Kaiping - The Heritage of Chinese Migration

Applications are reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged.  

1. Log in to the Gateway online application program
2. Select “Search Experiences” and type "GSP" to explore Global Seminars programs
3. Upload the application form for your selected Global Seminar – see Application documents below

Please note that you can apply for up to a maximum of 2 Global Seminars.

Students are encouraged to meet with the Program Director at an orientation session or one-on-one to learn more about the program.

This course is led by UBC faculty member Henry Yu.

This unique field study in Vancouver, Hong Kong, Kaiping, Singapore and Malaysia will allow you to explore multi-disciplinary perspectives on the histories, cultures, and geographies of Cantonese migration. These migration networks primarily stem from the “Szeyup” or “Four Counties” area of Canton (Guangdong) Province, the home region of many overseas Chinese who went to Canada in the 19th and 20th centuries.

By visiting the different sites, you will develop an understanding of regional approaches to heritage conservation of historical, cultural, and natural landscapes in Kaiping, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vancouver that will inform the development of their community-based research projects.

Key themes include:

• an investigation of the historical context of Chinese migration to North America
• forms and causes of segregation
• the evolution of food practices and foodways
• cultural heritage preservation
• the changing livelihoods of residents and migrants over time and space
• UNESCO world heritage site designation process

Field excursions in Vancouver’s Chinatown, Burnaby Village Museum, Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, Hong Kong, SIngapore and Malaysia will complement in-class work.

Please note that the program locations and itinerary are subject to change

Accommodation is shared and hostel-style.

This is an Arts Research Abroad (ARA) funded program. ARA is a funding body made of the Faculty of Arts – Dean’s Office, anonymous donors and Go Global that supports research intensive Global Seminars.

The ARA program offsets the cost to students for participation in an ARA course.  70% of the cost may be offset for academically qualified students;  and up to 100% of the cost may be offset for academically qualified students who demonstrate financial need (as determined by Enrolment Services).  The ARA program does not fund course development costs; faculty salaries; costs related to tuition, textbooks, course materials, visas, and vaccinations; or personal expenses incurred by students.

Students are automatically considered for the ARA funding.  Separate application not required.

For more details, please see the Eligibility and Fees and costs section.

CAD $4,800 - $5000 + tuition and flight

CAD $1,440 - $1,500 + tuition if receiving ARA funding

The final fee depends on the number of students in the program. Students do not pay the Go Global fee when applying to a Global Seminar. The Go Global fee is built into the Program Fee and is payable upon acceptance to the program.

Adjustment on deposits

Students are eligible for an adjustment of their deposit under the following circumstances:

Withdrawal after you accept your spot in the program

• You are eligible to have your Global Seminar deposit adjusted from $750 to $93.25 (ie: you receive a $656.75 credit)

Withdrawal after deposit posted on SSC

• You are eligible to have your Global Seminar deposit adjusted from $750 to $321.75 (ie: you receive a $428.25 credit)

Withdrawal after deposit due date

• The deposit and all remaining program fees are completely non-refundable. Exceptions may be determined at the discretion of Go Global. 

Any funds allocated to students through the ARA program must be returned in their entirety.

Students who decide to withdraw their application must submit a request in writing by email to the Global Seminar Advisor at go.global@ubc.ca.

UBC is committed to preparing students for safe and successful international experiences. In order to achieve this, any student participating in a Go Global Program must complete the following:

• All UBC Student Safety Abroad requirements
• Go Global Program-specific pre-departure requirements (includes both online and in-person components)

Failure to successfully complete these and any other requirements may result in withdrawal from the Go Global Program.