The Faculty of Science is excited to launch the Global Perspectives of Science (GPS) program starting in 2024. Our inaugural trips in 2024 will be to the Dominican Republic (February), Costa Rica (May), and Italy (June). You will have the opportunity to travel and learn with fellow Science students and even get some field course credits! To learn more about these experiences, please complete the following survey. Information session invites will follow once you’ve filled out the survey.
Alternative spring break in Dominican Republic
Do spring break differently next February and join the very first GPS trip to Dominican Republic! From February 18-24, 2024, undergraduate students from all Science majors (and all years) are invited to come together and work with Wine to Water and H2O4all to help construct and distribute water filtration systems to local schools and communities lacking access to clean water. At the end of a fulfilling week, you will get to enjoy some rest and relaxation at a seaside resort with your fellow travelers.
- Dates: February 18-24, 2024
- Approximate Cost: $3,000
- Eligibility: Open to all Science undergraduate majors in all years
Explore the Costa Rican rainforest
Picture yourself ziplining through rainforest canopy, standing on the edge of an active volcano, and swimming underneath a waterfall. With our second GPS trip of 2024, you could bring that vision to life, all while learning about emerging issues in ecology, hydrology, geology and development from local experts. This adventure includes course credit (Earth 490) and you will be working directly in the field with local experts to get amazing hands-on experience and knowledge.
- Dates: May 5-19, 2024.
- Approximate Cost: $4,000-$5,000
- Course Credit: Earth 490 Field Course
- Eligibility: Open to all Science undergraduate majors in all years
Coastal management on the beaches of Italy
What’s better than spending time in Italy in the Spring? Also getting field course credit for it! For our third GPS trip in 2024, we will be using the University of Waterloo facility in Rome as a home base for our learning adventure. Starting in Venice and the Amalfi Coast, you will visit beaches and learn about coastal processes and management. And no trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to the Colosseum in Rome, eating pizza in Naples, and exploring the ancient city of Pompeii, so those are included too.
- Dates: June 16-30, 2024.
- Approximate Cost: $4,000-$5,000
- Course Credit: Earth 490 Field Course
- Eligibility: Open to all Science undergraduate majors in all years