2024 TILL

(NOW CLOSED) Apply for the upcoming TRANSECTS Transdisciplinary International Learning Lab (TILL) hosted by Vancouver Island University and the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region.

TRANSDISCIPLINARY INTERNATIONAL LEARNING LAB (TILL)

The TILL offers students enrolled in Canadian, South African, and German universities the opportunity to deepen their intercultural skills and provides an introduction to effectively apply transdisciplinary collaboration to tackle interconnected, wicked sustainability challenges. Under the mentorship of applied researchers and community partners, the international student teams will develop a systematic understanding of how ‘invasive species’ or ‘displaced relatives’ affect the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a creative strategy design, student teams will address local issues that are aligned with the SDGs and the MABR’s research and development needs. This experiential learning opportunity introduces students to collaboration, participatory research, and sustainability in the MABR while allowing participants to network with students and mentors from other countries and cultural contexts. The TILL is designed to create a community of practice in which participants share a common passion and desire to learn from one another. We seek a practice built on respect and reciprocity that is based on curiosity, collaboration, connection, and accountability.

READ ABOUT THE 2022 TILL

LEARN MORE AT OUR UPCOMING 2024 TILL ORIENTATION EVENT

Anyone interested in learning more about the 2024 TILL is welcome

DATE: October 5, 2023
TIME: 9-10:30 AM UTC-6 (Saskatchewan) / 5-6:30 PM UTC+2 (Germany and South Africa)
LOCATION: Virtual

Email transects@usask.ca to register for the event!

TILL LOCATION

Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR), Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

You are enrolled as a senior undergraduate, Master’s student, or PhD student at one of the partner universities:

Canada: University of Saskatchewan and Vancouver Island University

South Africa: Rhodes University and the University of the Witwatersrand

Germany: Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development

Please note: "Senior undergraduate" includes third- and fourth-year undergraduate students, with a minimum of 90 credit units successfully completed before the beginning of the onsite Learning Lab (May 2024).

PROGRAM

Online Foundational Course (April 22-May 3, 2024)
Onsite Foundational Course and "Learning Lab" Research Training Program (May 8-June 16, 2024)

COSTS

Expenses for travel and living in the region will be covered by TRANSECTS. Additionally, students will receive a monthly stipend for local transportation, certain meals, and other additional costs to participation. No tuition fees apply.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A professional recommends you for funding through the program. Strong English skills, both written and spoken. You complete your admission within the given application deadline.

DOCUMENTS FOR ADMISSION

Application form
Referee details (reference form to be submitted separately by your referee)
Enrolment information and certificate
Proof of English language skills (applies only to students not currently enrolled in a study

program taught in English)
Current transcript of records/academic transcript
Evidence of innovation/voluntary activities/academic experience
TILL readiness reflection
Motivation letter
Declaration and privacy statement