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Faculty and Student Involvement

There are many opportunities for VIU students and faculty to get involved with the project. There are volunteer oppportunities to build awareness about the project or participate through fundraising activities and other informational sessions. Students and faculty can also apply for the study tour that will take place in April of each year in Sunyani, Ghana. For more information on getting involved on campus and with fundraising activities please contact Rick Rollins (Rick.Rollins@viu.ca).

The Study Tour

Each year, teams of VIU Students and faculty will work with our partners in Sunyani to build capacity on the five main topic areas and to improve environmental education and reduce poverty.

Participants are expected to:

  • Participate in weekly pre trip planning sessions and fundraising activities, beginning in January, 2010, which deal with project organization, cultural orientation, and team building.
  • Participate in all group activities in Ghana.
  • On our return to Canada, participate in project awareness activities in Nanaimo.

The Location

Sunyani is located in central Ghana, where the climate is humid and tropical, and temperatures can reach the mid-thirties. Living conditions are safe, but very basic compared to what we are used to in Canada. English is commonly spoken although the predominant language is Twi. Ghanaians are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and we will be staying in Ghanaian homes for most of the project. Click here for more information on Sunyani

Dates

This year the study tour will take place approximately April 23 - May 26, 2010. In addition, there will be the opportunity for students to stay longer in the area and engage in extended project work. It is anticipated that these internships would go into July of 2010.

Cost

The basic cost of the program will be $3,300. This fee has been subsidized by CIDA, and includes:

  • Return airfare between Vancouver and Ghana
  • Ground travel in Ghana
  • All accommodation and food
  • Entry visa expenses
  • Course reader
  • Tuition for a 3 credit course (TRMT 391)
  • Support of other project activity (e.g. bringing Ghanaian students to Canada)

In addition, students will be required to pay:

  • Passports
  • Health insurance
  • Immunizations
  • Personal spending
  • Additional costs for optional internship (additional 8- 12 weeks in Ghana)

For internship students, the estimated cost is between $3,300 - $3,800

Tuition Fees and Course Credits

Tuition fees for this study tour are included in the cost and will be $360.00 (plus student tuition fees and activity fees) for a 3 credit course (TRMT 391), subject to possible fee increases in 2008. Eligible students may decide to extend their stay in Ghana and apply for internships and co-op work experiences for an additional 9 credits. On returning to Canada, students may enroll in a 3 credit directed studies course, related to the project.

Eligibility and Application Procedures

This study tour is available to any full time VIU Student. Up to eight students will be selected this year, and our hope is to include students from a variety of programs. Students must demonstrate interest in the project, willingness to work in a different culture in a remote location, and a commitment to working with a diverse group of individuals in a group project. To apply:

  • Attend an orientation session (early November 2009)
  • Submit a letter of application indicating how this experience will contribute to your personal growth and future career plans (2 pages maximum) by November 16, 2009. Submit by email to Rick Rollins (rollins@viu.ca).
  • With your letter of application include a brief resume (2-3 pages) highlighting relevant experiences (e.g. travel and work experience), education or training (e.g. courses in tourism, forestry, nursing, geography, global studies, anthropology, etc), as well as your availability for an interview on November 30, 2009.
  • Attend interviews scheduled for November 30, 2009.
  • Provide a completed application and make a non refundable deposit of $1000.00 by January 8, 2010.
  • Attend all planning sessions, to be held weekly beginning January, 2010.
  • Pay the remaining fees by March 1, 2010.