This group study will combine introductory level photography art composition and panorama in a unique way to capture the Big Island of Hawaii from coast to coast (one week on the Kona Coast and one week on the Hilo Coast). In this program, led by Faculty of Arts photography professor Denis Gadbois, you can look forward to photographing the breathtaking landscapes all over the Big Island. You will become familiar with digital photography and develop the technical skills necessary to produce quality photographic images, artistic composition and 360-degree photography using the latest technology. This group study provides opportunity to learn about the history of the Hawaii Island, its culture, relationship between the land and its people, and its resiliency through site visits. Not only you will gain strong photography skills but also learn to respect the environment, its history and culture. From lush tropical forest to wonderful sea view of the world, Hawaii’s beauty offers a wide variety of landscape and street photography to engage photographers of any skill level!
Professor Gadbois’ research focuses on art photography and 360VR photography.
Research examples: Denis Gadbois vrpanorama and virtual tour Golden Swiss Village | Virtual tour generated by Panotour (ucalgary.ca)
Key information
Application information
Student Experience
Students on the 2022 program
Chiara Raguso
Group photo from 2022
Dolly Garcia
For program information, please contact
Dr. Denis Gadbois at dgadbois@ucalgary.ca
For application and registration support, please contact the Group Study Team at group.study@ucalgary.ca
Other useful links:
- Travel Advisory for the United States
- Student Blog from 2022 program: A Different Side of Paradise
2024 Program Info Session
Program details
Questions about these courses should be directed to the program instructor.
Please note: course descriptions are tentative and subject to change.
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Courses offered
Students must take all 3 courses:
Art 235: Introduction to Photography (3 units)
Art 340: Panorama and 360 Virtual Reality Photography (3 units)
Art 513.40: Independent Photo Study (3 units)
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Prerequisites
This program is open to all majors. Good academic standing is required. Final permissions will be given by the instructor for this program.
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Pre-departure
March or April (date TBD): Mandatory pre-departure orientation facilitated by Group Study Programs
May 9-10 and 13-16, 2024 9:30 AM-12:00 PM & 1:00 PM-3:30 PM, Academic pre-sessions (camera and software focus) at UCalgary
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In-field
May 18: Travelling Calgary to Kona, Big Island, Hawaii
May 19: Kona, Street Photography
May 20: Place of Refuge Green Sand Beach
May 21: Captain Cook Catamaran coffee plantation
May 22: Pololu Valley Lapaki and Hapuna Parkis
May 23: Kona City visit
May 24: Hilo, Street Photography
May 25: Isaac Ale Park
May 26: Volcano National Park
May 27: Botanic Garden
May 28: Mauna Loa
May 29: Akaka Falls Waimia
May 30: Hilo, Completing work
May 31: Hilo, Completing work and closing dinner
June 1: Return to Kona for flight home or independent travel
June 2: arrive in CalgaryFor a comprehensive program itinerary, please click here
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Post-field
Final assignment for Art 340 and Art 513.
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Costs
The estimated cost of the Hawaii Photo Art Group Study Program will include tuition, airfare, field trips, local transportation, accommodations, and meals. The program cost is $7,319.
For the full cost breakdown and payment deadlines, please see the program Student Cost Summary.
Important information regarding deposit payments: Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits secure your space in the program and allows payment for logistical arrangements to be made in advance.
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Funding
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked here, for more information.
Faculty of Arts Group Study Program (GSP) Scholarships (for GSP participants) and Faculty of Arts Student Study Abroad Scholarships (for other international programs) - up to 10 awards of $1000 each! Application not currently open. Details to come.
Global Access Fund - up to 10 student per year and up to $5500 per person. This "funding first" model allows students to apply by October 28 and know their funding results before applying to a program. Economically disadvantaged students, first-in-family to attend university, Indigenous, LGBTQ2S+ students, students with disabilities and visible/racialized minority students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Student loans: If you qualify for student loans, your program should qualify. Please note that eligibility for student loans is determined by your loans provider.
All accommodations will be safe, clean and appropriate for student groups.
This program is open to undergraduate students who are in good academic standing.
After submitting your complete application, please expect to be contacted by the instructor for a brief conversation/interview .
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Program specific questions
All programs have general questions about how this program will meet your goals (academic reasons, personal interest, career prospects, etc.), how you plan to finance your program and coping skills. This program also has a question from the professor that will need to be filled out.
Note: Because the online application will time out after one hour, we recommend that you copy the questions in advance to work on in Word to check for spelling, grammar and word count, and then paste it into the online application.
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Unofficial Transcript
- Download an unofficial transcript from your Student Centre. Click here for a step-by-step guide to access your unofficial transcript.
- Submit your transcript through your online application with your statement of purpose.
Please ensure that you have read the Group Study Program General FAQs thoroughly before applying.
Program-Specific FAQs
Q: Are students allowed to share photography equipment on this program?
A: Yes, sharing of equipment is permitted. However, the individuals sharing equipment are responsible for any risks or possible damage to equipment as a result.
Experiencing the beautiful Polynesian culture [of Hawai’i] and its wonders is amazing in every way. I have also formed relationships with wonderful people on the trip. This is a perfect trip for you if you love traveling and photography!!
Yuanyuan
Past Hawai’i Program Participant
Getting started
Program-Specific Info Sessions
Info sessions are scheduled for every Group Study Program. Attending an info session is not required to apply, but strongly recommended as it will give you an opportunity to meet the instructor and learn more about the travel experience.
We also recommend watching Global Learning 101 for general information.
Global Learning Advising
If you have questions about this program, you can meet with one of our Global Learning Advisors by emailing group.study@ucalgary.ca or booking an appointment through the link below.
1. Select "Advising"
2. Select “Study Abroad”
3. Select “Book by Appointment Type”
4. Select your program advisor to view available times.
Academic Advising
Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how a Group Study Program might align with your degree.
After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.