Chisol Luis Mree

Overall experience

This program gave me the opportunity to experience one of the world’s leading forestry institutions and to focus on the diverse forest ecosystems of British Columbia, where forestry plays a major role in both industry and environmental stewardship.

During my year at UBC, I was particularly interested in exploring British Columbia’s adoption of non-clearcut forestry and sustainable silviculture practices. To support this focus, I completed several relevant courses, including Forestry in British Columbia, Advanced Geomatics and Natural Resource Management. 

Field-based learning

One of the most rewarding aspects of studying at UBC was the inclusion of field trips within certain courses. Notable experiences included:

• a visit to the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, where we observed silvicultural experiments and species mixtures,
• a day trip to Vancouver Island to tour Mosaic Forest Management, the largest private forest company in British Columbia and
• a two-day excursion to the BC Interior, where we explored forest ecosystems ranging from coastal rainforests to interior temperate and boreal landscapes. 

Practical matters

After arriving in Canada, several administrative tasks must be completed, including verifying a iMED health insurance coverage for the first three months, applying for BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) once iMED coverage ends, applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at a Service Canada office, and registering immigration document expiry dates in the UBC reminder system.

If you do not have a permanent mailing address upon arrival, you can rent a PO Box from Canada Post, use a friend or relative’s mailing address (avoid UBC residence addresses unless you live there), and temporarily use the International Student Advising office address. 

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website provides multilingual resources for newcomers, which are highly useful for adjusting to life in Canada.

Conclusion

The TRANSFOR-M program offers an exceptional opportunity to gain an international perspective in forestry while earning dual master’s degrees. Students not only gain academic and professional skills but also valuable first-hand experiences through field trips, networking events, and cultural immersion.

For prospective students, it is highly recommended to connect with program alumni, carefully plan your coursework, and participate in extracurricular opportunities such as seminars and events hosted by organizations like the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF-IFC).

In summary, the TRANSFOR-M program stands out for its academic rigor, its balance of European and Canadian forestry education, and the career opportunities it opens worldwide.