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Faculty and Students in Action

Our students and faculty are involved in many projects and initiatives. Here are just a few of the projects our students are involved in.

The Tourism Research Innovation Project (TRIP) is bringing students to the field, in Rural British Columbia. Into its third year, this project has connected students and rural communities; allowing for a mutually beneficial experience.

Students involved in the Ghana Project study tour, are in Sunyani working with rural communities to develop strategies for community development. Currently we have two students working in Ghana; check out their blog to see what they are experiencing.

Our department has partnerships with several international institutions. One is InHolland Univeristy located near Amsterdam. We have one student completing an exchange; here is his blog to track his adventure.

Ghana

A team of VIU Students and faculty from the Tourism and Recreation, Nursing, Forestry, Global Studies and Geography departments will travel to Ghana, Africa in April 2008 to work on four community development projects aimed at reducing poverty.

Their work is part of a five-year project funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) that focuses on four key areas:

  • Reducing household waste
  • Reducing HIV/AIDS 
  • Improving forest fire management to prevent wildfires
  • Developing ecotourism to provide sustainable employment

For a glimpse into life in Ghana, where two of our students are currently working, and more students will be travelling to the region in April, check out their blog.

Belize (2007)

Every year our department offers study tours, an opportunity to bring their knowledge into the field. Last year students traveled to Belize, and Mexico, here is what they have to say about the experience.

Costa Rica

The Heart of Gold project is an ongoing project. This coffee, Sol Colibri, supports rural community empowerment in Costa Rica by using a Direct-trade model that generates up to 600% more income for local farmers than traditional “Fair-trade” practices. One of the students involved in this project and who is currently working in the community has provided his blog site to keep us up-to-date.

More projects.....

More than field schools our faculty and students are also involved in conferences, community development projects, and international initiatives. Please keep on coming back for updates.