Students and instructors discuss the UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies and its importance in today's society.
Developing your cultural intelligence, cross-cultural communication skills and diversity and inclusion knowledge base will empower you to work with confidence to establish respectful and mutually productive relationships in corporate, education or community sectors.
The award-winning UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies is a part-time career development program that gives you the tools to work effectively in international and multicultural settings.
- Delivered part-time with a flexible learning schedule
- Can be completed 100% online
- Offers individualized feedback and small class sizes
- Provides references, materials and tools to support ongoing learning
- Requires completion of five courses, totalling 200 hours
- Program cost ranges from CAD$4,925 to CAD$6,025, including a non-refundable application fee
- Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
- Option to take prerequisite course before applying and being accepted into the certificate program (see Admissions and Registration section)
- Provides the tools to develop a deeper understanding of cultural differences in human interaction, and strategies you can apply for better communication
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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.
Who It's For
- 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
| UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies | UBC Micro-certificate in Diversity and Inclusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Who should take this program? | The certificate is a more comprehensive program for you, if you are interested in covering both A and B. | B. If you are interested in learning how to move workplaces and teams from being diverse to being strong and inclusive organizations and communities. |
| Number of courses | 5 | 3 |
| Format | 100% online or blended | 100% online or blended |
Note: you have the option to take the prerequisite course before applying to a certificate or award of achievement program.
Still have questions? View our FAQ page for more information.
This part-time program consists of one required and four elective courses, totalling 200 hours. All courses are 100% online and are four to seven weeks long, except Training for Intercultural and Diversity Trainers, which is two weeks online and three days in-class.
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.
Assessment/Grading Methods
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. When you successfully complete the required number of courses, you will receive a UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies.
Technology Requirements
UBC Extended Learning recommends that students have the following technology requirements to keep up with the program and complete projects and assignments online.
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. 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.
We strongly recommend taking only one course at a time if you are working or studying full-time.
Required Course
The following required course is a prerequisite for all elective courses.
| Required Courses | Format(s) | Next Offering | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategies for Effective Intercultural Communication (MC501) | Online |
Apr 18-May 31, 2024 |
More |
Four of the following elective courses must be taken to complete the UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies.
| Elective Courses | Format(s) | Next Offering | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engaging Diversity and Inclusion in Organizations (MC609) | Online |
Oct 17-Dec 6, 2024 |
More |
| Identity and Intergroup Relations (MC601) | Online |
Jun 13-Jul 26, 2024 |
More |
| Leadership in Intercultural Contexts (MC608) | Online |
Jun 6-Jul 19, 2024 |
More |
| Thriving in Diverse Teams (MC604) | Online |
May 2-Jun 21, 2024 |
More |
| Transforming Intercultural Conflict (MC603) | Online |
Jan 23-Mar 7, 2025 |
More |
| (MC607) | Blended |
TBA |
Note: Elective courses which can be applied to the Micro-certificate in Diversity and Inclusion are: MC601, MC603, MC604, MC607, MC608, MC609
Courses in the UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies are taught by experienced educators, coaches and industry experts.
Total program costs are due on a course-by-course basis as follows:
- CAD$175 non-refundable application fee (paid at time of application)
- CAD$1,050 per prerequisite and elective course
- CAD$1,110 for Leadership in Intercultural Contexts
You will save CAD$50 per course if you register prior to the earlybird deadline. Save CAD$100 per course if you register for all five courses at the same time. Please call +1.604.827.4203 for details.
All fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Fees may be paid by Visa®, MasterCard®, money order or certified cheque.
Course fees include all course materials.
Cancellation, Refund and Withdrawal Policies
Visit the refunds, cancellation and withdrawal page for details.
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. You have the option to register for and take the prerequisite course, Strategies for Effective Intercultural Communication, without applying to the program. If you complete the prerequisite course without applying to the program and would like to continue taking elective courses in the CIS program, you must then apply and be accepted into the CIS program to continue taking courses.
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:
- Pay the CAD$175 non-refundable application fee. Please note the invoice number found on the fee receipt as you will need it for the application form.
- 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.