Network for Intercultural Competence to Facilitate Entrepreneurship (NICE)
(Photo: Ben White/Unsplash)
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Students can sharpen their intercultural competence and entrepreneurial skills in the Network for Intercultural Competence to Facilitate Entrepreneurship (NICE) program. This multi-university global collaboration is a four-month virtual learning journey from March to July, 2022. The program includes interactive online modules, facilitated group discussion, project work and an optional virtual presentation session. Students receive a certificate upon completion.
Students collaborate with peers from multiple disciplines and universities across Europe to apply learning to real-world global challenges – such as climate action, health and wellbeing, and clean and efficient energy. NICE aims to empower students with critical 21st century skills, including how to work effectively in a global virtual team, across cultures, countries and disciplines. A facilitator from one of the partner universities supports student teams.
Program dates: March 2 to early July (flex), 2022
Application deadline: February 9, 2022 (now closed)
University of Edinburgh, Lund University, University of Amsterdam, University College Dublin, The University of Padova, Arqus Alliance
Students who apply to the NICE program will be required to rank the top three Global Challenges they hope to work on as part of the course. These selections determine the team each student is placed in, if offered a space in the program. Challenges to choose from are:
- Health, wellbeing and changing societies
- The future of food and its origins
- Secure, clean and efficient energy
- Smart, green and integrated transport
- Climate action, environment and resources
- Inclusive, innovative and reflective societies
- Secure societies, protected freedom
Find more information about each challenge
The kick-off event for selected students is March 2. Online modules begin March 7 and should ideally be completed by the end of June. Groups are encouraged to work through the modules at their own pace and students can expect to spend an average of three to five hours a week on the program. In addition, participants have hour-long weekly facilitated discussion sessions with the team and facilitator, and should plan to meet with their team outside of these sessions to develop projects further. There will be an optional virtual presentation session in early July.
NOTE: Most students are based in Europe. While NICE will make an effort to group students by time zone, participants should be prepared for early mornings and evenings.
Students must be able to attend all sessions. Since they are working with other students to develop a business idea, it is essential that everyone on the team is present and active to support learning and project work.
NICE participants can join an optional summer school session from July 11 to 15, 2022. NICE will share more information as the program progresses.
To meet virtually with the team each week, students need access to a reliable high-speed Internet connection and a device with a webcam and a microphone.
ELIGIBILITY
- Participants must be registered as undergraduate or graduate students at UBC at the time of the program. Graduating students may be considered, but need to be registered as unclassified students for any term following graduation that overlaps with the program dates.
- NICE invites participants from all disciplines with an interest in global issues and building intercultural competencies and entrepreneurial skills to apply.
- This program is especially suitable for students whose opportunity to study abroad is otherwise limited, including students with specialized learning requirements, caring responsibilities and financial need.
AWARDS AND PROGRAM COSTS
There are no fees or awards associated with participating in the virtual program.
HOW TO APPLY
Eligible students can apply through UBC: complete the online application.
Applications will be accepted until February 9 at 11:59 pm PST. Selected participants will be notified by February 16, 2022. Participants will be provided with their team members’ names and given access to the NICE platform in early March 2022. NICE has 10 spaces available for UBC students.
- Global challenge selection: Please ensure you review the Global Challenge options for the project on the NICE website before applying. Pick three challenges so that NICE can place selected students in a transnational team.
- Personal statement: The application includes a 300-word personal statement on how this program would contribute to personal and academic goals, and what each applicant hopes to bring to the NICE Global Challenge team.
Email daniella.weber@ubc.ca.