Chile Forest Field School: The Role of Natural and Planted Forests in the Global Bioeconomy – FRST 456 (6 credits)

See highlights and photos from the 2023 field school here: https://global.ubc.ca/news/october-10-2023/learning-doing-south-american-rainforest.

This course offers a vision of how forestry stakeholders can produce more wood without deforesting while addressing environmental and social issues. Chile features industrial plantations with some of the fastest tree growth rates on the planet, native forests of high protection value, a modern forest industry, diverse geoclimatic conditions, a well-developed institutional forestry network, and indigenous knowledge.

Contents are organized in four modules: Chile in the global forestry context; fundamentals of intensive silviculture; cutting-edge forest products; society and land-use optimization.

Students examine native vs. planted forests and how policy has influenced deforestation and competition among land uses such as forestry, agriculture, urban development, and energy. Solutions to long-standing land-use and productivity issues are developed in the Chilean context with a global perspective.

To achieve this, students visit natural forests, fast-growing plantations, restoration sites, agricultural and urban landscapes, industrial wood facilities, tree nurseries, research trials of exotic and native species, and key forestry institutions. Coursework includes a pre-trip quiz based on online materials, a post-trip test about the topics learned, a short literature review on a relevant theme, and a concise report demonstrating connections between field experiences and learning outcomes.

This course has been endorsed by our wonderful Suzanne Simard:

General Global Seminar requirements

To participate in a Global Seminar, students must:

• Be in good standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty)
• In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)
• Have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e., 3rd or 4th year standing)
• Have at least a 70% academic average in the last full-time academic session before applying
• Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program
• Meet any program-specific requirements listed below including prerequisites before participating

Program-specific requirements

• Students must have reached third-year standing before the start of the program.
• The program is open to students from all programs, although some priority will be given to students in forestry and other earth science disciplines.
• Selection will be based on academic performance and an interview.

Final selection will be made by the lead faculty program directors. Space in the program may be limited.

Students who wish to participate in the summer after graduating may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

Field activities

Students will participate in daily visits to universities, forestry companies, national parks, local communities, experimental trials, and other locations. Learning is hands-on with note-taking in an official field booklet provided for the course.

Physical demands

Most visits occur in rural areas near towns. Expect easy hikes, long days (about 7:00 am–7:00 pm), and some rain. Winter and waterproof clothing and safety shoes are required. Road trips average about one hour.

Housing

Housing will be in shared hotels, hostels, or cabins. In Valdivia, students will be paired in rooms; elsewhere, cabins may house up to six students. All students have separate beds.

Transportation

Primary transport is by bus with a professional company. The group flies between Santiago and Temuco at the start and returns by plane to Santiago at the end.

Mobility and infrastructure

Some field sites are not wheelchair accessible. Students who require fully accessible infrastructure may find participation difficult.

Physical activity

Basic physical fitness is recommended. Hikes are not difficult, but days are full and include walking in varied conditions.

Dietary and personal needs

Dietary needs have been accommodated in past programs, and arrangements have been made for refrigerated medicines. Share specific requirements early to discuss accommodations.

Approximate program fees: $5,800–6,300*

The final fee depends on the number of students enrolled. All Global Seminars run only if a minimum number of students participate.

Go Global Award

All eligible students in this Global Seminar will automatically receive a $1,000 Go Global Award. No separate application is required.

Global Pathfinder Award

The Global Pathfinder Award supports students who face barriers to participating in study abroad. It provides $2,000 for Summer Abroad, Global Seminar, or Research Abroad programs. Students who have not previously participated in Go Global and who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
Students successful in their Pathfinder application will receive this award instead of the $1,000 Go Global Award. The awards do not stack. Learn more about the Global Pathfinder Award

Go Global Sustainability Award

Students who demonstrate a plan for sustainable travel, an interest in climate action, and engagement with UBC’s sustainability initiatives may be eligible for a $1,000 Sustainability Award. This award is offered in addition to the Go Global Award.
Learn more about the Go Global Sustainability Award

The lead faculty member for this program is Dr. Andrés Varhola from Forest Resources Management.

Support will be provided by a teaching assistant and local instructors from partner institutions, including Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad Austral de Chile, Forestal Arauco, CMPC, and others.

All travel and program activities involve risk of harm to participants. Go Global and Seminar program leads take reasonable precautions to reduce risks. However, not all harms can be anticipated or prevented.

While travelling on UBC programs, students have a responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group.

Some common issues for travellers include:

• Illness and injuries (e.g., respiratory illnesses, flu, food poisoning, sprained ankles)
• Fatigue and heat exhaustion
• Violence such as robbery, or gender- and race-based harassment or attacks, especially in urban areas
• Traffic accidents
• Lost documents (passports, credit cards)

Before applying:

• Use resources such as Global Affairs Canada travel reports.
• Consider your mental and physical health alongside expected program conditions.

Before departure:

• Participate in all pre-departure activities offered by Go Global and your teaching team.
• Ensure you have adequate travel medical insurance that covers your location and dates.
• Know how to use your insurance and where to access care or emergency assistance.

During the program:

• If you don’t feel safe, tell the program leads. You can also contact Go Global.
• Know your own limits and communicate needs or adjustments.

Public health: COVID-19 and other diseases

Comply with host-country entry requirements, carrier regulations, and local public health orders. These may require vaccinations, masking, testing, or isolation. Requirements can change.

Group settings increase infection risk. Shared accommodations are common. Isolation may not be possible unless required by local authorities. Review local requirements and the Global Affairs Canada Advisory under Entry Requirements.