Carol Zachs, from Go Global, put this comment in response to the Go Global Fiasco post. Please read it, as it offers some useful information about opportunities to travel to African countries as a UBC student.
Unfortunately, for a wide range of beliefs, ISL is not the travel experience that I would like to have with African countries, or any other country in the world…. but that’s another story.
Hello Valentina,
We appreciate your feedback regarding the Go Global program options currently available in Africa as well as the responses and words of encouragement from your peers. We do want to clarify some of this information for you and other UBC students who might be interested in participating in an international learning program so below you will find a summary of the breadth of opportunities currently available (and upcoming) in Africa.
We invite you to speak to an advisor (who are available by email or in person) if you are interested in exploring any of these opportunities further and as always, we are happy to address any concerns regarding Go Global programs directly.
Best Wishes,
Carol Zachs,
Go Global
EXCHANGE:
University of Cape Town:
We continue to have a partnership with this university. The partnership is reciprocal; that is we send and receive students. As UCT has not sent many students to UBC, they cannot accept UBC students on tuition waiver students this year. We will be able to send again next year. We are continuing to explore alternative options for students like you to access this opportunity in other ways (i.e. study abroad paying tuition fees directly to UCT). As soon as we are able to formalize these opportunities, we will make the information available on our website.
University of Botswana:
As you mentioned, this partnership is currently being developed and we hope to be able to finalize shortly. As above, once we have finalized this process, we will immediately update our program information online. Our goal is still for the 2010/2011 cycle.
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB): This European partner offers a unique opportunity to complete a two-month field course in rural development and project management at Makerere University as part of their Development program. Students spend the first semester at UMB and then travel with their cohort to Uganda. This is open to UBC students via exchange paying tuition to UBC (any additional program fees are assessed by UMB): http://www.umb.no/study-options/article/master-of-science-in-development-studies
GROUP STUDY PROGRAMS:
Canadian Field Studies in Africa:
This program is offered by McGill and more information can be found at:http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/group-study-programs/canadian-field-studies-in-africa/ Tuition is paid to UBC and you are correct that the program fee is $12,550. However, keep in mind that this includes flight to Africa from Montreal, accommodation, transportation and food for the duration of the program as well as other costs as listed on our site. Students also remain eligible for student loans and awards.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE LEARNING:
Go Global’s International Service Learning (ISL) program engages students in meaningful projects led by community partners around the world. By taking part in an ISL program, students connect academic studies with real-world experience and become aware, active, and caring citizens.
Community development through sanitation and clean water programs (Lesotho): http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/apsc-sanitation-and-clean-water-programs-summer-term-1/
Children’s Rights and Advocacy: Community Development (Swaziland):http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/childrene28099s-rights-advocacy-swaziland-summer-term-1-or-2/
Community development through HIV/AIDS programs and services (Uganda): http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/hivaids-program-support-uganda-full-summer/
Community development through HIV/AIDS programs and services (Swaziland): http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/hivaids-program-support-swaziland-summer-term-1/
Literacy, community libraries, and achieving primary education (Uganda):http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/literacy-and-reading-cultures-uganda-full-summer/
SOCI 435: Perspectives on Global Community Partnership (Uganda):http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/soci-435-perspectives-on-global-community-partnership-uganda/