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 profound vision of how forestry stakeholders can contribute with solutions for producing more wood without deforesting while alleviating environmental and social issues. Chile is blessed with a remarkable diversity of resources such as industrial plantations with some of the fastest tree growth rates in the planet, exuberant native forests of high protection value, a world-class modern forest industry, diverse geoclimatic conditions, a well-developed institutional forestry network, and extraordinary indigenous knowledge.

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

Based on the spectacular Chilean scenery, participants will hold a fascinating broader discussion about native vs. planted forests and how government policies have historically influenced deforestation and competition between traditional land uses — forestry, agriculture, urban development and even energy production. Solutions to century-old land use and forest productivity inefficiencies will be elaborated in the Chilean laboratory but with a global transformative perspective.

To achieve this, students will visit a variety of magnificent natural forests, productive fast-growing plantations, ecological restoration efforts, agricultural and urban landscapes, industrial wood processing facilities, tree nurseries, research trials of exotic and native tree species, and key forestry institutions.

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 your 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 pre-requisites 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 Forestry, Land and Food Systems, Geography, and related programs, as well as applicants from other disciplines.
• Selection will be based on academic performance and performance during interviews. Priority may be given to students in programs more closely related to Forestry.

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 will be hands-on, with students taking notes in an official field booklet provided for the course. Activities include a pre-trip quiz, a post-trip test, a literature review, and a trip report.

Physical demands

Most visits take place in rural areas but are close to nearby towns. Students should be prepared for easy hikes, long days (typically from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm), and some rainy weather. Winter and waterproof clothing and safety shoes are required. Road trips are moderate in length, averaging about one hour.

Housing

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

Transportation

Transportation will primarily be by bus driven by a professional transportation company. The group will also fly between Santiago and Temuco at the start of the program and return by plane to Santiago at the end.

Mobility and infrastructure

The program involves visits to rural areas and field sites that are not wheelchair accessible. Students who use wheelchairs or require fully accessible infrastructure may find it difficult to participate.

Physical activity

Students should have a basic level of physical fitness. The hikes are not difficult, but the program includes full days in the field and some walking in varied conditions.

Dietary and personal needs

Dietary needs have been accommodated in past programs, and arrangements have been made for students who required refrigerated medicines. Students with specific requirements are encouraged to share them early so accommodations can be discussed.

Approximate program fees: $5500-6000*

The final fee depends on the number of students enrolled. All Global Seminars only run 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 $1000 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. Andres 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, etc.)
• Fatigue and heat exhaustion
• Violence like robbery, or gender- and race-based harassment or attacks, especially in urban areas
• Traffic accidents
• Lost documents (passports, credit cards, etc.)

Before Applying:

• Get to know the places you will be travelling by using available resources like Global Affairs Canada travel reports.
• Consider your own mental and physical health alongside what you know about the conditions during the program (e.g. how physical is the program? What are the living conditions? What can I do to prepare myself?)

Before departure:  

• Participate in all pre-departure activities offered by Go Global and your program teaching team to learn about the program and ways to prevent and respond to incidents.
• Ensure you have adequate travel medical insurance that will cover you in the location and for the duration of your trip.
• Be aware of how to use your travel medical insurance, if you need it, and where to access medical care or other emergency assistance in the locations where you will be travelling. 

During the program: 

• If you don’t feel safe, say something! Let your program leads know how you feel, or about incidents that occur. Don’t hesitate to contact Go Global during your program.
• Know your own needs: be aware of your own mental and physical health and your limits. Communicate with your program lead and group about making adjustments, as needed. 

Public health: COVID-19 and other diseases

Students and faculty are required to comply with the entry requirements of the host country, regulations of transportation carriers, and any local public health orders. These rules might require vaccinations (e.g. for COVID-19, yellow fever, etc.) to enter the country or to participate in certain program activities. Some places may require masking, testing or isolation in various circumstances. It is your responsibility to research and comply with any requirements.

COVID-19 and other infections can spread easily in a group setting. Most programs involve shared accommodations. Unless required by local public health authorities, isolation for those infected during the program may not be possible. 
 
Review local requirements before applying and before departure. Check the Global Affairs Canada Advisory under Entry Requirements for your Global Seminar destination to learn more. Keep in mind that program conditions can vary and rules can change before or during your trip.