Summer at UBC is a summer programme for students aged 9 to 17, held on the beautiful campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. It is operated by ILSC in partnership with CISS. Students can choose between General English and Global Leadership courses, both offering 15 hours of lessons per week, combined with a full schedule of excursions and activities that showcase the best of Vancouver's natural beauty and urban attractions.
Two course options are available. General English offers 15 hours of lessons per week for students of all levels, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing with content that is relatable and interesting for teens. Global Leadership offers 15 hours of lessons per week for students aged 12 to 17 with intermediate to advanced English (IELTS 4.0+), focusing on leadership skills, self-discovery, cultural understanding, and personal growth through interactive workshops and project-based learning.
The programme is designed for students aged 9 to 17 years. The General English course is open to all students in this age range. The Global Leadership course is specifically for students aged 12 to 17 with intermediate to advanced English proficiency.
Global Leadership is a specialised programme for students aged 12 to 17 with intermediate to advanced English. It offers 15 hours of lessons per week over 2-week or 3-week sessions, delivered by specialised instructors. Through interactive workshops, cross-cultural exchanges, and real-world problem-solving, students develop leadership skills, confidence, empathy, and adaptability. Throughout the course, students collaborate on a final project and showcase their ideas and leadership vision to their peers in a final presentation.
Students stay in the Totem Park residence at the University of British Columbia in single or double rooms. Students are separated by gender. Each room has one or two beds, desks, chairs, storage, and a private bathroom. Clean linens are provided and changed weekly. Common lounges on each floor feature a small kitchenette, sofas, and a TV. Staff live on the same floor of the residence, providing full supervision.
Three nutritious meals are provided daily, served buffet style from the cafeteria next to the residence, which features a wide choice of main courses. On full-day excursions, students receive a boxed lunch and a restaurant dinner.
Students participate in on-campus afternoon activities every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, including group sports, games, performing arts, and visual arts. Evening activities include scavenger hunts, dance parties, performance nights, and team quiz competitions. Each week, students take part in half-day and full-day excursions to explore Vancouver, with activities that may include Capilano Suspension Bridge, Playland Amusement Park, Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Granville Island, Grouse Mountain, and Whistler Village.
General English accepts all levels, with 5 levels of ESL from Beginner to Advanced. Global Leadership requires intermediate to advanced English (IELTS 4.0+). Students are placed in the appropriate level through testing on the first day.
The package includes 15 weekly hours of lessons, accommodation, three meals daily, full WiFi on campus, off-site activities, afternoon and evening activities, emergency medical insurance, full supervision, arrival and departure transfers, and an ILSC t-shirt and certificate of completion. Extra fees include Unaccompanied Minor service at $75 each way. Students must bring a credit card to purchase a laundry card for card-operated laundry machines. All fees are in Canadian dollars.
Full supervision is provided at all times. Staff live on the same floor of the residence as students, providing 24/7 supervision. Students are accompanied by staff on all activities and excursions. Safety is a priority, with staff available around the clock to ensure students are supported and safe throughout their stay.
