Beyond Borders: Field School in Ghana | Waterloo International

Have you ever wanted to learn more about global environmental challenges such as plastic pollution, water security, and climate change? Here's your chance! Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Ghana, West Africa, as you engage in sustainable practices through meaningful research.

During this 65-day program, you will participate in hands-on learning and cross-cultural collaboration as you explore these issues alongside peers from the University of Waterloo (UW), the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and Ashesi University (AU).

Why wait? Sign-up today!

Queen Elizabeth Scholarship

It is thanks to the funding provided by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship that we are able to offer this course to upper-year undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo.

For the past 25 years, the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship has been nurturing global citizens through enduring local and international community engagement. New generations of enterprising leaders continue to be provided with opportunities to enrich themselves in academic, professional, and cross-cultural experiences, leaving them poised to tackle the world's toughest environmental challenges. Countless partnerships between universities across the globe have also continued to form through the support of this scholarship. Learn more by visiting the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship website.

Broadening Perspectives Through Experiential Learning

Throughout this program, you will explore the interconnected issues of plastic pollution in coastal communities, climate change drivers, and resilience-building efforts, using an inclusive and culturally sensitive approach. You will do that by engaging in hands-on experiences such as visits to coastal fishing communities, meetings with local stakeholders, and microplastics analysis in labs, as well as participate in a Dragons Den style challenge on environmental innovation.

As you collaborate with peers from the UCC and AU, and work with Ghanaian organizations, you will be encouraged to immerse yourself in unique cultures, expand your worldview, and develop intercultural competence. There will also be opportunities to network with fellow students and industry partners. By the end you will have been able to enhance your communication, adaptability, problem-solving, cultural intelligence, and leadership skills, all of which are essential for a globalized world.

Why Ghana, West Africa?

Ghana is a diverse and vibrant destination. From the beautiful beaches of Cape Coast to the scenic hills of Berekuso, there is an abundance of natural beauty to explore. The country also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with traditional festivals, historical landmarks, and lively markets offering a unique cultural experience. Ghana's welcoming people and delicious cuisine will further enhance your adventure, as well.

Additionally, Ghana is committed to addressing climate change through a number of innovative means, from overseeing climate-smart agricultural practices to encouraging local organizations to engage in sustainable solutions. It is not only a place to experience adventure and culture, but also to gain environmental awareness, culminating in a a truly memorable experience.

How will this project impact local and global communities?

By working closely with experts from UCC and AU, you will explore the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and climate change on fishing communities. Those collaborative efforts will lead to a deeper understanding of the needs and wellbeing of Ghanian communities, as well as generate and share valuable knowledge and best practices.

Additional information

How does this program benefit me?

In addition to engaging in hands-on experiences and collaborative projects with local institutions to tackle real world problems and create lasting change, you will also earn 2.0 credits (ENVS 476C for 1.50 units and SCI 300 for 0.50 units) which is equivalent to 4 standard courses.

Note: this is a fully graded course, so you will receive a percentile grade at the end

Am I eligible?

Ideal candidates for this program satisfy the following requirements:

In 3rd or 4th year of an undergraduate program at the University of Waterloo
Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Less than 35 years old

When will this program take place?

The field school will run for a total of 65 days, with students spending the first half of the program at AU and the second half at UCC.

Note: These may change without notice as we negotiate with our Ghanian partners at University of Cape Coast and Ashesi University.

Travel to Ghana (2 days)
- Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Thursday 5 June 2025
University of Cape Coast (31 days)
- Friday 6 June 2025 - Sunday 6 July 2025
Ashesi University (30 days)
- Monday 7 July 2025 - Tuesday 5 August 2025
Departure to Canada (2 days)
- Wednesday 6 August 2025 - Thursday 7 August 2025

Where will I stay?

TBD

How much does this program cost?

All costs associated with this program are covered by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship, meaning students do not need to pay for their flights, meals, or accommodations. That said, if students wish to purchase additional items, such as souvenirs, they will need to use their personal funds.

Predeparture Timeline

2025
1. Mar
  1. Q & A Session
    
    Interested in learning more about this program? Have questions you want answered? Attend this Q & A session on Monday, March 10 from 4:30 to 5:00 PM in Environment 1, room 221 (EV1 221).
    
    Note: this session is in-person only meaning it will not be recorded or streamed live
  2. Application Deadline
    
    Applications will no longer be accepted after 11:59 PM on Friday, March 21. (Update: The deadline has been extended to Sunday, March 23 at 11:59 PM) Don't wait until the last minute, apply today!
  3. Decisions Announced
    
    Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status on Friday, March 28. Regardless of the outcome, everyone who applies to this program will receive a decision from the application committee.
2. Apr
  1. Information Session
    
    All those who were accepted to this program will attend an information session on ~~Friday, April 11~~ (in April, TBA) to receive additional information on participant expectations, travel and accommodation details, and other logistics.
    
    This will be followed by further predeparture preparation. More information is to come, so stay tuned!
3. Jun
  1. Travel to Ghana
    
    Time to leave! You will officially depart on Wednesday, June 4 (tentative, subject to change) with your first stop being the University of Cape Coast in Cape Coast, Ghana.
    
    Please see "When will this program take place?" (above) for more information on departure and arrival dates.

Frequently asked questions

What are the expected dates of travel?

Please note these may change without notice as we negotiate with our Ghanian partners at University of Cape Coast and Ashesi University.

Travel to Ghana (2 days)
- Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Thursday 5 June 2025
University of Cape Coast (30.5 days)
- Friday 6 June 2025 - Monday 7 July 2025
Travel from UCC to Ashesi on Monday 7 July 2025
Ashesi University (30.5 days)
- Monday 7 July 2025 - Tuesday 5 August 2025
Travel to Canada (2 days)
- Wednesday 6 August 2025 - Thursday 7 August 2025

Is Ghana safe?

The Government of Canada has placed Ghana at a Level 2 in terms of risk and recommends individuals travelling to Ghana exercise a high degree of caution due to the increased potential for crime. The Government of Canada website also details information regarding: risk level; safety and security; entry and exit requirements; health; laws and culture; and natural disasters and climate.

Will there be opportunities to connect with the locals?

Yes, outreach events have been incorporated into the programming, allowing you to meet and connect with local Ghanaians as you work to achieve a common goal. You will also have the opportunity to explore the city in your free time and connect with locals that way.

What is the time commitment?

The Field Course is a full-time commitment. Exact hours may vary each day, but generally, on weekdays, you will attend lectures in the morning followed by community engagement outings in the afternoon. On evenings and weekends, you will be given the opportunity to explore your free time as you see fit. There may be group-led activities scheduled here and there on evenings and weekends, but there will not be any academic programming scheduled on the weekend.

Will the meals be adjusted to accommodate participants with dietary restrictions?

For the most part, yes, we will accommodate dietary restrictions. That said, depending on the nature of the restriction and the meals in question, we may not always be able to guarantee an accommodation will be made. For more information, please email beyondb@uwaterloo.ca.

Can students from any faculty apply?

Absolutely! Although this field school is primarily designed to target students from the Faculty of Environment and the Faculty of Science, all students are encouraged to apply, regardless of their faculty. The deadline to apply is March 21 at 11:59 PM (Update: The deadline has been extended to March 23 at 11:59PM).

Can students outside of 3rd and 4th year undergrad apply, including graduate students?

While the Field Course is designed for 3rd and 4th year students, we will review applications outside of these year levels on a case-by-case basis.

Who will be responsible for participants' safety while abroad?

We will be with the University of Waterloo's Safety Abroad team to ensure your safety while abroad. The Safety Abroad team will also teach you how to use Anvil Group which includes a 24/7 dedicated travel safety assistance phone line and email that you can contact for help with any emergency medical, security, or travel situation that you encounter. Your safety is our top priority.

In addition, the Field Course will have two UWaterloo instructors on the ground for the duration of the course. We will also be working with our institutional partners throughout.

What will participants do in their free time?

You are encouraged to explore the surrounding community and fully immerse yourself into the Ghanaian culture. Cape Coast is rich in history. It was once a major centre for the transatlantic slave trade and now houses a UNESCO World Heritage site. Berekuso is a more rural area, providing you with the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Ghana's main cities. Located in the foothills of Aburi Ridge, Berekuso is also a great place to go hiking.

Will there be training on how to adapt to and be respectful of the Ghanaian culture?

Yes, prior to departure you will be expected to complete pre-departure training led by the University of Waterloo's Safety Abroad team. This will teach you everything you need to know about travelling to another country and immersing yourself in a new culture.

Ghanaians are very welcoming and accommodating. Many people will ask you for your name and you will make many friends on the street. Politeness is highly valued and will lead to a wonderful experience.

Will participants still need to pay course tuition?

Yes, tuition for the courses ENVS 476C for 1.50 units and SCI 300 for 0.50 units will be calculated once the student has been accepted and enrolled in these Waterloo courses associated with the Beyond Borders Field School in Ghana.

The funding received under the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship program will be used to pay for approved and select travel expenses arranged by Waterloo such as flight, accommodation, and meals.

Tuition fees may also vary between participants. To determine how much you will be charged for tuition, please visit the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Schedule webpage.

Accessibility considerations

The Field Course will be a mixture of indoor and outdoor experiences. As such, exposure to varying weather conditions and terrain are to be expected. Course instructors will work with Accessibility Services to increase chances of a successful trip experience.

Ready to apply?

Ready to learn more? Attend our in-person Q & A on Monday, March 10 from 4:30 to 5:00 PM in Environment 1, room 221 (EV1 221).

Apply here before March 21, 2025 (Update: The deadline has been extended to March 23, 2025 11:59 PM) for a chance to participate in this incredible opportunity. After March 21, 2025 applications will no longer be accepted, so don't wait until the last minute, fill out an application today!

Applications will be evaluated by a diverse committee composed of UW staff using a fair and unbiased selection process. Applicants will be judged based on their academic performance, demonstrated leadership skills, and alignment with the program's goals and objectives. Students will be notified of their selection by March 28, 2025, regardless of whether or not they were accepted.

Image of the University of Cape Coast

Image of Ashesi University

Image of Cape Coast

Image of the University of Cape Coast

Image of Ashesi University

Image of Cape Coast

Image of the University of Cape Coast

University of Cape Coast

The University of Cape Coast is a leading public research institution known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus community. Located along the scenic coast of the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a diverse range of programs and is renowned for its commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and cultural exchange.

Ashesi University

Ashesi University is a prestigious private institution recognized for its innovative approach to education and commitment to ethical leadership. Nestled in the scenic hills of Berekuso, it offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum designed to inspire critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility among its diverse student body.

QUESTIONS?

For further information, please email beyondb@uwaterloo.ca.

Instructors

Alexa Bennett is a PhD candidate in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo, focusing on global environmental health with a particular interest in water and sanitation in low-resource contexts

Samuel Abalansa is a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, researching the impact of plastic pollution on small-scale fisheries, with a background in Zoology and dual master's degrees in Water and Coastal Management and Environmental Assessment.