Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies

Students gathered around during the Barbados Interdisciplinary Field Studies session

Discover Barbados and the BITS program

15-Credit Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies

The Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies (BITS) program is located at McGill's Caribbean campus, the Bellairs Research Institute. This is Canada's only teaching and research facility in the tropics. It is located in Holetown, Barbados, and plays host to students and scientists from around the world for field courses. McGill’s partners in BITS are the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and the National Conservation Commission (NCC) of Barbados. UWI professors and students interact with BITS participants in several courses. Our partners are important to the success and the sustainability of this program; the BITS projects are selected with their help and supervised by UWI and McGill staff.

This summer program is an activity-filled, hands-on study experience for students with an interest in international studies with a Caribbean flavour. It exposes students to a wide range of agri-food-energy industries and related socio-economic issues in Barbados. Intensive course work is integrated with group project work and contributes to the formation of professionals with planning, managing, decision-making, and communication skills. The program addresses a global need for experienced international professionals capable of interacting with various levels of government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

Program prerequisites: A CGPA of 2.5 or higher is recommended.

The BITS program is open for Summer 2023.

**For the May 2023 departure, McGill students in a degree program who are selected for the program will automatically receive a $4,000 award to help defray the cost**

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