Internationalization

In a world where countries are increasingly interdependent, we share a common responsibility to protect and conserve natural resources, promote global health and well-being, and foster international co-operation. UBC is already part of a growing network of learning that encompasses the globe; we must strengthen established links and develop new ones through enhanced student mobility and study abroad programs, faculty and staff exchange opportunities, and educational consortia. We shall encourage research projects that link UBC faculty and students with their peers around the world, including projects that address global problems in health, safety, economic opportunity, human rights, and environmental integrity.

The University will seek to broaden global awareness both on and off the campus through innovative programs and educational outreach in a variety of formats. We shall also attempt to make the concept of global citizenship an integral part of undergraduate learning through its introduction into our core programs. We shall work to increase understanding of Aboriginal cultures in other parts of the world, and bring scholars from many different cultures to UBC.

GoalS and Strategies

Strengthen global awareness through degree programs, public lectures, and conferences.

• Include “global content ” in programs wherever possible and appropriate, to ensure that students are presented with global issues, concerns, and solutions as part of their regular disciplinary or professional studies.

• Develop new programs on global citizenship, civil society, and related issues, intended for audiences both on and off campus.

• Establish and nurture mutually beneficial partnerships with international agencies and organizations based in British Columbia, to promote learning and research opportunities for students and faculty.

• Ensure that students have access to a range of courses and experiences that provide information and ideas about all parts of the world.

Increase international learning opportunities.

• Explore opportunities for international community service learning through student, staff and faculty exchanges with similarly disposed institutions abroad.

• Expand student mobility and study abroad programs, and develop sustaining funding to encourage greater involvement by UBC students.

• Encourage UBC involvement in overseas partnerships and consortia where these would be consistent with UBC’s strategic objectives.

• Expand international career development, experiential learning, and co-operative education opportunities for UBC students.

• Establish working partnerships with groups in emerging countries to address local problems in health, agriculture, social infrastructure, education, and sustainable development.

• Extend and strengthen our involvement in international consortia like the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and Universitas 21 through joint learning and research opportunities and through faculty, staff, and student exchanges.

Enhance UBC's reputation internationally.

• Continue to promote international undergraduate student enrolment through the International Student Initiative.

• Plan for the establishment of a Global Learning Centre at UBC.

• Establish a UBC Asia-Pacific Regional Office.

• Add more UBC-International student residences to reflect UBC partnerships and to build representation from different parts of the world.

• Enhance and increase support services for international students at UBC.