Does fieldwork for a PhD from a Canadian University count toward PR obligations

[Frozenrose]

Heya all

I think the title says it all, but I am just curious, if I am studying a PhD at Alberta University and I am required to undertake fieldwork in Nigeria can I count this as working for a Canadian company abroad? I will be receiving funding for my studies in the form of TAwork, RAwork and scholarships. I am pretty sure that the UofA is incorporated... Answers, ideas, and guidance are, as ever, super appreciated