Outbound Opportunities

Program Description

This Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership focused field school gives participants the opportunity to understand ecotourism and outdoor leadership concepts and issues in an applied and experiential manner. Particular focus will be placed on identifying and understanding key differences between Canada and Norway as it pertains to the history, culture and operations of the outdoor industry and attitudes towards outdoor recreation. Opportunities for outdoor leadership skill refinement will be a key element of various out trips. Participation in outdoor pursuits and cultural activities is an important part of this field school.

Program Dates:

Program Departure Date: May 15, 2025

Program Conclusion Date: June 10, 2025

Participants must be available for in-person pre-departure classroom sessions and meetings at MRU during the weeks prior to departure. Class and meeting schedule will be determined after the group is formed.

Eligibility

Preference will be given to students in the Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership Program but this field school is open to all MRU students.

Course Credit

HPED 3711 - Field School B (6 credits)

Applicants should meet with their academic advisor prior to joining the program to ensure the course can be used towards completion of their program.

Information Sessions

To find out more, attend an information session on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 12 -1 pm in U241A, or contact instructor Ian Sherrington.

Application Deadline

Friday, November 22, 2024

Application Process

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

• A one-page letter of intent directed to instructor Ian Sherrington (isherrington@mtroyal.ca) indicating why you would like to be part of the field school and how you see this experience enriching your education and assisting you in your career path.

Letters will be reviewed within approximately one week and successful applicants will be notified. Upon notification of acceptance, participants must complete the following prior to November 22, 2024 in order to secure their spot in the field school:

• Complete the International Education Field School Application Form (with all requested supporting documents attached in PDF format);
• Pay the initial program fee deposit (see below).

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

Program Costs

Field school participants need to be able to cover all costs associated with participation in the program. Costs to consider include the Program Fees, MRU Tuition and Fees (6 credits) and additional student costs as outlined below.

Norway Field School Program Fees - $3,900.00

The Norway Field School Program Fees include:

• Accommodation in Norway;
• Some meals;
• Local transportation;
• Faculty expenses;
• MRU administration fee;
• Contingency fee;
• Activity/entrance fees and guides.

Program fees are payable online or in person at the Office of the Registrar (instructions will be provided to successful applicants), according to the payment deadlines outlined in the table below:

1st deposit*	November 22, 2024	$1000
2nd deposit	February 21, 2025	$1500
3rd deposit	March 31, 2025	$1400

*Initial program fee 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 & General Fees for HPED 3711 (6 credits) are in addition to the program fees and will be assessed to each student's account in April, 2025. They are payable to MRU by the spring 2025 fee payment deadline.

 

Additional Student Expenses

Students are responsible for additional expenses not included in the program fee such as return airfare to Norway, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, out of country travel health and medical insurance, food and drink, immunizations (if required), passport, travel essentials, personal spending, etc. Estimates of additional student costs are available from International Education or at the scheduled information session.

Financial Assistance

All participants will be eligible to receive a $1,500 grant from the MRU International Mobility Award to use towards the costs associated with the field school. Further information about this grant will be provided to successful program applicants.

Contact Information

Ian Sherrington (Instructor): isherrington@mtroyal.ca

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