2024 Itinerary

Please note that the dates below are subject to change.

May 5 - 9: Students will start the NATO Field School virtually, undergoing pre-departure orientation, introductory lectures from the NFS team and guest speakers, as well as simulation training.

May 12 - May 24: We will begin our in-field programming based in Riga, Latvia. We will learn about the history of Latvia through guided museum and battle site tours, as well as pressing current threats to the Alliance, such as disinformation, at the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, in Riga, Latvia. Students will get to learn first-hand about the work and experiences of the military through site visits to the Canadian-led enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) at Camp Adazi, and the Latvian Lielvarde Air Base.

May 24 - June 7: Next, we will travel to Brussels, Belgium, the home of NATO HQ. Students will attend briefings at NATO HQ, SHAPE, and the European External Action Services, learning from senior diplomatic and military officials and leaders, as well as meeting young professionals and interns working in the international organizations. At the end of the program, the NATO Field School students will lead the NATO Young Leaders Summit, an event co-sponsored by the NATO Public Diplomacy Division, where participants will be able to simulate the proceedings of a NATO Summit, with the support of expert mentors.

June 7 - June 21: We then will be travelling to Rome, Italy, continuing our simulation training and leading up to a high-level NATO simulation exercise with the NATO Defense College, where students will be coached by NFS faculty and senior mentors. During our time in Italy we will also learn about Italian security and defence priorities, as well as attend briefings with the NATO Security Force Assistance Centre of Excellence, the European Space Agency, and Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

June 21 - 27: Our final destination is The Hague, Netherlands. Exact details of this location are still TBD. Stay tuned for more information about this destination. 

What it costs

Maximum program fee

8549.00 CAD

Final program costs are based on the total number of students and subject to change, but will never exceed the maximum number listed above.

Tuition

• Undergraduate (domestic): $2,544 (12 units)
• Undergraduate (international): differential rates, between $12,069 and $14,011. (12 units)
• SFU graduate students in Political Science MA who are paying the full-time fee: $2,107
• Non-degree (other) graduate students* and SFU graduate students if not related to their home program: $1,908 (6 units)
• Western Dean's Agreement students: tuition paid at usual rate to home university

Not including student fees. Differential tution fees are charged for international undergraduate students. Visiting non-degree graduate students will pay an additional graduate application fee. Non-SFU graduate students should refer to International Services for Students.

Financial aid

Full-time students participating in SFU field schools are eligible to apply for student loans. Full-time SFU students may also apply for bursaries, scholarships, awards and international exchange/field school bursaries. Full time degree-seeking SFU students may also apply for bursaries, scholarships, awards, and International Exchange/Field School Bursaries, including the Suite of Study Abroad awards (valued: $1,000-$2,000) embedded in the program application.

For more information on funding your trip, please visit the SFU Study Abroad's Financial Aid page.

What's included

• Shared accommodation in all locations
• Field trips, activity, and conference fees
• Some meals (most breakfasts and some group meals)
• In-field transportation (air travel and ground transportation in Europe)
• Pre-departure orientation, in-field and re-entry support

What's not included*

• Airfare to starting destination (Riga), and from our final location (The Hague) to home (or additional personal travel)
• Most meals 
• Communication costs (ie cellphone, tourist sim card)
• Mandatory health insurance
• Additional personal costs (travel, dress code)
• One required book (approx. $50 CAD)
• Any testing or documentation required for travel
• Visa**

* This list is not comprehensive. You may have additional or varying needs.

**Only required if you have Turkish citizenship or if students plan to remain within the Schengen Area for over 90 days.

Eligibility

Undergraduate

Required

• Must be 19 years of age or older prior to departure
• Canadian citizen or NATO-nation passport holder

Recommended

• Have completed a minimum of 60/120 units or equivalent unit load (e.g. 50%) of post-secondary courses at the time of application.
• Have a minimum 3.0 CGPA on a 4.33 scale (~73% average with a 50% passing grade)

Graduate

• Must be 19 years of age or older prior to departure
• Canadian citizen or NATO-nation passport holder
  
• Be enrolled in a graduate program or applying to be by Fall 2025.
• Must either have a minimum 3.33 CGPA within a currently enrolled graduate program OR if currently applying for a graduate program, then undergraduate student eligibility requirements will be considered (see undergraduate student eligibility requirements above, including the submission of an undergraduate transcript). Proof of program acceptance and/or application will be required as an additional document.

How to apply as a non-SFU student

• Qualified students from institutions other than SFU are eligible to participate. Visiting students are responsible for arranging transfer credit with their home institution. In addition to the NATO Field School application, you will need to complete a Visiting Student for Field School Application, which is embedded within the program application. Both applications must be complete and submitted by the application deadline. If you have any questions about the application procedure for visiting students, please contact International Services for Students at fieldschools@sfu.ca

Selection criteria

• Academic Standing
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity 
• Demonstrated satisfying performance during the interview.
• Final consent of the Field School Director.