CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN
Canaries & Climate
2027 Applications Open March 1
Canaries & Climate
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Discover the complex environmental challenges facing island ecosystems on Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, a volcanic archipelago off Morocco's coast. This immersive program explores how climate change uniquely impacts isolated island environments and communities.
Collaborate with faculty from Universidad de La Laguna and UW during an intensive field experience combining real-world experience with classroom discussions. Spend most days exploring Tenerife's diverse ecosystems, from coastal zones to volcanic highlands, while investigating the intersection of climate change, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
This program provides deep insights into island-specific conservation challenges, sustainable tourism practices, and community-based adaptation strategies—revealing how small island states serve as both indicators of global environmental change and laboratories for innovative solutions.
Instructors: Jake Hochard | Luis Alberto Bermejo Asensio
FALL FIELD PREP
Meet fellow travelers and ask questions during fall pre-trip meetings.
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J-TERM FIELD PROGRAM
Start your journey in historic Puerto de la Cruz, a coastal town that provides access to diverse ecosystems from sea level to volcanic peaks. You'll then relocate to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital, for the second half of the experience, allowing exploration of more urban environments.
Field Experience
2027 Dates TBD Jan. 3-14, 2027
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SPRING COURSE
Complete semester course projects.
ENR 4900 / 5900 Canaries & Climate | 3 credits
Fulfills Capstone requirements for ENR undergrad major / minor, ENR graduate major/minor, MS ENRS, and JD/MA.
ELIGIBILITY
Application preference is given to students in Haub School ENR, ENRS, and JD/MA programs.
PRE-REQUISITES
None.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application and possible admission interview required. Applications will be reviewed and processed in the order they are received.
PROGRAM FEE TBD $3,000
The program fee is subject to change. Selected applicants will be able to review program fee before confirming participation. Financial assistance available through scholarships.
What's Included lodging, transportation during the program, entrance fees, instruction, excursions, and some meals.
What's Not Included round trip transportation to Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, some meals (including travel days), UW Education Abroad fee, and UW tuition/fees for spring semester credits.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Haub School Field & Global Scholarship
Award amounts vary based on financial need. Application deadline will be determined by program.
Cheney Global Seminar Scholarship
Competitive application process. Deadlines vary, program participants will receive detailed application instructions.
See other funding opportunities.
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GRANTS
Haub School Research & Creative Activities Grant
Additional research project or creative activity required. Application deadlines: March 15 for summer funding.
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Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information about other possible financial assistance options and application deadlines.
>> explore the vineyards of El Sauzal, tasting Canarian wines while learning about volcanic soils and sustainable viticulture
>> journey to Teide National Park, traversing La Esperanza’s pine forests to study wildfire ecology before ascending by cable car to 11,663 feet
>> visit La Orotava Valley's dairy and banana cooperatives, seeing firsthand how traditional agriculture adapts to modern markets and climate pressures
>> tour the Institute for Technology & Renewable Energies (ITER) and the Arico Waste Management Complex, exploring renewable power and circular economies
>> set out from Los Gigantes on a whale-watching boat tour, observing marine biodiversity while discussing the impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems
>> hike through the laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park, descending to Tegueste to experience how microclimates shape species richness
>> discover Tenerife’s water systems at Fonsalía, exploring underground galleries and a desalination plant that showcase innovative responses to water scarcity
This program involves active outdoor experiences requiring moderate physical fitness.
Participants should be prepared for extended periods of sitting, walking on uneven terrain, moderately strenuous hiking, and shared accommodations.
You'll spend full days outdoors in Tenerife's diverse environments with variable weather conditions, across different elevations. The program may include daily walking up and down steep hills and stairs, mountain hiking, and carrying personal gear.
INFO SESSION
Meet course instructors and learn more about the spring course and the field program:
Canaries & Climate Info Session
TBD Fall 2025
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QUESTIONS
Contact Field & Global Program Coordinator:
Melanie Matthews >>> melanie.matthews@uwyo.edu