Student quotes
Here are excerpts from what our Winter 2008 participants had to say about the Canadian Field Studies in Africa / Africa Field Study Semester program.
I learned so much more than I expected (especially things out of my areas of interest) and I experienced things that I will never be able to experience again
Arisa Safu, McGill, Animal Biology
You will learn more about the world you live in, other people and yourself than you can imagine. Ask questions, think and keep your eyes open the entire time and remember that the most rewarding part of the program will be the people and places not the grades and credits
Adam Matheson, McGill, Environment/IDS
The sacrifices you may have to make in order to get to East Africa are worth it! You will never think of education or East Africa in the same way again.
Jamie Lundine, McGill, Geography and African Studies
I have learned more that I thought was even possible and have developed academic interests that will shape my future in academia. It's been incredible, and certainly one of the best things I have done. It has shaped the direction of my future in academia and probably in life as well.
Mel Gabanna, McGill, Psychology and Envrionment
Don't even hesitate to come on the program. You'll take away your own personal experience that you can never get in a normal classroom. By far the best eduactional experience you can get!
Niloufar Bayani, McGill,Biology
If you are hesitating, don't - take part in this program and you will not regret it! You will see and experience things you've only imagined, not to mention things you haven't. When the program is over, you won't believe it. I cannot begin to express how much this experience has added to my undergrad, academically and otherwise. I have seen and learned about things I never would have thought of in Canada. The amount that CFSIA has broadened my education is incredible.
Kim Sancton, McGill, Psychology
The field study semester has completely reformed my way of approaching, questioning and challenging problems. I feel like I may have finally grown up over the past 10 weeks.
Magda Price, Guelph, Biomedical Sciences
At the end of the program you will not be the same. This program has given me a good idea of how research in the field is conducted, a general idea of how field researchers live and what life doing academic research entails.
Dan Hoops, McGill, Biology
DO IT! It is the most unique, interesting and eye opening educational experience you could have as much as an undergrad. By actually seeing, talking to and living with the people here you learn more in an one hour conversation with someone that you might in an entire class at McGill. If I hadn't participated in this field study semester my undergrad degree would have been incomplete.
Whitney McWade, McGill, IDS
You will never learn as much as you will learn during the program from the courses, the people of Africa and/or in the group. I have read comments about this in previous year comments, but I never knew to what extent. Don't worry if you feel like your program isn't relevant to this course - it is relevant to anyone; valuable and beneficial!
Dana Strohl, McGill, Elementary Education
Because of this experience, my personal ambitions and aspirations have reached a new level I had never considered before. This experience challenged me in the most wonderful way.
Laura Bowie, Bishops, Environmental Studies
Prepare to be pushed to your limits in the most amazing and wonderful way academically, intellectually and emotionally. You will meet the most amazing people local and fellow students. You will learn all the time and will start to see Africa, the world and yourself diffferently forever.
Laura O'Shaughnessy-Hunter, Queen's, Biology
Imagine a lecture hall with no walls, no seats, no powerpoint but with a prof laughing with you at dinner, a textbook that is alive all around you, and your notes are a journal worth a lifetime. It all happens in Africa and it will no doubt change your life.
Gaelan Love, McGill, Geography, Economics, Management
Excellent introduction to the region - the courses provided great context for new experiences, and raised issue I may not have otherwise noticed, challenging students to explore complex realities from many perspectives.
Yolanda Weima, McGill, Anthropology
This program forces you to reevaluate yourself and how you perceive your surrounding environment. It provides you with a unique opportunity to absorb new knowledge in an unfamiliar and engaging setting.
Anthony Buccitelli, McGill, IDS and African Studies