SPRING 2026 Applications - Apply here.
The Trip: Barbados Spring Week
Approximate Travel Dates: April 25th, 2026 - May 3rd, 2026. (Plus or minus two days before and after - exact dates and times will be communicated to you at the pre-departure session).
Join us at the Centre for student engagement for an international co-curricular experience with Black, Brilliance and Belonging! See more here. Join Smyrna Wright and fellow students for an immersive and Leadership experience in Barbados through The Art of Leadership: Learning Through Barbados’ Culture, History, and Creative Expression program. This experiential learning opportunity invites students to explore Barbados through the lenses of Afro-Caribbean history, identity, arts, and community engagement while developing leadership skills grounded in cultural awareness and belonging.
Through guided cultural experiences and partnerships with local artists, educators, and community leaders, students will engage directly with Barjan heritage and creative expression. Activities may include exploring sites connected to African heritage and emancipation, participating in music, dance, storytelling, culinary traditions, and visual arts, and learning from community organizations and local practitioners about, resilience, and cultural preservation.
Students will also engage with peers, community and educators to exchange perspectives on leadership, identity, and global Black experiences while participating in reflective group discussions in communal learning spaces. This experience blends cultural immersion, creative practice, and leadership development, providing a meaningful extension of classroom learning through hands-on engagement and co-curricular activity.
Why Participate?
- Experience Barbados’ history, arts, and cultural traditions firsthand while exploring themes of identity, belonging, and leadership;
- Build meaningful connections with fellow students, facilitators, and community partners through collaborative learning experiences;
- Strengthen leadership, intercultural communication, and global engagement skills while adding international experiential learning to your resume.
Sample Itinerary*
*The itinerary is subject to change based on the availability and requirements of the program.
Accommodation: shared rooms, hotels
Transportation: local buses, cars, private transportation
All Meals: (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - local restaurants and markets
The journey begins with departure from Toronto Pearson International Airport and arrival in Barbados, where the group settles in and begins orientation activities. Early program days introduce students to the island’s historical and cultural foundations through guided exploration of Bridgetown, including visits to sites such as the Emancipation Statue, encouraging reflection on freedom, identity, and leadership within Caribbean and global Black history. Group discussions and reflection sessions help connect cultural learning with personal and community leadership themes.
As the program continues across the island, students participate in experiential workshops and community-based learning focused on creativity, sustainability, and cultural expression. Visits to places such as PEG Farm & Nature Reserve highlight connections between land, food systems, and community resilience, while workshops in music, dance, storytelling, and culinary traditions offer opportunities to learn directly from local artists and cultural practitioners. (Some free time and excursions may be included)
Engagement with students and educators at University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus further supports dialogue on student leadership and community empowerment, before the group concludes with reflection activities and final cultural exploration prior to returning home.
Payments
Estimated cost of International Component: CAD $3600-3900. (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 3-7days (pending on the experience) 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 | $500-800.00* | Refer to dates in acceptance email* UPDATE: this cost has been lowered. Please refer to your updated acceptance email for details. |
| 6th Installment | $0.00 |
*Final Installment will be determined based on the final trip cost. Each installment is due approximately every two weeks (biweekly)- Refer to exact dates in your acceptance email.
Testimonials
- See what your peers say about UTM Abroad experiences here.
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, email us at utmabroad@utoronto