Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Timing: Spring Break Applications open fall 2026

Travel to visit our "neighbor to the North", Vancouver Island, British Columbia. You'll learn about the ecosystems on land and sea, and while this may not be oceans away, you'll find many fascinating opportunities for comparison between the Canadian and US ways of doing things.

We focus on two key resources, salmon and forests: just as here in Oregon, salmon are an integral part of the lives of First Nations/Native Tribes, a valuable economic resource, and intimately tied to the coastal forest ecosystem. The group will explore the environment and ecology of temperate rain forests, learn about the life cycle of pacific salmon, and meet with representatives from local industry, research teams, and indigenous tribal groups. BC's forests include timber plantations, native old growth areas, and public lands managed for conservation, cultural heritage and recreation. During the course, you'll be exposed to multiple perspectives on land appropriation and tenure related to forest ownership and use, policies related to salmon conservation, and the cultural issues and trade-offs surrounding sustainable resource management.

• Faculty Leaders:
  • Eric Jones, Instructor and Assistant Professor of Practice
  • Jacob Bukowski, Assistant Professor and Director of the Forests and Climate Change graduate certificate
• Coordinator: Rachael Fahrenbach – Director of International Programs. Contact Rachael with any questions about the course, application process, funding or other logistics. 

Faculty-led programs are open to all OSU students!
College of Forestry faculty-led programs are open to every Oregon State University student — from all majors and campuses, including Corvallis, Ecampus, OSU Cascades and dual-enrolled community college students. These short-term experiences bring together a vibrant mix of learners: graduate and undergraduate students, online and in-person, from all backgrounds and walks of life. That diversity makes every trip richer — new ideas, new perspectives, and new connections that make your Oregon State experience truly global.