Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria: European Forestry Field School – FRST 449C (3 credits)

Forests provide millions of jobs and billions of dollars’ worth of employment income, tax revenue, and economic activity world-wide. In addition, they provide a broad range of ecosystem services including water, recreation, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. All of these benefits depend on healthy forests, which are threatened by global problems including climate change, biodiversity loss, and forest conversion.

We increasingly recognize that forests, and the broader environment that includes them, must be managed in a sustainable and globally responsible way. However, management approaches employed around the world reflect cultural differences and different historic contexts. Solving global environmental problems in a local context requires efforts from forest and environmental managers educated to have both a global perspective and multi-cultural awareness.

During the course we will explore forest management practices, conservation and forest utilization issues in Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria and analyze why they may differ with Canadian and BC forest management and conservation.

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., eligible for 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

• Minimum year level before participating: 2
• Strict prerequisite: Keen interest in Natural Resources Management and Conservation Issues

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.

Pre-departure

Before the trip, students will take part in a pre-departure meeting to get to know each other, review logistics and safety guidelines, and go over expectations for the field school. Information about assignments and travel details will be shared about two weeks before departure, and the group will meet again one week before travel to discuss them together.

In-country dates

The in-country portion of the program will run from May 3 to May 24, 2026.

Overall commitment

Overall program dates are April 27 to June 1, 2026.

Field activities

Students will explore forest management practices, conservation, and forest utilization issues in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria and consider similarities and differences with Canadian and BC forest management and conservation.

This program is designed and delivered in collaboration with the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU), Sopron University in Hungary, and BOKU in Vienna (Austria). Local partners will lead field activities and advise on ethical engagement with communities and environments in each location.

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 are Jorma Neuvonen (Dean's Office) and Sheri Andrews-Key (Forest Resources Management).

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.