Products and Processes of Volcanism: Hawai'i

Questions about these courses should be directed to the program instructor.

Please note: course descriptions are tentative and subject to change.

Accommodations will be student-appropriate, safe, and clean. This program typically stays at hostel dormitories, which include cooking facilities that allow students to reduce their food costs, select their own food, and participate in group meals together.

This program is open to undergraduate students in good academic standing from all faculties.

Applications will be considered after your application and unofficial transcript have been received in full.

Please read the sections below for information about what your application will include. The application is completed online. Because the online application will time out after 1 hour, we recommend writing out your answers to the application questions in a Word document and preparing any of the supplementary documents you may need in advance.

Once you are ready, click here to access the application system.

Please ensure that you have read the Group Study Program General FAQs thoroughly before applying.

Program-Specific FAQs

Q: How physically demanding will this trip be?
A: Students will be required to hike through some difficult terrain, such as steep hills and uneven lava flows. A typical field day may last 7-8 hours and cover up to 15 km. Eruption conditions and wind patterns can make the air quality less than ideal and students with a history of respiratory illnesses may find their breathing affected. Additionally, Hawai'i has humid weather conditions that can range from extreme heat to sudden storms. You are welcome and encouraged to contact the instructor at any point before or after applying for this program if you wish to discuss concerns regarding your physical limits.

Q: Are there any medical conditions that would make this trip challenging?
A: Exposure to volcanic gases is unavoidable during the field work component of this trip. Generally, asthmatics or people with other respiratory illnesses will have trouble dealing with such conditions. Exposure to volcanic gases is also not recommended during pregnancy.

Q: What about equipment and safety?
A: The instructor will demonstrate proper techniques for any tools used (e.g. rock and masonry hammers). Protective eyewear will be required whenever there is risk of rock chips or dust; you may bring your own or use the eyewear provided. Note that field school participants are never asked nor allowed to work alone. Students will be required to stay in sight of their partners, which will not be difficult as most areas covered in this program are on open ground. A full safety orientation will occur on campus prior to your departure from Calgary to go over other safety details, clothing requirements, etc.

Q: What kind of food will be available?
A: Students will have to arrange their own breakfast and lunch throughout the trip. While on the Big Island in Hilo, we will form groups and prepare dinner for the whole group. We will be away from big grocery stores and so all purchases will need to be made during a couple of visits to the stores. During the Big Island part of the trip, eating at restaurants is usually not an option. Also, if you have strict dietary requirements, it may be tough to find these on the island. Please contact the instructor to discuss any dietary restrictions. During the Oahu part of the trip, there will be options to eat at restaurants.

Q: Will there be a lot of free time or leisure activities during the trip?
A: The primary focus of the trip is learning volcanology. There will be some opportunities for "touristy" activities but it is not guaranteed. Students will also be required to work on field assignments back in camp. If you want to do a lot of leisurely activities, it is recommended that you extend your stay in Hawai'i after the program ends.