Agroecology Field School

Belize 2025 poster

When and Where

The field school runs from February 15th-22nd, 2025, with campus-based class sessions throughout the spring 2025 semester.

Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education

 

How to Apply 

Applications are OPEN. Applications are due by Wednesday, July 31st, 2024. (Note: early applications are looked upon favourably).

*Application form here.

*Application waivers here.

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

 

Program Overview 

Are you looking to participate in an international field school that explores the intricate connections between food, culture, and the environment? The Agroecology Field School involves a week-long immersion on diverse cacao farms in Belize where students will explore sustainability challenges underpinning today’s global food systems. The field school runs from February 15th-22nd, 2025, with campus-based class sessions throughout the spring 2025 semester.

See the Complete Information Sheet for more details. 

 

Eligibility

We expect many more applicants than the ~12 positions available.  Accordingly, we list the following eligibility information:

  • Students must have third or fourth year standing.
  • This field school is designed primarily as a capstone experience for senior undergraduate students who are interested in learning about how sustainability is applied in practice. The selection committee will consider applicants based on a variety of factors, including prior courses, engagement in student life, and work experience.
  • This field school includes an immersive experience in a remote area of tropical rainforest in Belize and will involve outdoor activities that will at times be physically demanding, such as hiking, camping, hot weather, and exposure to insects. Applicants must be aware of these conditions and mention if they have any accessibility needs that may affect their ability to participate in these activities.
  • Finally, we ask applicants to answer several questions, which allows us to assess the fit of each applicant and what they could contribute to the learning and community-engaged experience.

 

Application Requirements

Please see the Application Form for all application instructions and requirements. Applications are due by Wednesday, July 31st, 2024. (Note: early applications are looked upon favourably).

If you have any further questions after reading this information sheet, please email geography@uvic.ca or carodenuto@uvic.ca.  

 

Fees and Financial Support 

 

Fees:

For field schools, students pay regular UVic tuition plus field school fees (see below).

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 (cheque only). DO NOT MAIL CASH.

Field school fees:

  • $350 deposit due with application
  • $1500 due by December 12, 2024

Field school fees include:                      

  • Dorm-stye accommodation for the duration of the field school
  • Meals for the duration of the field school
  • Transportation between locations
  • Activity costs (entry admissions, local facilitators and guides, park entry fees)
  • Compensation (and travel expenses) for guest lecturers and knowledge holders

Field school fees do not include:

  • Tuition
  • Airfare to and from Belize International Airport (BZE)
  • Travel insurance
  • Other expenses such as any personal gear (e.g. hiking shoes) required for the course.

 

Financial Support 

This field school has been directly subsidized by the Department of Geography. No application is necessary to receive this support, as it has already been built into the field school fees.

Students are encouraged to explore other funding opportunities for example through Funding opportunities - International experiences - UVic