Application deadline for January 2025 departure: May 15th 2024

Read this first!

We are currently developing the 2025 MEAFSS departure with visits to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. In order to keep our expeditions safe, travel advisories relating to health or political situations are always assessed pre-departure. Change in the itinerary is possible.

The program is capped at 38 students. Only current undergraduate students can participate in the program. Selection to the program is based on academic performance and character references. Students must be able and willing to work within groups. Selection may also reflect the program's goal of having a balanced interdisciplinary student body. 

 


How to apply: please follow all the steps indicated below

For McGill students

If you are currently registered as a McGill student, include all of the required components listed below with your McGill East Africa Field Study Semester application:

  1. Submit the following documents for your MEAFSS application:
    McGill East Africa Field Study Semester application
     
  2. Send the documents below in separate PDF documents by email to: ifso.science [at] mcgill.ca
    One reference letter (see Note #1 below)- PDF format only
    One letter of intent (see Note #2 below), maximum two pages - PDF format only
    • C.V. (French or English) - PDF format only
    • Official or copy of your transcript - PDF format only

For Non-McGill students

If you are a Non-McGill student, you must apply for admission to the University. You must be registered in a degree program at your home university and have completed at least two semesters of study. Follow all the required steps and submit all the supporting documents.

  1. Submit the following documents for your MEAFSS application:
    McGill East Africa Field Study Semester application
     
  2. Send the documents below in separate PDF documents by email to: ifso.science [at] mcgill.ca
    One reference letter (see Note #1 below)- PDF format only
    One letter of intent (see Note #2 below), maximum two pages - PDF format only
    • C.V. (French or English) - PDF format only
    • Official or copy of your transcript - PDF format only
    • Copy of your letter of permission (see Note #3 below) - PDF format only
     
  3.  Application to McGill
    You will need to apply to McGill following your acceptance to the McGill East Africa Field Study Semester. Please note that you will need to pay the program fee, and the Quebec/Canadian or International tuition according to your profile. Detailed instructions will be sent to you via email.

Notes

  1. Reference letter: This is intended to reflect not simply your academic ability, which we can largely deduce from your transcript, but also your referee's assessment of your suitability for a program that requires you to live in close proximity with other students, in isolated and sometimes difficult conditions, over an extended period of time. The reference letter may be from personal, academic, or professional sources. Letters must be signed and must come directly from the referee's valid email address. Letters from friends and family members are not recommended.
  2. Letter of intent: The letter of intent should include a description of any experience relevant to ‘field skills’. Such experiences may include: camping, leadership, travel, group living, outdoor sports, scouting, participation in camps, etc. These can be in the form of work, leisure or hobby pursuits. The letter should also include a description of how the program would contribute to your education and career aspirations.
  3. Letter of permission: You will require a letter of permission from your educational institution to participate in the McGill East Africa Field Study Semester (only for non-McGill students).

 

Back to top