We are committed to giving our students extraordinary opportunities to develop 21st century skills – critical thinking, complex problem-solving, cross-cultural appreciation – and global experiences do just that. Whether it’s a virtual webinar, globally focused local programs, student exchanges abroad or welcoming international learners on campus, we educate global citizens ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
GLOBAL EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
FOR UBC STUDENTS
GO GLOBAL
Helping students go further with their UBC degree is the essence of our Go Global programs, literally and figuratively. Some might dream of a summer research internship in China, doing a global health practicum in Ghana or even studying regional sustainability in Iceland, but Go Global makes it real. Through international exchange, global seminars, research and summers abroad, UBC students head out into the world to make new friends, build critical-thinking skills and get fresh international perspectives on learning. Go Global also oversees the university-wide Student Safety Abroad Policy.
Go Global offers:
- Virtual programs
- Exchange
- Global seminars
- Summer Abroad
- Research Abroad
- International conferences and special programs
GLOBAL VIRTUAL CLASSROOMS
The Global Virtual Classrooms (GVC) initiative brings the world to you. It is designed for students who want both to gain international experience and develop essential global competencies for the future without having to travel. GVC programming takes place in an interactive, cross-cultural, cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary online environment. A range of educational experiences – from for-credit courses to pitch competitions and student-led workshops, co-created with faculty or students from partner universities in the GVC network – provide ample opportunities for students to participate. Focused on issues of global relevance – such as sustainability, health and wellbeing, clean energy and gender equality – GVC sessions bring peers together online to discuss, reflect, collaborate and innovate for a better world.
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
GO GLOBAL
Ours is one of the world’s most international universities, thanks in part to the many students who visit our two BC campuses from overseas. Go Global gives exchange students from other universities a chance to experience UBC’s cutting-edge academic programs, welcoming campuses and multicultural communities. Inbound international students can enroll in undergraduate or graduate study, as well as take advantage of full-time research opportunities and joint academic programs via:
UBC VANCOUVER SUMMER PROGRAM
It’s not just about academics, and that’s why students rave about UBC’s well-rounded Vancouver Summer Program (VSP). With classes from nearly every UBC faculty, VSP students can dabble in creative offerings only available in summer, such as a music lab on DJing, or a project on storytelling for manga and anime. This popular program for students is as much about enhancing their education and broadening future career paths as sampling the BC lifestyle and experiencing Canadian culture. Students live in residence on campus and take customized courses over four weeks. By offering globally relevant courses and quintessential Vancouver extracurricular activities, VSP encourages students to engage in cross-disciplinary learning and explore their passions.
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UBC VANTAGE COLLEGE -VANTAGE ONE PROGRAMS
UBC VANTAGE COLLEGE - VANTAGE ONE
UBC’s Vantage One programs are specially-designed pathways for academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English language admission requirements for direct faculty entry in UBC. Taught by award-winning UBC faculty members, these unique 11-month programs add English language instruction to first-year degree courses to prepare students for success in their bachelor's degree. After completing the Vantage One program, students progress into the second year of their UBC undergraduate degree, whether Arts, Engineering or Science. Many live on the Vancouver campus and study in the state-of-the-art Orchard Commons facilities. Depending on the chosen degree, students progress into the second year either at the UBC Vancouver or Okanagan campus.