the Department of Geography (students will not register themselves).

1. Geog 388 - Regional Studies: Europe or Regional Studies: Pacific Northwest

2. Geog 317 - Field Studies in Sustainable Communities

Field School Fees

For field schools, students pay regular UVic tuition plus field school fees.

Field school fees can be paid by cheque, money order, counter cheque, or cash ONLY. Cheques should be made payable to the University of Victoria.  Payment can be dropped off at the Geography main office (David Turpin Building, room B203) or mailed (cheques only).

Field school fees*:

  • $500 deposit paid at time of application (October 27th, 2022)
  • $3250 paid by March 2nd, 2023

*All field school fees are subject to change between offerings.

 Field school fees include:                           

  • Accommodation from May 8th - June 17th, 2023 (NOTE: Itinerary subject to change)
  • Most breakfasts
  • Activity costs (entry admissions, guide and workshop fees, presenters’ fees, some meals)
  • Ground transportation
  • Local transit
  • Emergency contingency fund

Field school fees do not include:

  • Tuition
  • Airfare
  • Most meals
  • Travel insurance (check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered)
  • Other expenses such as entertainment or any personal gear (e.g. hiking shoes) required for the course

Financial Support:

The Faculty of Social Sciences has provided a grant to subsidize your costs. Students are encouraged to explore other funding opportunities for example at the Undergraduate Scholarships & Funding page: https://www.uvic.ca/undergraduate/finances/scholarships-funding/index.php

You may find other funding opportunities through UVic International.