A four-week program at UBC
for international students who crave wisdom and adventure
Discover a Canadian Vancouver lens
and learn about a field that might inspire you!
Read this page and still have questions? Come to VSP's December 09 infosession
This coming June 2026, we proudly present:
In PLAN A JUNE: Planning for Resilient Cities
Your co-instructor, SCARP PhD student Ana Polgár
Ana researches how nature-based solutions for climate-change adaptation affect, reinforce or respond to socio-spatial inequalities in cities in the Global South. Through a number of case studies in the Global South, Ana aims to recognize and address the realities of urban socio-spatial inequalities. This approach aims to support the localized management of resilience needs, and will help cities to more appropriately respond to the specific vulnerabilities of local communities with NBS.
Your co-instructor, SCARP PhD student Hayfaa Abou Ibrahim
Hayfaa's research interests lie in urban planning and policy, with a particular focus on urban governance, planning actors, disasters and crises, and housing and emergency shelter. She is deeply interested in how planning actors shape the urban and spatial production of space, particularly in fragile and contested contexts. She's passionate about conducting empirical and comparative case-study research, using qualitative and mixed methods.
In PLAN B JUNE: Planning for Urban Street Transformations
Your instructor, SCARP Postdoc Dr. Esther Zipori
Esthi's research interests include the automobility system (past, present, future), sustainable (and sufficient) urban planning, alternative mobilities, and transitions (society and technology). She is part of a trans-disciplinary research cluster, Rethinking the Right-of-Way (ReROW). Trained as an architect, infrastructure planner, and social scientist, Esthi's work spans research, design, planning, and education.
While learning about these topics, you have a chance to immerse yourself in Canada's diverse culture and practice language skills and trades, as well as learn a new perspective in your own field or passion. In addition to interactive lectures and tours of the region, you can take part in a variety of social activities where you will meet students from other universities and UBC.
Some past VSP SCARP students on their experience
Institution: University of the Philippines
Alessandra Nicole Baldovino
"My time at VSP with SCARP was unforgettable. It taught me more about planning and the importance of sustainability initiatives for the future of our cities and communities, especially in the context of climate change. I learned how planning takes place in the real world and the drivers behind these changes. It was an immersive and fun opportunity to go on field trips, get to know classmates from different cultures, and explore the city of Vancouver. I will dearly look back at all the memories we made at the beautiful campus and with people from UBC."
Institution: University of Edinburgh
Alexandra Knoblauch, 2023
"I did not know what planning and project management involved before coming to UBC for the VSP programme with SCARP. The course taught me a lot about planning and I feel more confident now in organising projects. Besides learning new skills, I met a lot of new, friendly and interesting people during my time at UBC. Throughout the course we have bonded and grown together and I believe we will remain friends for a long time. I will always think back of the friendships and memories I have made at UBC and wish that I could have stayed for longer."
Signing up
The fee per student for each 2025 program package is $5,975 CAD, which includes course materials, medical insurance, group airport transfer and city tour, shared accommodation on UBC campus, orientation and farewell events, and potential social activities (optional trips may require an additional fee).
Students are responsible for the cost of food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Eligibility
Find out if you qualify for the program. To apply for the Vancouver Summer Program, you must be an undergraduate student* at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada and at least 18** years of age on the first day of the program. More details below.
Accommodations
Accommodations are in UBC’s on-campus residences and feature Easy access to classrooms, recreation and campus amenities, free Wifi in lobby and wired high speed Internet in guest rooms, and laundry on site.