Field Schools

The Department of Anthropology regularly provides students an opportunity for study abroad as a 9-credit field school. The courses (all upper-level) offered depend on the location and the faculty member coordinating and overseeing the curriculum, who brings their particular expertise to the program (such as, language skills and research interest). Field schools typically are scheduled during May-June and last from four to six weeks. Some course work occurs prior to departure.

If funding your education abroad is a concern, consider some options identified by International Education. Depending on eligibility, you may be able to apply for a loan from StudentAid BC.

A two-week field school into the BC Interior is being planned for the last two weeks of June 2012. Students will meet before and after the actual travel portion of the field school (map of proposed travel). Instructors for this 9-credit field school (ANTH 325H, ANTH 390, and GEOG 488) are Drs. Lynette Harper, Imogene Lim, and Pam Shaw. Information sessions will be scheduled in January 2012. Please contact Dr. Imogene Lim to express your interest and for further information. Applications are due February 17, 2012, 4:00pm; click here for a pdf-copy.

A five-week field school to Tanzania. Students will receive 9-credits (ANTH 315, ANTH 325C, and ANTH 490, or another upper-level course based on the expertise of the accompanying faculty member). Activities include: visits to museums and markets, language training in Zanzibar (and homestay), experiencing village life, and a 4-day safari (Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, & Olduvai). If there is sufficient interest, one will be considered for May-June 2013. For planning purposes, a decision will be made by the end of October whether one will run that year. Please contact Dr. Imogene Lim to express your interest and for further information.

Field schools are administered by VIU's Education Abroad Office. For general information, contact Audrey Hansen, Study Abroad Manager, educationabroad@viu.ca.