Dominica Field School 2022

Dominica_Field_School_Photosafe in nature logo

Description

Explore the ‘Nature Isle’ of the Caribbean, Dominica (pronounced ‘DOM-ih-NEE-kə’ and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). This interdisciplinary field school will focus on sustainable development with sub-themes that include climate resiliency, Indigenous culture, adventure travel, wellness, agro-business specifically tenants of entrepreneurship that links to the island’s value chain. Activities include learning Indigenous-inspired wellness practices, studying climate resilience building techniques, cooking classes, and interactive guest speakers with government as well as innovative, award-winning community leaders.

The country has been certified by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for its diligent protocol in managing the pandemic with regards to tourism and community relations. The accommodations in Dominica where we stay have been certified by the Dominica Safe in Nature Program which involves a comprehensive safety program in close partnership with the Ministry of Health in Dominica. This will allow our group to both be safe but also enable us to do all of the activities on the itinerary with the confidence we are protected, are being responsible to the host community, and yet still gaining optimal education value.

COVID-19 and International Education Programs

We are currently continuing to plan for spring 2022 semester travel opportunities but the ability to run these programs and have students participate will be dependent on the situation at the time of the program, decisions made by MRU regarding travel-related activities and on the travel advice, warnings and information provided by the Provincial and Federal Government.

The most up to date information on Mount Royal University’s response to COVID-19 can be found here.

Course

HPED 3711 - Field School B (formerly HPED 4711) 

Credits: 6

This course is designed to provide students with a learning experience outside of the traditional classroom setting. Students will travel nationally or internationally to a discipline-specific and relevant location related to their program of study. Students will apply theoretical principles learned throughout the program. A major project (typically research-based) will be completed while on location or data collection will occur throughout the experience. Please note that additional fees (travel, accommodation, sustenance, program fees) will apply outside of the standard tuition.

This course can fulfill requirements under GNED Cluster 3 - Tier 3

Interested students should confirm their ability to use the course for credits with their academic advisor prior to joining the field school.

Program Dates

Program dates: May 5-29, 2022

Pre-departure Classroom Sessions May 1-3, 2022

Information Sessions

For more information, please attend a scheduled information session:

Wednesday, November 17 noon U241 or Join Virtually  meet.google.com/gmx-sxvy-pcs

 

If you are unable to attend or if you would like more information please contact Laura Ell (lell@mtroyal.ca) or Joe Pavelka (jpavelka@mtroyal.ca).

Application Process

Before applying for a field school, students should ensure they have familiarized themselves with the general field school requirements and policies.

To, apply for the Dominica field school, submit the following by the application deadline:

  • Field School Application Form (with all requested supporting documents attached in PDF format);
  • A two-page document including:
    1. One-page Letter of intent explaining
      1. Why you would like to be part of the Dominica field school;
      2. How you believe it will enhance your education and career goals;
      3. Past experience you have had with travel and/or adjusting to challenging, uncomfortable situations.
    2. One-Page Payment Strategy
      1. Outlining how you intend to meet the financial commitment of participating in the field school.

Note: The supporting documents outlined above as well as those outlined on the Field School Application form itself must all be attached to the application form as PDFs at time of submission in order for your application to be considered complete.

Application Deadline

Completed applications are due by November 30, 2021 at 4 pm.

Applications should be submitted online as per the process outlined above.

Successful applicants will be notified by December 6, 2021 and will need to pay the initial deposit of $1100 by December 10, 2021  in order to confirm their spot in the program. Failure to make the initial deposit by this deadline will result in the spot being given to another student.

Program Costs

Dominica Field School Program Fees - $4,289.00

The Dominica Field School Program Fees include:

  • Local ground transportation in Dominica;
  • Accommodations;
  • All course-related programming, excursions, tours, visits and activities;
  • Group meals;
  • Contingency fees;
  • Faculty Expenses & MRU administration fees.

Program fees are payable according to the payment deadlines outlined in the following table. Instructions on paying program fees will be provided to participants at time of acceptance.

1st deposit* $1100 December 10, 2021
2nd deposit $1595 February 4, 2022
3rd deposit $1594 March 18, 2022

*Initial program deposit is non-refundable and secures the participant's place in the program. Possibility of refund of subsequent deposits due to withdrawal from the program will be assessed and determined at the time of withdrawal according to the field school refund policy.

Program fees do not include course tuition or additional student expenses (see below).

MRU Tuition & General Fees

MRU tuition and fees for HPED 3711-“Field School B” are in addition to the program fees and will be assessed to each student's account in April, 2022. They are payable to MRU by the spring 2022 fee payment deadline.

Additional Student Expenses

Students are responsible for all additional expenses not included in the program fees such as: Airfare, trip cancellation & interruption insurance, out of country travel health & medical insurance, flying days meals, incidentals, immunizations and testing (if required), passport, personal spending and emergency funds.

Estimates of additional student costs are available at the Information Session(s) and from the instructors or International Education.

Financial Assistance

Dominica field school participants will receive a $1,000 grant from the MRU International Mobility Award to use towards the costs associated with the field school. Further information about this, other grants and student loan funding for field schools can be found here.

Contact Information

Laura Ell (lell@mtroyal.ca) 

Joe Pavelka (jpavelka@mtroyal.ca) 

Trinda Guillet - International Education (tguillet@mtroyal.ca)