The Africa Field study semester has been described by some alumni of the program as a rich and transformative turning point in their university career. We all have different motivations for joining the program but we are united by a desire to learn in new and multi-cultural environments and a willingness to challenge preconceived notions about the areas we visit.

Our Mission

The Africa Field Study Semester (AFSS) intends to introduce us to 3 East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania; specifically, with a view to increase our understanding of the goals, circumstances, challenges and opportunities of people living in the areas visited. Through an increased understanding of global linkages with this area, we hope to leave this program better equipped to become active and effective contributors to sustainable development, whether by following academic or professional paths in development, or simply by being more informed citizens.

Integrated, Experiential learning

In addition to the continuous, individual learning that we get to enjoy, the AFSS attracts Faculty members with research and teaching experience in East Africa and/or long established experience in running field trips. This group is committed to the belief that studying in the field in East Africa will be one of the best educational experiences of a lifetime. With this in mind, the professors design learning opportunities which allow us to see a range of environmental and social conditions in beautiful, diverse and complex socio-economic settings in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, to meet people working in community development, wildlife management, environmental conservation and be part of active research institutions in East Africa work in small groups with dedicated teachers from Canada, East Africa and elsewhere.

Structure

Research based: McGill’s AFSS is research based. Students will be expected to learn from reading, structured lectures, daily experience and special field activities, but they will also be expected to raise questions, develop workable plans for answering those questions, and work in the field to get results. Our goal in stressing the research focus is to engage students in dynamic, challenging, interactive learning.

Mobile and comprehensive: East Africa offers an immense diversity and complexity. Our objective is to lay a foundation for a life time of learning; we therefore strive to expose students not only to a great range of geographic, ecologic, cultural, social and economic circumstances through travel around the country, but also to a great range of academic and intellectual perspectives by bringing many contributors into the classroom setting. Our goal is to give students a perspective that allows informed choices about “next steps” when they graduate from the program.

Safe and secure: All travel involves risks. McGill’s AFSS links with the best security information networks in the area, uses modern, well-maintained equipment, travels with a Canadian physician, partners with institutions with long histories of providing safe and secure academic settings, and follows thorough risk-management practices. We provide a safe platform from which to enter the East African environment and help students develop a critical skill set that will help them manage risks when they later travel on their own.

Safari Experience

A full educational experience in East Africa requires being away from urban areas where wildlife can be seen and where some of the cultural dimensions of development can be discussed. The program regularly visits sites in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, following a trail of established local contacts and partnered institutions.