15-credit Barbados Field Study Semester (BFSS)
September - December
Holetown, Barbados
The BFSS is an international, hands-on, in-the-field experience directed at students having an interest in global issues related to natural resource use as affected by socio-economic, management, urban and physical constraints. This program challenges students to be more effective environmental decision makers, policy makers and urban planners. There is a growing need for international professionals with such skills at all levels of government, within NGOs, and in the private sector. The overall goal of the program is to equip future leaders with background, concepts and skills necessary for addressing global and environmental issues in the development and implementation of strategies for sustainable use of resources; water resources is an emphasis.
DUE TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 PANDEMIC THE BFSS PROGRAM IS ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Prerequisites
The program is open to undergraduate students (primarily in their second or third year of study) in all faculties as well as graduate students in the School of Urban Planning.
A GPA of 3.0 and higher is recommended.
Required courses (15 credits)
Offered in the Fall Semester only
URBP 520 (3 cr.)
Globalization: Issues of Change
Complexity associated with economic, technological and social issues compatible with sustainable development of resource. Students will explore issues of economic, technological, and social change related to the increasing importance of globalization in the Caribbean generally, and Barbados specifically. This course will focus on aspects of cultural distinctiveness that require a broadening of perspectives and world views on the part of students.
AGRI 452 or CIVE 452 (3 cr.)
Water Resources in Barbados
Students will advance their understanding and practical skills in identifying and resolving environmental challenges related to water resource management in the socio-economic reality of Barbados. Private, government and NGO institutional context of conservation strategies, and water quantity and quality analyses for water management specific to Barbados.
URBP 507 (3 cr.)
Planning and Infrastructure
An exploration of the interrelationship between land-use planning and infrastructure provision, especially water and sewerage; an examination of their policy and regulatory frameworks; and examination of the methodology of plan making and evaluation.
AGRI 519 or CIVE 519 or URBP 508 (6 cr.)
Sustainable Development Plans
This is an internship geared to solving real-world environmental problems related to water at the local, regional and international scale in Barbados. The program director helps students develop working mandates in consultation with university, government and NGO partners. Each Monday and Tuesday, students will work directly with a designated host institution in Barbados.
Schedule
Students stay for 15 weeks at McGill's Bellairs Research Institute, Holetown, Barbados. Field trips and invited lectures will be integrated into each of the courses offered. Wednesday to Friday is used for course lectures and field trips. Mondays and Tuesdays are used for Internships.
Available Financial Assistance
Full-time undergraduate students already receiving need-based aid from a government student financial assistance program and/or McGill's Bursary & Loan Program, may qualify for a bursary; for more information: www.mcgill.ca/studentaid/other-funding/eeo