Choosing a program
-Employee of a Community Based Organization in Tzimol, Mexico
We expect you to participate in a program that fits with your academic goals at UBC. If you’re unsure which program best fits, please contact a Go Global ISL Advisor at goglobal.isl@ubc.ca and we will help you. It is also valuable to talk to an Academic Advisor in your faculty to discuss how the program fits into your goals for your degree program.
When choosing a program to apply for, consider the following questions:
- How does this program’s learning objectives fit into my overall academic goals?
- Does this program offer course credit?
- What skills and attributes can I bring to the placement?
- Have I read the eligibility requirements and am I eligible for this particular program placement?
Can I get academic credit?
- Yes, some programs are designated as a course (such as SOCI 435) or are affiliated with a course. These are noted on the program pages and the current program page.
- You may also fulfill academic requirements such as an internship or co-op placement while participating in an ISL program. These require specific conversations regarding the fit and applicability with the community-based organization, Go Global staff, and your academic advisor.
- You may participate in the program as a self-directed study credit by coordinating this with a faculty member.
- Please note that tuition and co-op fees will apply in addition to the ISL program fee.
What will I be doing on my placement?
We will not provide you with a blueprint of the exact tasks you will undertake during your placement. Instead, we will have a framework for action and a shared understanding of where you can best fit into the community partner’s mandate. It is important that you prioritize reflection and learning as part of the ‘work’ of your ISL placement.
Our community partners expect UBC students to arrive filled with curiosity and a willingness to learn and reflect. Engaging in critical dialogue with your colleagues and supervisors is essential to your engagement and co-creation of a relevant role for international communities.
