Here are excerpts from what our Winter 2007 participants had to say about the Canadian Field Studies in Africa / Africa Field Study Semester program.
I have learned so much that I could never learn in a classroom and my hope is to bring awareness to others and change any misconceptions people might have of this amazing continent. It is amazing honor to represent your university.
This course made me appreciate that I don't need to be told things, I can seek info and learn new things everyday.
Allison Wood, Dalhousie, Biology
You are safe and secure, yet, are exposed to so many issues, cultures and situations that you will never forget ant that you may never be able to explain to anyone else again but is by far the most amazing experience of my life. I would never be able to learn about on a Canadian university campus. I have such a new view of subjects outside of my usual science realm which I know will contribute to all my future learning experiences.
Elyse Curley, UBC, Environmental Sciences
I learned how to make the most out of my education. It also opened my eyes, allowing me to gain a better understanding of the world. This semester was the most valuable learning experience of my undergrad studies. It made me realize that I can do anything I set my mind to.
Leah Winter, Queen's, Science-Biology
Be prepared to be bombarded. To not know what to think, how you feel. To challenge your perceptions of the world and your role in it. It has been an invaluable experience to me academically - especially the research component and encouragement from Profs and staff.
Aurora Diana Prelevic, McGill, Arts
Studying here has been incredible. Nonetheless, all the people and organizations linked to CFSIA make it an enriching and overwhelmingly positive experience. Just be ready, as a student to challenge and fight the confines of the system.
Chris Deyholos, McGill, MSE, African Studies
This program will challenge every assumption you have about yourself and the direction your life will take. Participating in this field study will be the best academic decision of your life. I now have the contacts, experiences and skills in Africa to build a career that is meaningful to me and the larger global community.
Jennie Glassco, McGill, International Development Studies
This program is beyond compare. I realized how much there is worth knowing.
Carson Grant, Guelph, Biology
No other experience can compare to how much this program has given me. There is no question I will return and this program has opened so many opportunities to do so. The field study semester put into perspective the whole of my undergrad education. What I learn in classrooms at university in Canada is definitely important, but using it and applying is equally as important, if not more. The field semester allowed me to expand my knowledge into the practical realm, which will assist me in any further studies I pursue.
Kendra LaFleche, University of Alberta, Human Geography and Political Science
This program would better be described as a journey, a transition, which will expand your understanding and realm of possibilities at the end, you stand back and realize you are only beginning again as a student endowed with a more crticial mind, and a human with a hidden perspective of the world- both natural and cultural.
One word: Profound - and I can predict this before I go on to more education and career, which exemplifies the extent of the program. The images, ideas and people will not be forgotten. I feel invigorated to press on with my university career, seeing how I can use it in the developing world.
Jane Hilderman, Queen's, Political Science
I have honestly learned as much if not more in the past 2.5 months that I have in the rest of my university career. My field experience and research project gave me the topic of my honours thesis for my fourth year and I have no doubt CFSIA will influence my choices after school and call me back to Africa.
Gemma Boag, Queen's, Development and Political Studies
This program provides an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the East African culture and environment. It can change your life. The most valuable experience of my undergrad career. I could not have learnt all that I did in any other way.
Ellyn Braun, Guelph, Psychology
Go for it! It's an unreal experience and an incredible opportunity to interact with a landscape that few would have the initiative and connections to do themselves. The best educational experiences of my undergrad education. The first time I actually feel like I've taken in something and understood its significance. The first time I've been excited to do something related to school. It's the first time I've been passionate about learning and fully realized its value.
Bennett Arsenault, McGill, Geography
There weren't enough adjectives in the world to explain the feelings this program will give you. Without this experience my degree would only be a sheet of paper in a frame. Now it represents an education.
Dave Shirohy, McGill, African Studies, Political Science
It has changed the way I look at learning, at Africa and at life as a whole. It has taught me how to ask questions, how to listen and how to observe the world around me. I can't wait to bring this experience to my other classes. It has also made me sure that I want to attend gard school.
Sara Tiffany, UBC, Geography and Anthropology
Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your life. You will change. It will happen. And you'll love every second of it. School takes a whole new meaning. I didn't feel passionate about school until I came here. I want to do this every year.
Jesse Jenkinson, McGill, African Studies and International Development Studies
Be ready to live the most unique academic experience of your entire life. You will learn things by yourself instead of being told what you have to learn. Jump in!
François Marziali, McGill, Wildlife Biology
Every problem in the real world has human lives tied to it in some way, and that fact is lost in translation from the real world to the classroom. CFSIA reiterated this fact.
Alec Milne, McGill, History
You think you are aware of the issues affecting East Africa, but you will come back with a completely new perception and appreciation of the people and their situation. It is an invaluable experience. Possibly the most eye opening and thought provoking experience.
Elizabeth Russell, Queen's, Biology, French
If you dream of going to Africa, expanding your knowledge of the world, being immersed in foreign culture, while also learning more about yourself and making life long friendships, then this is the trip for you. CFSIA is a safe, structured way to see parts of East Africa and interact with local communities the beaten track from conventional tourist opportunities. It is a wonderful starting point and means of networking for anyone interested in pursuing a career related to sustainable development. This experience was the highlight of my undergraduate education, and tied everything that I have learned in my academic career together with hands on experience.
Rachel Steed, McGill, International Development Studies
It's really easy to forget why you're taking the courses you are, but a field semester such as this one really brough me back to basics and helped me to realize my passions.
Alex Durand, Dalhousie, Biology
The education you receive through classes is superb, but the education you get from being here and watching, touching, listening cannot be measured and you take away a new and better understanding from this program.
Rosie Ashton, McGill, B.A.Sc. Biology
There is no combination of words that could even begin to convey how amazing this program is. I've learned more in this trip than I had in entire other semesters in the classroom.
Alejandro del Peral, McGill, Wildlife Biology
I am proud I dit it. I challenged myself with self questioning about Africa during the entire trip and I think that I am now a better informed world citizen. I want to go back home and propagate the optimistic view I had from Africa. It was worth every single cent in pockets. JUMP!
Veronik Campbell, McGill, Wildlife Biiology
It helped me finding my way for my career and helped me find a goal to my life
Jihane Girald,McGill, B.Sc. Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation
I focused my interest. I learned what I think, what I like, and how to express myself.
Rachel Theoret Gosselin, McGill, Applied Zoology
Participating in McGill's CFSIA program has provided me every single day with opportunities to develop and learn such life lessons that have not only changed several of my views, not only open doors for fantastic culture opportunities, but have allowed me to further develop my personal sense of identity and what exactly is of importance in my life.
Adrienne Contasti, Dalhousie, Biology
To participate in this program is to learn and grow in the most surprising and unexpected ways: go into it with no expectations and come out with treasured life experiences. The experience can not be justly described, it must be lived. This would/will be the highlight of my undergrduate education both scholastically and personally. Something I will never forget.
Nickolas Cielinski, McGill, African Studies
Do it! You may not learn what you set out to learn. But what you will learn be the most valuable lesson of your life. GO! And find out what that may be! The most significant! This experience gave me true tools to question, learn and act.
Ross Patrick, McGill, Geography
