Vancouver Summer Program

Earth Systems and Change

Our dynamic planet is constantly reshaped by powerful forces. Interactions among the atmosphere, oceans, and land create the weather, drive global climate, and produce natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, tsunami, storms, and wildfires. From deep within Earth’s crust to impacts from space, these processes remind us that our planet is always changing. As populations grow and cities expand, understanding how Earth works is crucial to protect people, communities, and economies. In this course, you’ll learn the science behind both short-term disasters and long-term climate change. You’ll explore how energy from the Sun and Earth is concentrated and released, driving everything from sudden earthquakes, to ocean productivity. You’ll learn about the global energy balance, meteorite impacts, and which regions are most at risk from natural disasters. Study in Vancouver – a city with stunning landscapes, shaped by its coastal climate and dynamic geology. You’ll experience the local environment through field trips and interactive labs, plus engage in discussions about the future of our planet and the role of science in decision-making.

Environment and Sustainability

We live in a time when human activity is one of the most powerful forces shaping our planet. Environmental science helps us understand these impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, air and water quality, and human health. It also guides the choices we make to build a more sustainable future, from changing the global energy system away from fossil fuels to address the root causes of climate change, to building sustainable systems and resilient communities. In this course, you’ll learn the science behind today’s major environmental challenges and critically evaluate proposed solutions. You’ll engage with the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals and explore how local and regional initiatives connect to global sustainability efforts. Study in Vancouver – a city striving to become the “greenest city” in the world – surrounded by mountains, forests, and ocean. You’ll experience the local environment through field trips and collaborative projects, engaging in creative problem solving to explore how innovative thinking and science can help make our shared future sustainable.

No background knowledge of is required for EOAS Package A.

Classes are held 4-5 days a week with one day or one afternoon a week free. A typical schedule is as follows:

9:00–12:00 morning class
12:00–13:30 lunch break
13:30–16:30 afternoon class

The program includes a welcome celebration, a city tour, an orientation to the UBC campus and the Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Department, a farewell ceremony and meal, and some evening activities (such as a movie night or a sports night). Optional activities such as sporting events, museum visits, and sightseeing day-trips will be offered for a fee.

Participants will be housed in one of three UBC residences on campus with easy access to classes, libraries, sport facilities, and transportation: Ritsumeikan-UBC House, Marine Drive Residence, or Walter Gage Towers. Students will stay in shared suites that include 4-6 single bedrooms, an in-suite bathroom with a shower and toilet, a lounge area with a television, and a fully-equipped kitchenette. High-speed wired internet is included. The residences are secure and have a 24-hour front reception desk. Groups are supported by Faculty of Education staff. If maximum occupancy is reached in apartment style accommodation, students may be placed in dormitory style accommodation.

Take a virtual tour of the UBC residences

Eligibility

Participants must be undergraduate students (typically in their first 2 years of study) at international institutions who are proficient in English (all classes will be taught in English) and have a strong academic background.

Course packages have a minimum and maximum class size, so institutions are encouraged to register their students as early as possible. Course packages that do not meet the minimum number of students will not be offered. Students will be informed if their first choice package is full or has been canceled and will be given the option to choose another package.

Dates & Deadlines

Program Fee & Application

• Tuition
• Course materials
• Accommodation (31 nights)
• Medical insurance
• Airport transfer (for group arrival/departure)
• City tour
• Orientation and farewell events
• Some social activities (optional trips may require an additional fee)

Students need to meet their institution's requirements for studying abroad and must be proficient in English and have a strong academic background. Participating universities should notify UBC of their interest in the program well in advance so that accommodation and instructors can be booked. Please see https://vancouversummerprogram.ubc.ca/apply-now/ for more details.

Participants will be housed in one of three UBC residences on campus with easy access to classes, libraries, sport facilities, and transportation: Ritsumeikan-UBC House, Marine Drive Residence, or Walter Gage Towers. Students will stay in shared suites that include 4-6 single bedrooms, an in-suite bathroom with a shower and toilet, a lounge area with a television, and a fully-equipped kitchenette. High-speed wired internet is included. The residences are secure and have a 24-hour front reception desk. Groups are supported by Faculty of Education staff. If maximum occupancy is reached in apartment style accommodation, students may be placed in dormitory style accommodation.