There’s no need to get on an airplane and cross continents, thanks to the Global Virtual Classrooms (GVC) initiative. This progressive partner collaboration pairs students and faculty with peers from around the world for online learning opportunities. 

WHAT IS THE GVC?

UBC students and faculty can collaborate with peers everywhere on transformative global learning without having to travel through the Global Virtual Classrooms (GVC) initiative. From joint coursework and projects to pitch competitions and research seminars, the GVC encompasses a wide range of programming to meet students’ needs and interests. Leveraging technology and expertise within a partner network spanning 16 countries, the GVC joins students from different cultures, disciplines and institutions in a collaborative, interactive virtual classroom. There, they share perspectives and knowledge as they address the crucial issues of our time such as climate change, health and wellbeing, sustainable cities and communities, and access to education. Each experience is co-designed and delivered by two or more institutions from different countries within the GVC partner network. 


CURRENT OFFERINGS

Climate Justice and Student Leadership Global Training Program 2023

This is an opportunity for up to five undergraduate students from seven partner universities worldwide to collaborate on climate justice. In the five-week online training—a pilot Global Virtual Classrooms project—students explore linkages between climate change and inequality through the lens of power and privilege. They explore cross-cultural perspectives on climate justice, and learn how to develop globally-minded leaders with a focus on local activism for global impact.

April 18 – May 24, 2023

Application deadline (extended): March 31, 4 PM (now closed)

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UBC-The Aga Khan University (AKU) Student Research Forum 2023

Theme: Global Climate Crisis: East to West; perspectives, challenges and solutions.

This four-week online student research forum is an opportunity for students from UBC and The Aga Khan University to collaborate and co-create original research on the topic.

June 7 - 28, 2023

Application deadline: March 28, 4 PM (now closed)

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Network for Intercultural Competence to Facilitate Entrepreneurship (NICE) 2022

A multi-university virtual learning program designed to help students develop in-demand intercultural and entrepreneurial skills. The program is a series of interactive online modules, facilitated group discussion and project work with a cross-institutional team of students addressing a global challenge.

March 2 to early July (flex), 2022

Application deadline: February 9, 2022 (now closed)

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GVC BENEFITS

  • Gives students access to rich global learning without travel cost and time, taking advantage of the latest technology to enhance collaborative learning environments
  • Draws on collective strengths within a network of international partners contributing expertise on global issues, global virtual teaching and learning – across disciplines, cultures and institutions
  • Builds students’ global competencies by fostering intercultural skills, incorporating global perspectives and educating for sustainable development
  • Nurtures leaders for diverse and complex contexts, and prepares students for future employment through a focus on global virtual teamwork
  • Supports faculty, students and staff to collaborate internationally through a global community of practice, with access to subject matter experts and resources

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Driven by guiding principles of flexibility, inclusivity and innovation, the GVC initiative offers a range of educational experiences. For-credit experiences can include full courses, course modules or projects, and student-led seminars. Co- and extra-curricular offerings include dialogue series, research symposia, pitch competitions and workshops. Partner collaboration – whether through co-design, co-delivery or co-supervision – is at the core of all offerings.

All GVC educational experiences are:

  • Partner-driven and collaborative: Co-created and/or or co-delivered by at least two institutions from different countries
  • Virtual: Designed for and delivered online, partially or fully synchronous
  • Global issues-focused: Addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, for example
  • Interactive: Include student interaction that is cross-institutional, cross-continental and, where possible, cross-disciplinary and team-based
  • Global citizenship-focused: Incorporate cross-cultural perspectives, help students develop global competencies
  • Accessible and inclusive: Create opportunities for students underrepresented in global educational experiences