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UofGH Global Learning Opportunities

UofGH Global Learning Opportunities

Do you have a passion for learning and travel? Would you like to combine them into a global learning experience? Do you enjoy learning from new and diverse perspectives? If so, you are on the right page!

The following global learning opportunities are available to all current UofGH students for the Summer 2024 semester.

UofGH Study Abroad        

UofGH Study Abroad are 0.5 credit General Elective courses offered during the summer semester. All current UofGH students can apply for any ONE of the following 2024 study tours:

AUSTRIA: MENTAL HEALTH AND MUSIC: A STUDY TOUR OF ENCHANTING VIENNA

Research has shown a positive link of the impact of music on mental and emotional well-being. Students on this study tour will take a walk through history in this enchanting city for an educational and cultural experience that explores the lives of famous Viennese residents, including influential psychotherapists Sigmund Freud (the father of psychotherapy), Alfred Adler, and Melanie Klein, and unparalleled classical composers Wolfgang Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Strauss. The trip will offer tours and activities specific to these iconic Viennese figures, as well as a trip to the famously charming city of Salzburg, Austria.

*0.5 General Elective Credit

Projected Dates: May 13 – 24 | Course Director: Paul Sherman, Program Head, Community & Social Services

ECUADOR & GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS: ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

In Ecuador, students will learn about what the psychological sciences can tell us about human responses to the climate crisis. Students will engage in activities that bring the climate crisis to life with tours of Quito, as well as San Cristobal Island in the Galápagos archipelago where environmental solutions are being explored by scientists and local communities. Combining lectures from professors in Ecuador and tours by expert guides, students will learn ways in which we can preserve the earth’s resources to sustain all forms of life.

*0.5 General Elective Credit

Projected Dates: May 15 - 24 | Course Director: Adam Sandford, Assistant Program Head of Psychology

FRANCE (COTE D’AZUR & PARIS): LA BONNE VIE – FRENCH ECONOMY AND SOCIETY

North American and European conceptions of the good life ("la bonne vie") and society diverges in significant ways. Europeans tend to put a higher priority on leisure than work and favor a greater role for government in the economy. In this course, we explore those differences by traveling to France and gaining insights about that country's recent history as well as its leading industries. These include the cultural, financial, gaming, tourism, entertainment, and wine industries. The study tour in this course will take students to Paris, Nice, Cannes, Saint Tropez, Monaco, and Monte Carlo.

*0.5 General Elective Credit or 0.5 Business Restricted Elective Credit

Projected Dates: May 23 – June 3 | Course Director: Charles Janthur, Instructor, Business

FRANCE (NORMANDY) & THE NETHERLANDS: FROM SCREEN TO SHORE – CANADA’S D DAY LEGACY

Explore Canadian and global history on this study tour through the Netherlands and France. Our theme will be the 80th Anniversary of D-Day: Canada’s Legacy, with a focus on films and movies about this pivotal event. This journey spotlights the significant role Canada played on D-Day, with a particular emphasis on the liberation of the Netherlands, which nurtured a lasting camaraderie between our nations that endures to present day. The tour starts in the Netherlands, where we will visit Second World War sites such as the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam, the historic port of Antwerp and the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetary. The tour then moves into Normandy, France, visiting the historic beaches and poignant memorial sites of Normandy, with a stopover at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, which commemorates the 60,000 Canadians who died in France during the First World War, and is the only National Canadian Historic Site not on Canadian soil. The tour finishes in the City of Lights - Paris.

*0.5 General Elective Credit

Projected Dates: May 29 – June 9 | Course Director: Kathy Ullyott, Program Head, Media Studies

GREECE: FROM ANCIENT MYTHS TO MODERN PLAYGROUNDS: THE ODYSSEY OF CHILDHOOD

This course delves into the rich tapestry of childhood, bridging the mythical narratives of ancient Greece with the complexities of modern-day childhood. Drawing inspiration from ancient tales of the Greek Gods, students will explore how myths shaped the perceptions and experiences of children in ancient Greece. By juxtaposing these ancient tales with contemporary childhood narratives, the course will highlight the evolving challenges, play modalities, and cultural influences that have transformed childhood over the millennia. Topics include ancient Greek games, mythological stories as educational tools, and the impact of modern technology and media on children today. Students will gain a nuanced understanding of childhood's ever-evolving odyssey and its implications for the modern world.

*0.5 General Elective Credit

Projected Dates: May 15 - 25 | Course Director: Nikki Martyn, Program Head, Early Childhood Studies

IRELAND: WORDS MAKE WORLDS: HEARING AND EXPLORING IRELAND THROUGH POETRY

Discover the history and myth—the past and stories about the past—of Ireland through the voices of its poets. The poems we read together provide a kind of sensory map of the locations we will visit. Students will feel, see, and touch the world that shaped Irish poets, and how they expressed the desires, failures, and surprises of modern Ireland in ordinary and visionary ways. We will study works by writers such as W.B. Yeats, Eavan Boland, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, and the Northern Irish poet Seamus Heaney.

This tour, based in Dublin and Belfast, invites students to probe the complex themes of justice, division, and reconciliation. Visits to Kilmainham Gaol and GPO in Dublin, along with Peace Walls and Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast, will be paired with corresponding poetic readings to offer a multidimensional understanding of justice and historical events.

Highlights:

  • A guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol complemented by a reading of Yeats' "Easter, 1916."
  • Exploring the Peace Walls in Belfast through the verses of Heaney's "Whatever You Say Say Nothing."
  • An exploration of justice in post-Good Friday Agreement Northern Ireland, facilitated by a reading of Heaney's "The Cure at Troy" at Stormont Estate.
  • A day trip to hike in the Wicklow mountains, the highest mountain range in Ireland.
  • A day trip to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the most majestic, eerie geological wonders on earth.

*NOTE: To be considered for this study tour, students will be asked to submit an additional 250-word reflection on their favorite poem.

*0.5 General Elective Credit

Projected Dates: May 5 – 15 | Course Director: Matthew LaGrone, Program Head, Liberal Studies

NEW ZEALAND: FITNESS, SPORT AND HEALTH PROMOTION IN AUSTRALASIA

In this course, students will study abroad in New Zealand and explore the interplay between sport, fitness, health, and culture in Australasian society. Students will visit the esteemed Auckland University of Technology provided teaching on the topics of sports science, fitness and performance programs for the elderly and children, sport and culture, and nutrition. Students will be introduced to health promotion strategies in Australasian society with a focus on health implications for the local population with blended western and Indigenous cultures. We will also immerse ourselves in the local culture taking part in activities such as white-water rafting, hiking, zorbing, zip-lining, and mountain biking.

*0.5 General Elective Credit

Projected Dates: May 4 - 16 | Course Director: Justine Tishinsky, Instructor, Kinesiology

SCOTLAND & ENGLAND: HAUNTING VISITORS

In this study abroad course, students visit several old cities in the United Kingdom, famous for their connections to stories about ghosts, legends, and gruesome events. Students will have an opportunity to witness settings of “haunted heritage” up close and first hand. This course explores the connections between local history, narrative, and commercial tourism in regions of Scotland and England known for their rich supernatural ancestry. Through visits to London, Edinburgh, and York, students will experience the touristic performance of the paranormal. Key concepts from various disciplines will come to life, including tourist and consumer studies, folklore, media studies, performance and theatre, and narratology.

*0.5 General Elective Credit

Projected Dates: May 8 – 18 | Course Director: Greg Kelley, Instructor, Media Studies

SINGAPORE & BALI: NATURE AND INNOVATION

Explore the wonders of Bali and the beautiful city-state of Singapore, students will explore the world of the child. Exploring education, innovation and creativity with a possible visit to an award winning eco-school in Bali. Students will investigate the role of nature, wildlife, and culture in the life of the child and family through the magnificent ecological surroundings existing and built into Bali and Singapore. Students will examine creativity, play and innovation in the exploration of the importance of the human experiences required for the wellbeing of future generations.

*0.5 General Elective Credit

Projected Dates: July 8 - 20 | Course Director: Nikki Martyn, Program Head, Early Childhood Studies

*NOTE: all projected travel dates are subject to change by +/- 1 or 2 day.

Standard Eligibility and Admission Criteria

Admission to UofGH Abroad course is competitive. Applicants will be assessed on the strength of their overall application including:

  • Academic suitability
    • Applicants must meet the admission requirements and be in good academic standing
  • Completed and signed application

    The online application will collect your personal information and will also ask for a personal statement (750 words maximum) addressing the following questions:

    1. Why are you interested in going on a UofGH Study Tour? How does this course benefit your personal goals?
    2. How is your choice of study tour participation academically relevant and/or related to your professional development/goals?
    3. Travelling abroad can be challenging and can push you outside of your comfort zone. Tell us about your experience and/or skills that will help ensure your well-being while abroad.
  • First non-refundable deposit of $200
    • Students are required to pay an initial deposit to secure his/her place in the course. Those who do not get admitted to a course will receive a refund of the initial deposit

Course Components and Requirements

  • Mandatory classes, including one pre-departure orientation
  • Study tour (10-12 days, including travel days)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

The cost of all courses will be $2,500 or $3,000 CDN plus tuition for a standard 0.5 credit summer course.

What does my payment cover?

Flight, accommodations, as well as transport and entrance costs associated with required itinerary visits. Food and entertainment are not covered and must be separately funded by the student.

When do I pay?

You do not have to pay all at once. Payment will be collected in three (3) installments. The details and due dates for the three installments are as follows:

Deposits: All courses (except for Ecuador & Galapagos Island, New Zealand, Singapore & Bali) Ecuador & Galapagos Island, New Zealand, Singapore & Bali Due Date
1st Deposit $200 $200 November 16, 2023
2nd Deposit $1000 $1,300 January 29, 2024
3rd Deposit $1,300 $1,500 March 29, 2024
TOTAL $2,500 $3,000  

Tuition for the course will be due in May. Deposits are non-refundable, except where the course is cancelled or the student is not admitted into the course.

How do I pay?

You pay your study abroad deposits via WebAdvisor. Follow these steps:
  • Step 1: Submit online application
  • Step 2: Receive an email indicating that a deposit charge has been applied to your WebAdvisor account
  • Step 3: Pay deposit amount (same way as you pay tuition; click here to see methods of payment)

Is there funding available?

Multiple awards of $2,500 for students registered in AHSS*3500 International Field Study in the summer semester with a minimum 70% cumulative average. Apply by using the UGH Study Abroad Application. Applicants will be asked to indicate reasons for travel, the relevance of participating in the travel opportunity to their academic studies, and the benefits of participating in the travel opportunity. The awards will be selected but not granted until the Study Abroad participation. Selection will be based on academic achievement, demonstrated relevance of the travel to the student's academic studies, and benefit to the applicant. Students must attend the study abroad portion of AHSS*3500 International Field Study.

What are the prerequisites to get into the course?

Course directors decide who is admitted based on the eligibility requirements and space availability. To begin with, students must be in good academic standing. If there are more applicants than available space, the instructor will consider both the previous academic performance and year of the student. If you are not admitted, your deposit will be returned.

Will I receive academic credit?

Yes! Students who successfully complete all the required components of the Study Abroad course will be awarded a 0.5 credit.

Do I have to take the course that is geared towards my program?

No, this is not a requirement. Students have the option to apply for any of the study abroad course of their choice.

Can I apply for more than one study abroad course?

Students can apply for one study tour per academic year. We want to ensure opportunity to for as many students as possible.

Can I apply if I am a 4th year student?

Yes, you can still apply; however, if you plan to apply for June graduation, the Study Tour will not provide you with a credit toward June convocation. Final grades are submitted no earlier than late June.

How long are the trips?

Generally, 10-12 days including travel days.

How many students are in each course?

Up to 12 students are admitted for each Study Tour.

How much free time is allotted within the trip?

This decision is at the discretion of the course director.

Do I have to travel to/from destination with the study abroad group?

Yes, you are required to leave Toronto with your Study Tour group. You can, however, extend your stay and change your return ticket date after the last day of your official Study Tour. Please note that all students are assigned a round-trip ticket and you (the student) are responsible for re-scheduling your return ticket. All change/rescheduling fees as well difference in airfare, etc. will need to be incurred by you.

Should you choose to extend your stay or change your departure city, you will need to inform your course director as soon as possible. You will also be required to submit a student waiver form and return it to either Sonika Arora or Farrah Lutchmansingh.

Semester Elsewhere

The University of Guelph-Humber Semester Elsewhere opportunities are designed to provide students’ with an exciting learning experience that will take them well beyond the classroom.

Apply to go on an international exchange for a semester and receive academic credit. The University of Guelph-Humber has exchange partners across the world, including the Netherlands, Austria and Ireland.

Below you will find all the necessary information relating to the University of Guelph-Humber’s International Exchange program.

Who is eligible to go on exchange?

Any University of Guelph-Humber student in good academic standing can participate in the Semester Elsewhere program.

What are the requirements?

  • Good academic standing
  • Minimum cumulative GPA defined by the host institution

Why is it beneficial to participate in the Semester Elsewhere program?

  • Experience a new culture while studying abroad
  • Gain a new global perspective
  • Opportunity to travel and see the world
  • Learn and grow personally and professionally
  • Build an international network
  • Develop your leadership skills
  • Learn new language skills
  • Discover possible international career opportunities
  • Form new and rewarding relationships
  • Great for resume

When can you go?

Student can participate in the international exchange program in the fall, winter, or summer semester.

Where can you go?

  • Avans University of Applied Sciences– Netherlands
  • University of Cumbria – United Kingdom 
  • Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen
  • Universidad de San Andres – Argentina
  • Haute Ecole Ephec  (Ephec University College) - Belgium
  • Soka University - operating as the Faculty of Education ("Soka") - (Tokyo, Japan)
  • IQS - Institute Quimic De Sarria Cets, Fundacio Privada - Spain
  • Management Center Innsbruck "MCI" – Austria
  • Pontifical Catholic University of Peru -Peru
    • Leuphana University - Germany
  • University Colleges Leuven-Limburg – Belgium
  • University of Ribeirao Preto - Brazil
  • Solbridge International School of Business - Daejeon, Republic of Korea
  • University of Ulster – Northern Ireland
  • University Center of Anj/Polis (aka UniEVANGELICA) - Brazil

What should you consider when choosing an exchange program/institution?

  • Courses available at host institution and their equivalency to a specific course within your current program
  • Host institutions academic dates and requirements
  • Availability of courses in the semester you intend to study abroad
  • Cost of living

Application Process

  1. Conduct initial research on potential host institution(s), program of interest, and courses offered
  2. Set up an appointment to meet with the Assistant Vice-Provost, Dr. George Bragues to discuss your interest and opportunities available
  3. Request for Letter of Permission (LOP) through your Academic Advisor. Click here for more information on Letter of Permission.
  4. Complete any additional application requirement(s) of the host institution
  5. Be mindful of application deadline and submit early

Deadline to apply for an Exchange program varies. Please check the application deadline date for your host institution. We recommend you submit your applications by mid-to-end April for Fall, and mid-to-late September for Winter.

Cost & expenses

Costs will vary by country and the host institution. Please conduct some research to estimate the costs associated with your trip. Here are some of the major costs and expenses you should consider when deciding on an exchange program.

Tuition

Students participating in an exchange program generally pay tuition fees to the University of Guelph-Humber. In some cases, students currently pay tuition fees directly to the host institution. Please check the tuition fees requirements and deadline with your host institution. Students are responsible for other expenses such as books.

Accommodations

Students may have access to residence at their host institution. In general, the International office at all host institutions assist students in finding accommodations.

Travel

Your provincial health plan will probably not cover you the entirety of your medical expenses while travelling. Check if the host institution offers health coverage to visiting students. If not, we strongly suggest you to purchase a good, comprehensive, private health insurance before you go.

Other Fees

Students are responsible for any other fees such as visas, passport, and vaccinations not covered by your provincial health plan.

Humber Global Summer School

This July, University of Guelph-Humber students will have an opportunity to take a General Electives course at Humber’s Global Summer School, where over 700 students from 45 different academic programs, 33 academic institutions and 40+ countries worldwide have participated. Get ready for experiences that you’ll never forget: lifelong friends, exceptional conversations, industry connections and insight into Canadian culture this summer!

The intensive, three-week Global Summer School courses meet daily (Monday-Friday) from July 15 – August 2, 2024. Classes are typically held in the morning, with afternoons and College campus.

More information including course titles and descriptions along with steps on how to apply will follow soon. Check back for more updates!