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.