Conservation and Sustainable Development in Tanzania Field School
Dates: August 7 to August 24, 2026
Here is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Explore Tanzania on this travel study program which gives you credit for two – 300 level geography courses focused on conservation and international development. Our itinerary will connect you with the knowledge and lived experience of local communities navigating complex questions around conservation, land use, and sustainable livelihoods in East Africa's biodiverse ecosystems. You'll explore how international development frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, intersect with local priorities and community-led approaches to environmental stewardship and economic development.
This is a camping safari and we will stay in tented camps in a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and a Maasai village and travel by bus or safari vehicle in the protected areas. Plenty of walking will be needed when in our base camps to explore the area with the locals. Engaging with locals on a daily basis will provide ample opportunity and motivation for extensive discussion and course related activities.
Course description
Students register in both classes. Each course is worth 1.5 credits for a total of 3 credits.
Geography 333 – Geographies of Development
Tanzania has long been a preferred recipient of Canadian foreign aid as well as a location for resource development by Canadian companies – a typical combination but not without its challenges. This course examines the theory and practice of global development with special emphasis on the global south and the trajectory of development in Tanzania. Topics include urban and rural livelihoods, ethnicity, resource management, economic development, household decision-making, gender, sustainability and community-based participatory research methodologies.
Geography 391 –Topics in Geography: Conservation in a Crowded World
Biodiversity loss is the most stressed planetary system with habitat loss as the main driver. Protected areas have been adopted by all countries and at the global level as a solution to this challenge, but protected areas are not created in a vacuum. Humans already occupy most lands. This course addresses the challenges faced in implementing conservation measures in a crowded world and the challenges faced by local communities. Topics include the design and management of protected area systems, different types of protected areas, tourism planning and management, governance, interpretation and participatory approaches to conservation research.
- Relevant coursework and academic background in geography, environmental studies, development studies, or related fields
- Relevant experience (international travel, camping, field research, community engagement, volunteer work, cross cultural experience)
- Preparedness for field conditions (camping, heat, physical activity)
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in groups
Proposed itinerary
- Aug 6- Depart Canada for Tanzania
- Aug 7- Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania
- Aug 8- Program introduction and overviews
- Aug 9- Travel from Arusha to Randilen WMA
- Aug 9 to Aug 15- Randilen WMA
- Aug 16- Travel to Elerai
- Aug 16 to Aug 22- Elerai Culture Camp
- Aug 23- Travel to Arusha
- Aug 24- Depart for Canada
Pre-Departure
All accepted participants are required to attend:
- Information Session: An overview of the program, cultural considerations, travel logistics, health and safety protocols, and what to expect in Tanzania. Date and format to be announced.
- Orientation Meeting: A meeting for accepted field school participants will be held to review details of the program, assignments and work pre-departure, travel arrangements to answer last-minute questions, and ensure all participants are fully prepared. The meeting will take place before the end of the spring term, date to be announced.
Attendance at the orientation meeting is mandatory to participate in the field school.
Eligibility
You must be a UVic student who has completed your first year of study. You must be able to register in 300-level geography courses. Otherwise, you need special permission from the instructor, Crystal Tremblay (crystalt@uvic.ca).
Non-geography students are invited to apply. Priority will be given to students interested in conservation and international development.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 field school are due January 31st, 2016.
Submit your application via email to these three addresses-
Questions? Contact Instructors Crystal Tremblay (crystalt@uvic.ca) and Bruce Downie (bkdownie@uvic.ca)
Fees
Payment can be dropped off at the geography main office (David Turpin B203) or mailed (cheques and money orders only; do not mail cash).
Field school fees - $3,000
$1,000 deposit due with application January 31, 2016
$2,000 due by February 27, 2026
Field school fees include:
- All accommodations after arrival in Tanzania until the scheduled departure date
- Virtually all meals are included – some lunches during travel days and at the start and end of the program will be the responsibility of the student
- Activity costs (entry admissions, safaris, local administration visitor fees, presenters’ fees)
- Ground transportation (e.g. bus, safari vehicles)
- Emergency contingency fund
Field school fees do not include:
- Tuition
- Airfare (to allow students flexibility in terms of travel plans)
- Other expenses: e.g. snacks, 3 or 4 lunches on travel days, entertainment, travel insurance (if you need coverage beyond your UVSS plan)
The field school fees have been subsidized by the Faculty of Social Sciences. There may be additional funding through scholarships and financial aid or the International Centre for Students.
Other requirements
Medical Requirements
While there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for Canadian citizens entering Tanzania, it is strongly recommended that all participants take health precautions seriously to ensure a safe and healthy experience. All participants should:
- Consult with a travel medicine clinic or healthcare provider at least 6-8 weeks before departure
- Obtain comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation
Visa Requirements
Canadian citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. Participants must:
- Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the travel dates
- Obtain a tourist visa (available online or upon arrival at the airport)
Detailed visa application procedures and assistance will be provided. Non-Canadian citizens should check visa requirements for their country of citizenship.