New to spring 2026
This immersive 11-day field course explores the dynamic intersections between climate change, environmental transformations, and sustainability through the diverse landscapes and communities of Ireland.
Course requirements
Please note that this course requires students to submit an application. The best candidates for the course must:
- be an undergraduate student enrolled at the University of Waterloo in the Faculty of Environment during the Spring 2026 term.
- be available for all field components.
- be well-organized and confident in managing condensed coursework over the duration of eleven days.
- be responsible for own travel costs.
Course schedule
This is a condensed course during the Spring 2026 term from Sunday, April 26, 2026 - Wednesday, May 6, 2026, inclusive. Field course activities will be conducted in Cork and Dublin.
- Days 1–8 of the field course will take place in Cork City.
- Days 9–11 of the field course will take place Dublin.
Application details and timelines
Students interested in participating in this field course are required to submit an application by November 16, 2025. Selected applicants can expect to receive invitations to participate in the field course in December 2025. Students who are chosen to participate in the field course will be required to submit a $500 deposit in January 2026 to secure their spot in the course.
Travel costs
This course requires students to be responsible for their own travel expenses. This course has a fee of approximately $2,500 (includes lodging, transportation, attractions, and some meals). These fees do not include air fare to and from Ireland (see flight details below).
Flight details
Students will be required to purchase their own air fare to and from Ireland. Flights must be arriving in Ireland by April 26, 2026. Students should not purchase flights unless they are successfully accepted and enrolled in the course.
Meet the instructor
Prof. Christine Barbeau
Associate Professor, Teaching Stream & Associate Dean, Teaching
School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability
EV2-2009
cbarbeau@uwaterloo.ca
Meet the instructor
Prof. Erin O'Connell
Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, and Associate Chair, Undergraduate
Department of Geography and Environmental Management
EV1-331
erin.oconnell@uwaterloo.ca
Interested in this course? Here's your next steps:
- Ensure you meet all course requirements.
- Submit an application by November 16, 2025.
- Contact Rochelle DeSouza with any questions about the application.
In the meantime, if you have more questions about the course, please don’t hesitate to contact the instructors, Profs. Christine Barbeau and Erin O'Connell.