Enrich your studies by exploring somewhere new! From travelling through rainforests to embarking on a wildlife safari, there are opportunities for you to earn your degree while seeing the world. Plus, eligible students can receive up to $3,500 to help cover costs associated with the trip!
Explore the opportunities available for this year, and keep an eye on this page for new trips scheduled for next year!
What’s available for all students?
Service Learning in the Dominican Republic: SCI 300
Complete Service learning for credit in the Dominican Republic with the organization H204All. You will have the opportunity to build and distribute water filtration system to remote communities and support educational programs on water quality and scarcity.
- Dates: February 2026
- Approximate cost: $3000
Email Dean Chris Houser to receive more information and to express your interest in the course.
Forensic Science in Scotland: CHEM 3xxL or SCI 2xxL
Complete a forensic science course at the University of Strathclyde for credit, with a focus on hands-on techniques.
- Dates: Early May Limited spots remain
- Approximate cost: $5000
Email Dean Chris Houser to receive more information and to express your interest in the course.
Beyond Borders: Field School in Ghana
Have you ever wanted to learn more about global environmental challenges such as plastic pollution, water security, and climate change? Here's your chance! Take part in an exciting hands-on learning opportunity this summer in Ghana through Waterloo International’s Beyond Borders program, in collaboration with the Faculties of Environment and Science.
- Dates: June 4 - August 7, 2025
- Approximate 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.
- Application deadline: March 21, 2025
Opportunities for Earth and Environmental Sciences students
The Coast of Europe: EARTH 490
Explore coastal systems and environmental history in Europe. You will visit beaches and learn about coastal processes and management, including visits to historical sites in the host country.
- Dates: Summer 2026
- Approximate cost: $4,000 - $5,000
Rainforests of Costa Rica: EARTH 490
Explore the rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica, zipline through the canopy, stand at the edge of an active volcano, and swim underneath a waterfall while learning about emerging issues in ecology, hydrology, geology, and development directly in the field from local experts.
- Dates: Full
- Approximate cost: $4,000 - $5,000
How do I apply?
Please email Dean Chris Houser to receive more information and to express your interest in the course. He is here to answer your questions about the EES trips and the funding application process.
Opportunities for Biology students
How do I apply?
Each year, the Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology offers field courses locally and internationally. Applications open at the start of January each year. An open enrollment period will last until the course fee balance is required (varies per module). To apply, send the OUPFB application form to BIOL 490 course coordinators Marcel Pinheiro or Sue Whyte. When applying, you may select up to three desired courses. Please only list a course you are willing to take!
Please note: If the fee balance deadline has passed, you will not be able to enroll in that course. If you do not get into your desired course, your deposit will be returned. If you are enrolled in your selected OUFB course, you will not have your deposit returned should you decide to drop the course.
I am interested in a trip - how do I receive funding for a Global Skills Opportunity?
Eligible students can receive up to $3,500 to help cover the costs of the trip. To be an eligible student, you must meet the following criteria
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident that is 18 years of age or older.
- You must be a registered undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo.
- You must identify with at least one of the following:
- Indigenous
- Please note you will need to verify your Indigenous membership/citizenship to confirm eligibility to access the funding for the opportunity. See Guidelines and Verification for further details.
- You can upload your documents on Quest.
- For questions or assistance, please email Indigenous Relations with the subject line: Identity Verification Support.
- Living with low income
- This will be based on students who have been granted OSAP or other provincial student aid funding during Fall 2023 and/or Winter 2024, subject to verification by the Students Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) Office. Your OSAP status will be kept private.
- Living with a disability
- Verification will be based on registration with AccessAbility Services. If you are not registered with AccessAbility Services, you will be required to apply and submit medical documentation verifying your disability.
- Indigenous