Program Overview

TRU Adventure Studies

The Adventure Studies program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) offers a comprehensive education in adventure tourism, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this exciting field.

Program Overview

The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the adventure tourism industry, including its social, economic, and environmental aspects. Students will have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, participate in field schools, and develop practical skills in areas such as outdoor leadership, tourism management, and sustainable development.

Degrees

The Adventure Studies program offers two degree options:

• Bachelor of Tourism Management
• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Field Schools

The program features a range of field schools, both domestic and international, which provide students with hands-on experience in adventure tourism development, community-based tourism, and social enterprise. Recent field schools have included:

• Community Based Tourism & Adventure Travel in Kyrgyzstan
• Trails to Reconciliation in Indigenous Communities in BC
• Mountain bike and trail tourism in central British Columbia
• Eco and adventure tourism development in Chile and Ecuador

Course Highlights

Field school courses typically include:

• Interaction with government economic development personnel, adventure tourism operators, and community development organizations
• Participation in community-based tourism projects and social enterprise initiatives
• Opportunities for cultural immersion and language training
• Development of practical skills in areas such as outdoor leadership, tourism management, and sustainable development

Past Field Schools

Previous field schools have included:

• 2020-2023: Trails to Reconciliation, a domestic field school focused on Indigenous tourism and community-based tourism development
• 2017: A domestic field school centered on mountain bike and trail tourism in central British Columbia
• 2012: A field school in Ecuador, with a focus on community-based tourism and adventure travel
• 2011: A field school in Chile, with a focus on sport fishing and tourism development
• 2010: A field school in Chile, with a focus on eco and adventure tourism development
• 2007-2009: A field school in Chile, with a focus on tourism development and community-based tourism
• 2006: A field school in Chile, with a focus on eco and adventure tourism development
• 2003-2005: A field school in Chile, with a focus on tourism development and community-based tourism

Adventure Studies Field School

The Adventure Studies Field School is a three-credit course that provides students with the opportunity to engage in community-based tourism development and social enterprise initiatives. The field school is typically held in the spring and lasts for several weeks. Students will have the opportunity to work with local communities, industry professionals, and government organizations to develop practical skills and knowledge in adventure tourism development.