WINTER 2026 Applications Closed. In the future apply here.
The Course: JBH471 • Worlds Colliding - The History and Ecology of Exploration, Contact, and Exchange.
Before 1492, no one in Europe ate tomatoes, no one in South America herded cattle, no one in Asia cooked with chili peppers, and no one in North America fell sick with influenza. The exchange of plants, animals, and microbes between the Americas and Afro-Eurasia in the wake of Christopher Columbus’ first voyage across the Atlantic forever changed the world’s histories and ecologies. In this course, we will examine these changes, which created global systems and ecological challenges that continue to shape our world today.
This joint Biology-History seminar offers an engaging and interactive way to study how contacts from centuries ago continue to shape our world. We will combine the insights of historians and ecologists to understand what happened then, why it matters now, and how we can help make a better world in the future. Students interested in this course will need to be approved for enrollment by the department and course instructors.
Learn more about the course here. Please note you must be registered in this course to participate in this international experience.
Make sure to check the corresponding academic calendar and ACORN for prerequisites and enrollment requirements. Click here.
Steps to Apply for the Dominican Republic Abroad Experience:
To be considered for the Dominican Republic program, students must complete all of the following steps:
- Enroll in the course associated with the program on Acorn.
- Fill out the JBH471 MS Form to express your interest in traveling.
- This form will be shared by the departments once course registration starts. See and complete the form here.
- Receive departmental approval for participation in the program.
- Submit the official UTM Abroad application by the posted deadline (as you wait for course registration, you can apply for UTM Abroad to hold your spot).
✅ All four steps are mandatory in order to be considered for the trip.
The Trip: Dominican Republic Winter Reading Week
Approximate Travel Dates: Winter reading week Saturday, February 14 - Sunday, February 22, 2026. (Plus or minus two days before and after - exact dates and times will be communicated to you at the pre-departure session).
Spend eight days with classmates, Professor Mairi Cowan of the Department of Historical Studies, and Professor Christoph Richter of the Biology Department observing the impacts of early modern globalization on the island of Hispaniola. Explore the Columbian Exchange in the city of Santo Domingo through touring museums and historic sites. Examine how the Exchange has altered habitats and ecosystems during our visits to terrestrial and marine parks. Then, during your ecological exploration, get out of the city and explore marine areas and parks. Examine how native and invasive species interact in the present-day ecosystems. Consider which species were brought intentionally and which were brought over by accident, and how both have come to shape the current system. Have the opportunity to reflect with your faculty members on the relationships between history, ecology and early modern exchange, both in your observations from the Dominican Republic and as you relate it back to your learning within the course.
Why Participate
- Observe and appreciate the multi-faceted and multi-directional links between historical and ecological impacts of the Columbian Exchange;
- Foster a better sense of historical and environmental stewardship;
- Connect with the history, culture, and ecology of the Dominican Republic;
- Establish connections with fellow students and your professor;
- Add international travel experience to your resume.
Payments
Estimated cost of International Component: CAD $3300-3600. (Final Installments will be determined based on the final trip cost).
What is Included: Flights, transportation, accommodation, meals, in-country activities associated with the course, and trip-cancellation insurance. Funding Available!
What is NOT Included: Course fees, fees associated with supplemental travel insurance, additional optional tours/activities while abroad, visa applications, medical exams, vaccinations, on-the-ground medical expenses, and any other additional costs.
Funding
Bursaries will be awarded based on demonstrated financial need (not linked to OSAP) as shown in your funding request in your UTM Abroad application. Read more about funding here!
If you have applied for a bursary, you will hear back about your bursary application at the same time as your trip application. Once you hear back, you will have about one week to decide whether to participate in the trip based on the bursary awarded. Please review the bursary policies here, and cancellation policies here.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Amount | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Installment | $250.00 | With Application |
| 2nd Installment | $950.00 | TBD |
| 3rd Installment | $950.00 | Refer to dates in acceptance email |
| 4th Installment | $950.00 | Refer to dates in acceptance email |
| 5th Installment | $200-500 | Refer to dates in acceptance email |
*Final Installment will be determined based on the final trip cost. Each installment is due approximately every two weeks (biweekly)- Refer to the exact dates in your acceptance email.
Testimonials
Traveling to the Dominican Republic was an unforgettable experience that broadened my perspective, enriched my cultural understanding, and left me with memories to cherish for a lifetime. The food, the people, the whales and the beauty it holds is like no other! - Winter 2024 Student Participant"
"Once in a life time opportunity, way better than resorts. - Winter 2024 Student Participant"
"This travel experience provided me with amazing new perspectives and visuals for the course theme, and was also a lovely opportunity to connect with faculty and fellow students. I definitely recommend going on a UTM Abroad trip if you're able, because I'm so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to go on this adventure. - Winter 2024 Student Participant
Need To Know
- The cost and itinerary are subject to change. The information on this page is for general reference and is subject to change. Specific and up-to-date details regarding itineraries, the final cost, and additional program requirements will be communicated through email from at the pre-departure sessions. Please refer to those communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you have any questions or need clarification, we encourage you to contact UTM Abroad. We look forward to your application and are here to support you on this exciting journey!
- For the full list of Terms and Conditions, please click here.
- Applicants must submit an application for admission into the course to their respective departments and will be required to abide by the corresponding UTM Abroad application requirements and deadlines to participate in the international experience.
- Fees must be paid in full by the required deadlines.
- To prepare for the trip, students attending will participate in the mandatory pre-departure sessions which occur in person on campus.
Questions?
Book a Global Learning Advising appointment through CLNx, email us at utmabroad@utoronto.ca.