The NATO Field School and Simulation Program is an intensive political science experience that combines coursework with experiential learning. It is an academic program open to students from across the NATO alliance.

The NATO Field School and Simulation Program is an intensive political science experience that combines coursework with experiential learning.

The program is open to university students across all NATO member-states and provides the opportunity for students to observe professionals and experts in their working environment and by student immersion in the decision tasks that political, diplomatic and military personnel face. This includes visiting embedded experts from the Department of National Defence, Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, NATO and academia, as well as high-level briefings at NATO HQ, SHAPE, EU Military Staff HQ, European External Action Services and NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence and the Joint Canadian Delegation to NATO. Like a dynamic practicum or apprenticeship, the NATO Field School prepares you for entry-level employment in foreign affairs, defence policy and various national and international security sectors, as well as international NGO sectors.

See NATO Field School Departmental Website for more program information.

Important notes:

Field School Director: Dr. Alexander Moens, nato@sfu.ca
Application deadline: January 25, 2023 (11:59pm PT)
Early applications will receive priority in review, and are strongly encouraged.
An academic reference is required for this program.
This program is open to graduate and visiting students (from NATO-member countries).
See application instructions here.

Eligibility

Level of Study (at SFU)Undergraduate, Graduate

Program EligibilityDue to security clearance requirements in receiving both military and diplomatic briefings, all students are required to have Canadian citizenship or be a citizen of a NATO member country. See the list of countries here.

If you do not meet one of the below eligibility requirements but are interested in participating, please contact the Field School Director (Dr. Alexander Moens, nato@sfu.ca) to see if the requirement can be waived.

Undergraduate Eligibility Requirements

Be 19 years of age or older prior to departure
Have a minimum 2.5 CGPA on a 4.33 scale
Recommended to have a minimum 3.0 CGPA on a 4.33 scale (~73% average with a 50% passing grade)
SFU Students: be in Good Academic Standing at the time of application
Recommended: have completed a minimum of 60 units of university courses at the time of application or equivalent course load (50%) of post-secondary courses by end of Fall 2022

Graduate Eligibility Requirements

If currently applying for a graduate program, then undergraduate student eligibility requirements will be considered

Be 19 years of age or older prior to departure
Be enrolled a graduate program or applying to be by Fall 2023
Have a minimum 3.33 CGPA within a currently enrolled graduate program
SFU Students: be in Good Academic Standing at the time of application

Selection Criteria

Academic standing
Demonstrated preparedness and maturity
Priority will be given to declared or intended majors/minors in political science or related disciplines
Consent of the field school director

The Field School Selection Committee reserves the right to conduct intake interviews in addition to reviewing the completed application as part of the application process. The Field School Selection Committee for each Field School program will select qualified participants. Decisions are approximately 4 weeks after the application deadline.

How to apply as a non-SFU (Visiting) student

Qualified students from institutions other than SFU are eligible to apply. Visiting students must arrange for transfer credit with their home institution, as well as a transcript after completion.

You will need to complete an application to this program in addition to a Visiting Student for Field School Application, which is embedded within the program application. Both applications must be complete and submitted by the stated application deadline. See more information here.

Academics

Language of InstructionEnglish

Subject Areas AvailablePolitical Science

Exchanges: The names of the subject areas may be different at the partner. The above does not guarantee availability in a specific term or language, nor how courses taken on exchange will transfer back to SFU. This list may be subject to change. Use the above list as a guideline for exploring academic options at the partner.

Field School Program Information

Courses12 units for undergraduate students and 6 units for graduate students:

Undergraduate: POL 484-12 - NATO Field School, Simulation, and Experiential Learning Program

Graduate: POL 880-6 - NATO Field School, Simulation, and Experiential Learning Program

This intensive international policy engagement course and field program provides the opportunity for students to observe professionals and experts in their working environment and by student immersion in the decision tasks that political, diplomatic and military personnel face. This includes visiting embedded experts from the Department of National Defence, Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, NATO and academia, as well as high-level briefings at NATO HQ, SHAPE, EU Military Staff HQ, European External Action Services and NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence and the Joint Canadian Delegation to NATO. Like a dynamic practicum or apprenticeship, the NATO Field School prepares you for entry-level employment in foreign affairs, defence policy and various national and international security sectors, as well as international NGO sectors.

See syllabus from 2022 program here. Please note this is uploaded for reference only and details are subject to change for 2023.

DatesThese dates are provided as guidelines and are subject to change

Late February - mid-March: Mandatory self-paced virtual orientation program on Canvas

March TBD: Pre-Departure Orientation

May 8 - 19: 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 22 - June 5: We will begin our in-field programming based in Rome, 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 take a short trip to Naples, where we will attend briefings at Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

June 6 - 26: Next, we will travel to NATO's Eastern Flank in the Baltics. Based out of Riga, Latvia, we will learn about the history of the area, 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, and cyber security, at the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, in Tallinn, Estonia. 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.

June 27 - 30: The NATO Field School will travel to Vilnius, Lithuania, where the 2023 NATO Summit is taking place.

July 1 - 8: Our final destination is 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. During this time we will also take a trip to Germany, where students will receive a tour of the Ramstein Air Base.

Cost and FundingAll costs are listed in CAD. You will pay: tuition; activity and other SFU fees; and a Field School Program Fee.

1. Tuition Fees*

a. Undergraduate (domestic): $2,445.60 (12 units)
OR
b. Undergraduate (international): differential rates, between $11,158.08 and $12,709.80 (12 units)
OR
c. SFU Graduate students in the Political Science MA program who are paying the full-time fee: $2,025.60**
SFU graduate students if not related to their home program or non-degree students: $1,834.38 (6 units). Please discuss tuition arrangements with your supervisor and/or department prior to applying.
Non-degree students: will also pay a $90 or $125 Graduate Application Fee and $250 deposit to SFU if they are accepted into the Field School. The deposit will go towards tuition fees.
Western Dean's Agreement students: tuition paid at usual rate to home university.

* This calculation does not include other student fees.

**Different fees will apply to students in other scenarios (e.g. MA students paying the continuing fee or in a subject area with a higher per-unit rate).

2. Student Activity Fee (off-campus)

$81.22 (Undergraduate)
OR
$37.69 (Graduate)

3. Program Fees*

$5,768 - $6,581; and
Administrative Fee, as per SFU Calendar
What's included
Shared accommodation
Field trips
In-country transportation
Some entrance fees
Some group meals
Pre-Departure Orientation; in-field/re-entry support
What's not included**
International flight to Rome & from Beligum: variable cost
Most food
Communication costs (i.e. cellphone): variable
Entertainment and additional personal travel
Any testing or documentation required for travel (e.g. COVID tests, translations, or notarizations of proof of vaccination, etc.)
Vaccinations: may be required. Please consult a travel health doctor
Visa: please research if required based on citizenship
Mandatory health insurance

* Final program costs are based on the total number of students and are subject to change. The highest number listed is the maximum it would cost. If the program reconciles with a surplus above $100 per student, the remaining surplus will be refunded to program participants.

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

Students must pay Tuition and Student Activity fees (numbers 1 & 2) directly to SFU Student Services by the due date as outlined in the SFU Calendar, in mid-May. Field School Program Fees (number 3) must be paid by Thursday, June 29th 2023.

Financial Aid

Full time students (enrolled in a term of 9+ units) participating in SFU field schools are eligible to apply for student loans.

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.

Information SessionsGeneral Info Session

Register for the Summer 2023 Field Schools Information Session to meet Field School Directors, learn about the application process, funding options, and more!

Date: Wed., Jan 11, 2023

Time: 5:30 – 7pm PT

Field School-Specific Info Session

December 15th, 2022 at 5:30PM PST. Registration full.
December 20th, 2022 at 5:30pm PST. Register here
January 12th, 2023 at 9:00AM PST (5:00PM CET): Register here

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