[KPU] Amazon Interdisciplinary Field School 2023

Colombia , South America Past Program Architecture and Design Earth Sciences Environmental studies and Forestry Interdisciplinary

Recommended Credits: 6
Program Website: https://www.kpu.ca/studyabroad/field-schools/amazon-2023

Duration of Program:

  1. Pre-departure classes:  January– April, 2023* 
  2. Travel/Experiential: 2 weeks May 5– May 18, 2023* 
  3. ​Reflection & Dissemination: TBD  
    *Exact days/times for classes are TBD. 

Program Highlights and Travel Dates

Visit Colombia's Amazon Rainforest and experience its rich biological and cultural diversity. After a cultural tour of Bogota, you will travel south to the Calanoa Natural Reserve where you will engage in creative activities, trek and canoe into the forest, and learn indigenous knowledge from local guides and shamans. This 6-credit course and field school uses an interdisciplinary approach to explore themes of sustainability, conservation, community development, and indigenous perspectives.

Highlights

  • Learn about Colombia's history, culture, and current issues from local experts.
  • Visit Bogota's museums, local markets, gardens, historical and iconic architectural sites, and more.
  • Trek through the tropical rainforest and boat down the Amazon River.
  • Search for river dolphins by the Peruvian shore.
  • Tour indigenous villages and meet with shamans, local artisans, and master craftpeople.
  • Engage in creative workshops including pottery making, drawing, photography, and so much more.

Destination
Bogota and Leticia, Colombia (Amazonas)

Itinerary

Date

Details

Location

January - April, 2023

Classes at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

May 5, 2023

Arriving in Bogota, Colombia Bogota, Colombia

May 18, 2023

Depart for Vancouver or continue your travels

Vancouver

Classes Offered and Pre-requisites

DESN 3000 or ARTS 3000 Interdisciplinary Amazon Field School (6-credits)

Classes begin in January and and are co-taught by Design and Arts faculty. To enhance their experience in Colombia, students are encouraged to take introductory Spanish in the Spring term.  Exact day/time for classes and the pre-departure classes are TBD.

Pre-requisites
30 credits of 1100-level courses or higher, or with permission from field school instructors.
Students must be nineteen years or older at the start of the course.

Application Details and Deadlines

Thursday, December 1, 2022
Application Steps
You can apply to join the Field School following 3 easy steps: 
STEP 1: Read through the details of the field school HERE.
STEP 2: Fill out and submit your completed application online.
STEP 3: Pay your $500 deposit towards your program fees for the field school by December 16, 2022.

Application from Outside KPU

Applications from college and university students outside of KPU are encouraged and will be accepted and considered based on seat availability and compliance with pre-requisites. To arrange your application if you are study outside of KPU, please Email internationalprograms@kpu.ca with details of:

  1. where you are studying
  2. your program
  3. your expected number of credits completed by Spring 2023,
  4. A phone number you can be reached at.

Contact Information

KPU International:
Shanell Wong
Study Abroad Coordinator
internationalprograms@kpu.ca
604.599.2572

Faculty Leaders:
Lucie Gagné
Interior Design, Wilson School of Design
Lucie.gagne@kpu.ca

Marlis Joller
Interior Design, Wilson School of Design
marlis.joller@kpu.ca