Field schools
Field work is an important part of the student experience. You’ll have opportunities to spend time in the field locally as well as internationally.
Plains Archaeology Field School
Travel Dates May 11-June 18, 2026
Field school will take place in Edworthy Park (pending all necessary permissions)
Costs: Tuition + $1078 supplemental fee (TBC)
The 2026 school will take place at EgPm-389, a multicomponent (Historic and Precontact) site within the City of Calgary’s Edworthy Park (pending permission from the City of Calgary and Alberta Culture). Students will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of archaeological excavation and survey as they excavate at EgPm-389, document ongoing erosion at the historic site of Brickburn, and participate in archaeology survey to create an inventory of sites present within the park. This course provides important field experience for those looking to continue in archaeology.
Get UCalgary credit for: ARKY 306 or ARKY 506
2026 South Africa Primatology
Info session: Tuesday Oct 1, 4 - 5 PM, Location: ES 859
Wednesday Oct 22, 4 - 5 PM, Zoom
Applications open October 1, 2025 - November 10, 2025
Application Deadline: November 10, 2025
Travel Dates: May 8, 2026 - May 28, 2026
The University of Calgary’s Primatology program is widely recognized as among the best in North America and has run international field schools for over 3 decades. The 2026 cohort will travel to South Africa, where you will have the unique opportunity to live at Telperion Nature Reserve. At this private research and conservation facility, you will observe a diverse range of species, but your main focus will be the Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) – a savanna-dwelling, highly social primate with historic importance to many primatologists.
During this program, you will learn the fundamentals of wild primate research design through first-hand observation and practice sampling techniques to collect behavioural and ecological data. In the process of developing your own research proposal and translating data collection into your final projects, you will gain the necessary skills for successful fieldwork, including teamwork, problem solving, field safety, flexibility in the face of changing circumstances, and an understanding of ethical issues in primate research. Your time abroad will be rounded off with a safari drive through the Loskop Game Reserve and a tour of the “Cradle of Humankind” Visitor Centre in Johannesburg.
Get UCalgary credit for: ANTH 505, ANTH 552, ANTH 553
African & Global Development Field Studies in Ghana (Spring/Summer 2026)
Info session: Tuesday Oct 14, 1 - 2 PM, Location: ES 702 and Wednesday Oct 22, 4 - 5 PM, Zoom
Applications open October 1, 2025 - November 10, 2025
Application Deadline: November 10, 2025
Travel Dates: May 13, 2026 - June 3, 2026
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture, history, and social dynamics.
As one of the first sub-Saharan African nations to gain independence, Ghana offers profound insights into African history and resilience. This program will immerse you in urban and rural communities where you will witness first-hand the development challenges and resulting grassroots innovations that have contributed towards Ghana’s societal growth.
In the pre-departure phase, you will come together with your classmates and instructors for introductory classes in Calgary, designed to give students from all academic areas the necessary background knowledge and research skills. You will then travel to Accra for three weeks of fieldwork. Engaging with local students, professors, NGOs, and community leaders, you will experience local traditions and ways of life. You will critically examine the ethical dimensions of development, grappling with questions of power dynamics, cultural sensitivity, and social justice. Documenting your learning journey, you will find by the end of this program that you have gained deep cultural awareness as well as personal and intellectual growth.
Get UCalgary credit for: AFST 400, DEST 401
