UBC Okanagan (UBCO) will welcome students from around the world next July for the inaugural Okanagan Global Summer Program—a unique program that blends academic exploration with global adventure. Following a successful pilot in 2023, UBCO is expanding the program to offer six innovative course packages that tap interdisciplinary perspectives and knowledge to solve issues of global significance.
The three-week program (July 8 to 26) combines academics with social, cultural and outdoor experiences. It's an immersive global experience on the Okanagan Valley campus. The area is a renowned travel destination known for its beaches, year-round recreation, natural beauty, fruit orchards and award-winning wines.
“Expanding world perspectives, pursuing top-tier academics and building meaningful relationships are all at the core of the program,” says Brad Wuetherick, Associate Provost, Academic Programs, Teaching and Learning at UBCO. “This program offers more than academic growth: by embracing everything this program has to offer, students are also creating memories and building friendships that will shape who they become as global citizens.”
During the session, students attend weekday classes, building toward earning UBC micro-credentials by the end of the program, while staying in on-campus accommodations, allowing them to socialize and share evenings together.
The all-inclusive program costs $6,000 CAD and registration opens Jan. 2, 2024. The UBC Vancouver campus has a similar offering: the Vancouver Summer Program, in June and July each year.
OGSP students took part in the great train robbery on the Kettle Valley Railway (photo: Edward Pye/UBCO)
The students enjoyed wine-tasting and views across Okanagan Lake at Summerhill Winery (photo: Edward Pye/UBCO)
The group learned the finer arts of manufacturing in the UBCO fabrication lab (photo: Edward Pye/UBCO)
The students tried out 3-D printing in the UBCO Makerspace (photo: Edward Pye/UBCO)
OGSP students tried their hands at martial arts with Professor Ray Taheri (photo: Edward Pye/UBCO)
The group presented their wild fire mitigation prototypes to UBCO experts (photo: Edward Pye/UBCO)
Learn more about the 2024 Okanagan Global Summer Program.