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School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures

I-Witness field school

A student explores an exhibit of steel statues in a long hallway with exposed beams at Ravensbruck.

The I-Witness field school explores Holocaust memorialization in Central Europe. 

In this 3.0-unit, 400-level course, you'll build an understanding of antisemitism, racism, religious intolerance, homophobia and ableism by visiting historical sites, museums and monuments across Central Europe. Students will observe how the Holocaust is memorialized today, exploring how memorialization changes over time and place.

Structure

Participants will register for the May–August term. The course consists of 1 week of intensive study at the University of Victoria, followed by 3 weeks in Central Europe, including:

  • Berlin (Germany) and surrounding areas
  • Wrocław & Kraków (Poland)
  • Vienna (Austria)
Students will then have 2 months to complete post-travel assignments.

Registration

Before applying, we recommend attending an information session. All registration materials should be sent to the program director.

  • statement of purpose: summarize why you want to participate in the field school (max. 2 pages with heading "statement of purpose")
    • what do you hope to gain from participating? 
    • what can you contribute to the group and the program as a whole?
    • demonstrate the connection between the field school and your previous and future academic work, including, if relevant, your background in Holocaust and multicultural education (e.g., coursework, extra-curricular activities, etc.)
  • unofficial transcript(s) of courses taken from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • 1 letter of recommendation from a university instructor: 
  • completed registration form 

We will also hold short interviews with applicants.

Applications will open for the 2026 field school in fall 2025. 

Costs

The total program cost is $3000 (subject to change). All program costs are in CAD.

We have greatly reduced actual program costs for students through donations, and we are continuing to gather donations in order to reduce costs even further.

Included in the program cost: 

  • 23 nights accommodation in a centrally located, tourist class hotel or hostel based on multi-bedded rooms with private or shared facilities
  • continental breakfast daily
  • intra-European flights, train and intra-European coach travel
  • program director, who also serves as instructor and adviser
  • field school travel facilitator and assistant
  • local guides at the sites of former concentration camps
  • final farewell dinner

Additional costs: 

  • tuition
  • round-trip transatlantic airfare
  • travel and health insurance
  • all meals except breakfast

Deposit and payment schedule

  • Nov. 15: $500 deposit due
  • Feb. 1: $1250 due
  • March 1: $1250 due

Cancellation policy

If you have to cancel your participation in the field school, please get in touch as soon as possible so we can work on a solution.

The following cancellation fees apply:

  • Cancellation before Feb. 8: $500 deposit
  • Cancellation between Feb. 8 and April 8: $500 deposit plus $1000 fee
  • Cancellation between April 8 and May 8: full program costs

Funding

Thanks to the generosity of David and April Katz, the field school is able to offer a Zena and Chaim Katz Family Memorial Scholarship to every undergraduate student registered in the program. The exact amount will be determined once the number of participants is confirmed. No separate application is required.

Each student in the program will receive a small contribution from the Experiential Learning Fund in the Faculty of Humanities. No separate application is required.

Each student in the program will receive a portion of the I-Witness Field School Travel Award. No separate application is required.

The Silberberg Memorial Award assists selected undergraduate field school participants with travel costs. Submit a statement of no more than 500 words describing your reasons for wanting to participate in the field school and what they hope to learn from the experience. The students will be selected by the director of the I-witness field school.

Deadline: March 15

Students who have demonstrated financial need and who would otherwise not be able to attend the field school are welcome to apply. The students will be selected by the director of the I-witness field school. Students must contact the program director by Nov. 1 if they would not be able to afford the field school without extra funding. The actual application will be opened on Jan. 1 and can be accessed using your student online tools.

External funding opportunities