CALAREO International Research Mobility Experience (IRME)
Funding for Canadian Students to Participate in Field Courses or Study Tours
in Latin America & the Caribbean
The International Research Mobility Experience (IRME) project offers eligible undergraduate students enrolled at a CALAREO member institution funding to participate in a field course or study tour in a Latin American or Caribbean country under the supervision of a faculty member from their home institution. Funding is provided by the Government of Canada through the Global Skills Opportunities Program
A. Faculty-led Programs / Field Schools
Faculty members at CALAREO member universities who have established field courses or are interested in creating new ones in Latin America or the Caribbean can nominate up to 3 students for funding. Nominees must be underrepresented students who self-identify as low-income, Indigenous, or students with disabilities. Each award recipient will receive up to $5,000 for travel and accommodations, and other related expenses.
Field schools may be a for-credit course or a non-credit-based extra-curricular activity. Both mobility experiences are eligible for funding. The duration of the field school may be 1 to 4 weeks.
Faculty members will be responsible for fully developing the course, finding partners abroad, securing locations for classes and accommodations, and arranging travel and transportation.
Student Eligibility
- Student participants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Students must be 18 years of age or older (no upper age limit)
- Students must be in good standing
- Participants must be undergraduate students
- Students can be registered in any discipline or program
- International students are ineligible for funding
Faculty Member Responsibilities
- Developing a (or have an existing) field school in Latin America and/or the Caribbean
- Nominate students for funding and ensure they meet eligibility criteria
- Communicate deliverables to students
- Assist with arranging travel and in-country transportation
- Secure locations for classes or research activities, in addition to accommodations
- The supervision and assessment of activities
- Ensure students’ safety abroad
B. Short-term Programs with other member or partner institutions may also be eligible for student funding. Some opportunities may be listed here:
York University – Las Nubes Project, Costa Rica: https://lasnubes.euc.yorku.ca/education/programs/.
York University is offering 8 field courses in Summer 2023 in various disciplines in Costa Rica. Students from other CALAREO member universities may be able to apply as Visiting Students (and receive GSO funding, if eligible). Students who are interested in one of these courses should contact their coordinator before applying. Courses include:
- Narratives in/of Costa Rica. Individuals, Communities and their Voices (GL/SP/COMS 4608)
- Environmental Arts and Food Sovereignty in Costa Rica (ENVS 4810B)
- Nature, Neoliberalism, Political Ecology: The Politics of Water in Costa Rica and Latin America (GEOG 4050)
- Conservation and Development for Social-Environmental Sustainability and Wellbeing (ENVS 4810A)
- Extraction and its Discontents (ENVS 4310/5070)
- Community Psychology (HH/PSYC 3600/6710)
- Promoting Global Health (HH/GH 4000)
- Education for a Sustainable Future (EDUC 3700)
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NOTE: Each CALAREO Member institution may have its own deadlines, selection process, and funding guidelines.
FOR ASSISTANCE:
- Vancouver Island University: Ms. Jennifer Sills, Jennifer.Sills (at) viu.ca
- Lakehead University: Ms. Jill Sherman, intl.research (at) lakeheadu.ca
- York University: Mr. Skandha Sunderasen, skandha (at) yorku.ca
- Carleton University: Ms. Sylvie Jasen, sylvie.jasen (at) carleton.ca
- Memorial University: Mr. Chris Hibbs, chibbs (at) mun.ca