Summer at the University of British Columbia (UBC)

The programme offers two course options to suit different student goals and proficiency levels. General English is the choice for most international students, providing 15 hours of classroom instruction per week (17 lessons) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The curriculum reflects current, real-world issues, recent events, social and environmental issues, and popular culture so that content is relatable and interesting for teens. Speaking and listening are practiced through discussion topics that are interesting and relevant to today's youth. All levels are accepted, with 5 levels of ESL from Beginner to Advanced.

Global Leadership offers 15 hours of lessons per week for students aged 12 to 17 with intermediate to advanced English (IELTS 4.0+). This programme is offered in 2-week or 3-week sessions and is designed to guide participants to effectively lead others while inspiring passion and change within themselves and the ever-changing world around them. Through interactive workshops, cross-cultural exchanges, and real-world problem-solving, students gain the confidence, empathy, and adaptability needed to tackle complex challenges. Throughout the course, students collaborate on a final project while strengthening their presentation skills, culminating in a showcase where they confidently present their ideas and leadership vision to their peers.

The programme package includes 15 weekly hours of lessons (17 lessons) in General English or Global Leadership, accommodation in university dormitories, three meals daily, full WiFi on campus, 4 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. Registration fees may apply. Extra fees include Unaccompanied Minor service ($75 each way). All fees are in Canadian dollars. Students must bring a credit card to purchase a laundry card for card-operated laundry machines within the residence buildings.

Students stay in the Totem Park residence at the University of British Columbia, offering a safe and welcoming environment with modern dormitory-style housing. Students are placed in single or double rooms, with requests considered pending availability. Students are separated by gender. Each room has one or two beds, desks, chairs, drawers for storage, and a wardrobe. The rooms each have their own private bathroom. Clean linens are provided and changed weekly. Students must bring their own bath towel and toiletries. Common lounges are located on each floor and feature a small kitchenette, sofas, and a TV. Safety is a priority, with staff living on the same floor of the residence providing full supervision.

Three nutritious meals are provided daily. Meals are 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. The dining hall provides a large, bright space where students can enjoy daily meals together.

Students always have something to do beyond their course of study. The programme includes a variety of on-campus and off-campus activities. Students can participate in afternoon activities every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the UBC campus, including group sports, games, performing arts, and visual arts activities. Evening activities include social events such as scavenger hunts, dance parties, performance nights, and team quiz competitions. Each week, students take part in half-day and weekend full-day excursions where they have the opportunity to explore the city and experience the local culture. Activities may include Capilano Suspension Bridge, Playland Amusement Park, Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Granville Island, Grouse Mountain, and Whistler Village. Rest & Reset evenings give students the option to join a fun activity at UBC or simply relax and recharge.

The programme operates from the University of British Columbia campus, offering modern classrooms, large bright cafeterias, student lounges, large open sports fields, outdoor seating areas, and comfortable university residence accommodation. Full WiFi access is available throughout both the residence and campus. The Totem Park residence provides a safe and welcoming environment, with comfortable lounges and a large dining hall where students enjoy daily meals. All lessons take place right on the UBC campus in bright and spacious classrooms surrounded by green spaces and world-class facilities, giving participants a true taste of university life.

CISS has partnered with ILSC, an established and trusted operator of language programmes in Canada, to offer students the opportunity to study at the internationally recognized University of British Columbia. The programme is delivered by experienced and qualified instructors who provide engaging lessons designed to build confidence, fluency, and communication skills. Student welfare is a priority, with staff living on the same floor of the residence providing full supervision. Students come together from around the world to learn, explore, and grow in a safe and supportive environment. The combination of high-quality English instruction, exciting excursions, and life on a world-class university campus creates an unforgettable Canadian summer experience. Students return home with enhanced English skills, global awareness, improved self-confidence, and international friendships.