Intercultural Studies

This program enables corporate, education and community professionals to develop cultural intelligence and practical skills that go beyond dos and don'ts in understanding and collaborating with people whose worldviews vary from their own.

Graduate with the confidence and increased understanding to establish respectful and mutually productive relationships in international, cross cultural and intercultural settings.

This program is designed for anyone that wants the tools to develop a deeper understanding of cultural differences in the workplace or in the community. Participants in the program have included:

• Corporate executives and managers doing business internationally
• International project team leaders and employees
• Mediators and those involved in conflict resolution
• Human resource practitioners
• Organizational development specialists
• Corporate trainers
• Customer service providers
• Healthcare and community service professionals
• Educators, administrators, and international student service personnel
• International development workers
• Community development workers

Each course is $1,185–$1,335. The minimum cost to complete this program, including the non-refundable application fee of $175 is $6,100. Early bird pricing is available for all courses.

All fees are in Canadian dollars, subject to change and to GST (where applicable). For details on forms of payment accepted, please see How to pay.

Find more details on refunds, cancellations and transfers.

The curriculum highlights current theoretical models that explore diverse perspectives, values, approaches and skills that enable you to work with confidence and increased understanding in international and multicultural settings. The program also has a focus on diversity and inclusion work, with specific courses that enable you to build inclusive practices within your team and community in local and global contexts. Assignments are designed for you to apply what you learn to specific cases and situations from your own life.

Be prepared to spend approximately seven hours per week completing learning activities including readings, assignments, asynchronous group discussions and other projects. For courses with an online component, you will be required to log in to the course website at least every other day.

Required Courses

Elective Courses

This part-time program consists of one required and four elective courses, totalling 200 hours. All courses are 100% online and are six to seven weeks long.

The program offers:

• experiential learning methods incorporating varied activities to accommodate different learning styles
• a balance of theory and practice to support cognitive, interpersonal and practical skills development
• elective courses that provide an opportunity for specialization.

This program can be completed 100% online depending on the elective courses you select.

Expected effort

Expect to spend approximately seven hours on your course per week, including time spent in class sessions, and completing homework and course materials.

Technology requirements

To take this program, you need access to:

• an email account
• a computer, laptop or tablet, using Windows or macOS
• the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
• a reliable internet connection

Assessment

You will be evaluated in each course on the basis of standards and competencies established by facilitators, program administrators and an advisory board.

At the end of each course, you are notified of successful or unsuccessful completion.

To be granted the UBC Intercultural Studies Certificate, you must successfully complete the required course and four elective courses, within a three-year period.

Obtaining your certificate

When you have successfully completed the program requirements, you will receive a UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies.

Admission requirements for the UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies are fairly broad, and include academic, interpersonal and communication skills to support active participation in this dynamic program. You must also have the following:

• at least six months of international or intercultural volunteer or work experience
• post-secondary education and/or extensive life experience
• fluency in the English language, including good written and verbal communication skills
• approximately seven hours a week to spend on a course
• access to minimum technology as outlined in the Program Format section.

Application deadline

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Applicants should apply at least three weeks in advance of beginning the UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies (CIS) program. 

Application process

Before applying to this program, please read and understand the terms and conditions in the program handbook. Download and read the handbook carefully as it contains important information about the program and its policies.

Complete the following steps to submit your application:

1. Complete the online application form. You will need to include a letter of intent (max. 500 words) that includes personal and/or career goals, interests and program expectations.
2. You will be directed to pay the $175 non-refundable application fee online.
3. Once you have been accepted into the certificate program, you can register for the required or elective courses.