Field Schools

Why a field school and what is it?

• Are you a first-time traveler who wants to see the world but can't take the solo leap just yet?
• Do you work full-time or have family commitments that can't take you away for an extended period of time?
• Have you missed your chance for a full term abroad and want to graduate with the opportunity to internationalize your degree?

If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then a short-term program like a field school might be right for you! A field school is an immersive 10-day to five-week global adventure with a group of fellow students led by CapU instructors.

You get to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world challenges while earning up to six credits (two courses) toward your diploma or degree.

Who can participate in a field school?

Field schools are open to CapU students across all programs as well as CapU staff, faculty, and alumni. Start planning your field school adventure in your first year to go abroad in your second, third, or fourth year of diploma or degree studies. You will meet the minimum eligibility criteria if you:

• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.67 and are in good academic standing;
• Are enrolled as a full-time diploma or degree student (9 credits) at CapU;
• Have completed a minimum of 30 credits before departure;
• Plan to return for at least one major semester (fall or spring) as a full-time student; and
• Have a passport that is valid for international travel six months past your return date.

Where can you go?

Destinations vary from year to year. CapU has offered field schools in countries such as the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Hungary. Field schools for an upcoming academic year are usually announced six months to a year before they take place.

Join one of our weekly information sessions to learn more about the itinerary, academic courses, learning outcomes, and fees and to meet field school instructors.

Vietnam Field School 2023

The field school has been successfully completed. See below for details to give you a general idea of future field school in Vietnam and other destinations.

Dates and locations

• On-campus classes: January 4 — April 21, 2023
• On the road (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Pù Luông Nature Reserve, and Sapa – Vietnam): April 28 — May 8, 2023.

Field school leaders and courses

Field school leaders: Chris Carnovale and Greg Gjerdalen

TOUR 306 — Directed Study in Tourism II (3 credits)
TOUR 331 — Regional Topics in Tourism (3 credits) 

This was a cross-term course that spanned both spring and summer terms. Upon successful completion of the field school, students received course credits at the end of summer term.

The Vietnam Field School 2023 was a uniquely designed experience that took students behind-the-scenes of Vietnam's tourism industry across its dynamic urban centres and hill-tribe villages.

This two-week journey immersed students in community-based, sustainable tourism projects, living and partnering with ethnic minority homestay owners in hill-tribe villages of the Sapa region as well as experiencing Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Pù Luông Nature Reserve and more!

Cost and funding

The cost for Vietnam Field School 2023 was $3,900, which covered return international airfare, double occupancy accommodations, airport transfer at destination, in-country transportation, industry and cultural visits, program field trips and excursions and most meals.

The program fee did not include tuition fees, upper level surcharge for tuition, passport fees, entry visas, meals other than those specified in the itinerary, travel to and from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), transportation expenses other than those indicated on the itinerary or other personal expenses.

Important: Scholarships and awards are available for upcoming field schools, including the new Global Skills Opportunity scholarship, aimed to support Indigenous students, students with disability and low income students. Ask about this and other scholarships by contacting studyabroad@capilanou.ca.

How to apply

1. Apply online
   Complete the Field School Application Form. There is no application fee. We require a minimum number of applications to proceed with the field school.
2. Complete an interview
   Following your online application, you will be invited to an interview. The interview will be conducted by the field school leaders.
3. Receive a letter of acceptance
   If you are a successful candidate, we will email you a letter of acceptance outlining the next steps.
4. Register for field school courses
   You will be required to register for your field school courses during the standard online course registration period.
5. Pay a non-refundable deposit
   Once you have registered for your field school courses, you will be required to confirm your commitment to the field school program by paying a non-refundable deposit, which is applied towards your total field school cost.
   
   You can make this deposit payment directly to CapU’s Student Financial Accounts or through your myCapU account.