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. Up to 70% of the cost may be offset for academically qualified students; 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; daily meals; or personal expenses incurred by students.
For more details, please see the Eligibility and Fees and costs section.
About the course
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.
About the experience
A typical day might include:
a lecture by Professor Yu, followed by a walking tour to a local site, museum, market, and/or another cultural point of interest
you are expected to dine together for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and will have “off” periods to encourage local exploration
Notable environmental conditions:
hot, humid weather with mosquitoes
sometimes we’ll get caught during typhoon season, which has resulted in students catching colds in the past. We recommend that students wear long, light linens to stay cool and to remain protected from the sun and mosquitoes.
lots of walking and commuting
Sensitive or potentially triggering content:
some students find that it is an emotional experience (especially if you have heritage/roots in the areas we are visiting)
Accomodation
Accommodation is shared and hostel-style.
General timeline
The program will take place in Kaiping, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia May 30 - June 19, 2019. Prior to your time in the field, you will be required to attend pre-departure sessions and lectures in Vancouver. Full schedule below.
Vancouver lectures: May 13-May 30
Kaiping/Hong Kong: May 30-June 19
Singapore and Malaysia dates tbd
Vancouver Lectures/Conference/Showcase: June 20-July 6
Eligibility
To be accepted for this Global Seminar, you have to meet both program-specific requirements as well as ARA eligibility.
Program-specific requirements
All Arts students are welcome to apply, preference given to ACAM students. Historically, students come from: Asian Studies, Geography, International Relations, Political Science, Psychology, English, LFS and Commerce. Program open to all faculties.
ARA Eligibility:
Be enrolled in UBC Vancouver’s Faculty of Arts
Be in their third, fourth, or final year of study
Be enrolled in at least 24 credits in the academic year before the program
Must be registered in 24 credits in the current academic year, or sufficient to graduate
Have a minimum GPA of 70% with no fails or incompletes
This is a highly competitive program that is generously funded through the Faculty of Arts – Dean’s Office, Anonymous Donors and Go Global. The ARA funding provided for this program is limited to only UBC Vancouver students in the identified Arts Majors.
Fees and costs
CAD $3,500 - 3,700 + tuition and flight
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.
All qualifying students will receive ARA Funding. A separate application is not required. ARA Funding provides eligible students 70% of funding for the program fee and flight. Accepted students with demonstrated financial needs are eligible for 100% funding for Program Fee and Budgeted Flight.
Program Fee Includes
Program Fee Does Not Include
Accommodation
Tuition*
Program-related travel
Flight*
Program-related excursions
Incidentals*
Go Global fee ($415.00)
Travel Visa
*UBC Tuition - Not included. Part of your costs
This amount will differ for domestic and international students. This amount will be assigned to you on the Student Service Centre (SSC) according to normal UBC tuition timelines. Read about tuition fees.
This amount is not determined or applied by Go Global.
All students participating in a Global Seminar will have tuition applied to their SSC account.
*Flights - Not Included. Part of your costs
Travel to the destination is a separate cost. However, 70 – 100% funding is provided for the flight at a budgeted cost of $1,000. You are responsible for arranging your own travel. You should not book your flight until you are notified to book. All Global Seminars only run if there is a minimum number of students enrolled.
*Incidentals - Not Included. Part of your costs
Some examples include: personal mobile communication, personal transportation that is not related to the learning outcomes of the program, additional meals that are not already identified as part of the program fee, immunizations, Visas
Global Seminars refund policy
Adjustment on deposits
Students are eligible for an adjustment of their deposit under the following circumstances:
Withdrawal after acceptance in 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.
Accessibility
If you are considering applying for a Go Global program and identify with having a disability or pre-existing health condition (mental or physical) which could impact your participation, or if you require academic accommodation, you can contact the following offices and meet with an Accessibility Advisor before the start of your program:
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:
