Ahousaht Field School

Get hands-on experience with biogeographical field techniques (Photo by Sarah Coulter)

The Ahousaht Field School is based within the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Photo by Sarah Coulter)

Students walk the Wild Side Trail on Flores Island (Photo by Shannon Fargey)

Ahousaht Field School students, 2019 (Photo by Sarah Coulter)

Collecting data on tidal and freshwater interactions near Kutcous Creek on Flores Island (Photo by Shannon Fargey)

Please note: At this time, this field program has been discontinued. It may return in future in a different format. Information will be provided as soon as it is available.

When and Where

2019 Field School: April 29th - May 6th (course 1) & May 7th - 14th (course 2)

Places visited: Ahousaht, Flores Island (Canada)

How to Apply

Apply in: Spring term

Applications are now closed for 2019. Stay tuned for future offerings!

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

Program Overview

For a full program description, see the Information Sheet.

Are you interested in immersing yourself in an intensive, experiential, field-based field school on beautiful Flores Island? The Ahousaht Field School (formerly the Coastal Field School) is based in Ahousaht, within the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

Eligibility:

  • Students must have third or fourth year standing;
  • This field school is designed primarily as a capstone experience for senior students, but we will consider other applicants based on a variety of factors, including course, life, and work experience;
  • This field school is primarily outdoors, and will be be physically demanding. Applicants must mention if they have any accessibility needs that may affect their ability to participate in these activities;
  • Finally, we ask applicants to answer questions, which allows us to assess the fit of each applicant and what they could contribute to the learning and community-engaged experience.

Courses

Each course is worth 1.5 credits. Successful applicants will be registered in the courses by the Department of Geography (students will not register themselves). Please note: preference will be given to students applying for both courses.

  1. Geog 474 – Field Methods in Biogeography
  2. Geog 491 – Whale Geography

Field School Fees

For field schools, students pay regular UVic tuition plus field school fees.

Fees can be paid by cheque, money order, counter cheque, or cash ONLY. Cheques should be made payable to David Duffus. Payment can be dropped off at the Geography main office (David Turpin Building, room B203) or mailed (cheques only).

Field school fees*:

  • $400 paid at time of acceptance
  • $400 paid by April 1st (if taking both courses)

*All field school fees are subject to change between program offerings. 

Field school fees include:

  • All room & board for the duration of the program

Field school fees do not include:

  • Tuition
  • Transportation to and from Ahousaht
  • Other expenses such as any personal gear (e.g., hiking shoes) required for the course.

Financial Support

The Faculty of Social Sciences is currently revamping their field school funding structure. More information coming soon!