CALAREO International Research Mobility Experience (IRME)
Funding for Canadian Students to Participate in Field Courses,
Study Tours, or Faculty-led Programs
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 to students 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 students for funding. At least half of the nominees should be underrepresented students (low-income, Indigenous, or students with disabilities). Award recipient will receive from $2,000-$5,000 for travel and accommodations, and other related expenses, depending on number of students and length of stay, among other factors.
Students in the York University course “Hispanic Geopoetics” spent two weeks at Universidad del Magdalena, in Santa Marta, Colombia, February 2023. Nine students received funding from the CALAREO IRME program.
Field schools or faculty-led programs 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. If you have questions about eligibility of a course or program, please contact your institution’s coordinator (see below).
Some opportunities may be listed on this site:
York University – Las Nubes Project, Costa Rica: https://lasnubes.euc.yorku.ca/education/programs/.
York University is offering six field courses in Summer 2023 in various disciplines in Costa Rica. Students from any CALAREO member university 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 for Summer 2024 include:
| Course Dates | Course Title |
|---|---|
| 17-25 February 2024 | Environmental Psychology (HH/PSYC 3450) |
| 10–19 May, 2024 | Global Eco-Arts Residency |
| 21-30 May 2024 | Narratives in/of Costa Rica. Individuals, Communities and their Voices (GL/SP/COMS 4608) |
| 12-21 June 2024 | Protected Area Management in Costa Rica (ENVS 4446) |
| 23 June-03 July 2024 | Nature, Neoliberalism, Political Ecology: The Politics of Water in Costa Rica and Latin America (GEOG 4050) |
| 04-13 July 2024 | Conservation and Development for Social-Environmental Sustainability and Wellbeing (ENVS 4810A) |
| 15-24 July 2024 | Educating for a Sustainable Future (EDST/EDUC 3700, EDUC 5445) |
Each Member institution may have its own deadlines, funding guidelines, and selection process.
FOR ASSISTANCE:
- Vancouver Island University: Ms. Jennifer Sills, Jennifer.Sills (at) viu.ca
- Thompson Rivers University: Mr. Thomas Johansen, tjohansen (at) tru.ca
- Lakehead University: Ms. Jill Sherman, intl.research (at) lakeheadu.ca
- York University: Ms. Ashley Laracy, alaracy (at) yorku.ca
- Carleton University: Ms. Sylvie Jasen, sylvie.jasen (at) carleton.ca
- Memorial University: Mr. Chris Hibbs, chibbs (at) mun.ca