Global learning programs can be enriching experiences to expand your world, develop new skills and reflect on your home, culture and identity. There is no one experience of Indigenous students in global education, and this page offers a wide array of information and resources. Here, you can find a list of institutions currently partnered with UBC that offer Indigenous programming and studies, as well as supports for Indigenous students to help choose a destination for potential exchange. We also outline important safety considerations and tips for taking care of your physical, mental and spiritual health while overseas.
This list is a work in progress which we update annually to reflect UBC and Go Global's current partnerships.
Columbia University: International Program on Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Policy
Columbia University's Institute for the Study of Human Rights and the Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race is now accepting applications for the 2025 International Program on Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Policy. With a central focus on human rights, this intensive immersion program provides an overview and analysis of the major questions in Indigenous affairs today, as they have emerged globally in the last decades. The program has an interdisciplinary approach and incorporates lectures and workshops on the most recent and innovative academic research and policy debates on Indigenous Peoples’ issues. It is complemented by visits to the United Nations and to a Native American Nation, discussions with United Nations officials, officials of a Native American Nation and other relevant parties.
For more information on the program, its methodology and the application process, please visit Columbia's website here.
Timeline
- Summer 2025 (May 27 to June 6, 2025)
Costs
- Go Global application fee $423
- The cost of this 2 week program is $3,000 USD
- This includes transportation to a Native American nation, the UN Headquarters, breakfast and lunch
Funding
- Go Global is providing 3 awards of $3,000 CDN to students for this program.
- Students may apply directly to Columbia University without applying to Go Global for the Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Policy Award
- Students accepted to the program without the Go Global Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Policy Award are still eligible to receive a $1,000 Go Global Award towards the costs of their travel
Eligibility for Award
- Minimum 70% cumulative average
- Students from all Faculties and disciplines are welcome to apply
To apply for the Award
Complete a Go Global application through Gateway.
- Under the “Search Experiences” tab, search “Indigenous Peoples' Rights” in the “Keywords” section
- Select 2025 Summer to begin an application
You will need to submit:
- A letter of introduction
- A CV
- The names of two referees whom you plan to ask for reference letters
The deadline to apply for the Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Policy International Summer Program Award is October 20, 2024.
Successful applicants for the award will be notified the week of October 28th. You must also submit an application directly to Columbia University by November 10th. Please review Columbia's application requirements on their flyer.
Tūrangawaewae, Pōkai Whenua: University of Otago
Tūrangawaewae, Pōkai Whenua (A place to stand, a world to explore) is a unique student exchange built on kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face-to-face) relationships established between mana whenua and Indigenous representatives of universities throughout the world.
Through this program, Indigenous students participate in an Exchange with the University of Otago, taking a full course load at their host university. Students receive priority access to housing on campus at Otago and are welcomed at Indigenous events, conferences, sports teams and social outings in Dunedin. There will also be opportunities to participate in local events and engage with the community. The program adds new dimension to traditional exchange, introducing students to contemporary life and culture within local Indigenous communities and offering students deeper transnational engagement to provide new perspectives on local and global issues.
Timeline
- Term 2 (January 2025) or Split Year (January 2025-December 2025)
Funding
- Eligible students will receive a $10,000 Go Global Award
- 2 candidates will be selected
Eligibility
- This program is open to Indigenous undergraduate students, including Law
- Minimum 70% cumulative average
- Students from all Faculties and disciplines are welcome to apply
- Endorsement from home faculty is required
- Students must hold Canadian citizenship or Permanent Residency to receive funding
To apply
1. Complete a Go Global application through Gateway.
- Under the “Search Experiences” tab, search “Otago” in the “Keywords” section
- Select the Tūrangawaewae, Pōkai Whenua pathway which will bring up the application
- Select which term you would like to be abroad and complete your application.
- This is a Go Global application and you have the option to select additional universities you would like to be considered for, for Exchange.
2. Complete the supplementary application on Qualtrics to be considered for the Indigenous Exchange program at Otago and funding for this program: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3JCI0oM4dAsapV4.
The deadline to apply is May 8, 2024.
Monash University Indigenous Study Tour
Monash University’s Indigenous Study Tour is tailored for a select group of Indigenous students, specifically those who have engaged with Indigenous studies or demonstrated a keen interest in Indigenous leadership. The program extends beyond traditional academic boundaries to incorporate first-hand learning experiences with Indigenous peoples in Melbourne. Indigenous students learn about historic examples of Indigenous leadership in Australia that have laid the foundation for positive change. This equips them with the confidence and skills to lead effectively in their future endeavors.
The program offers a unique international component by visiting Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Students will embark on an educational journey, visiting significant cultural and historical sites to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes interactive sessions with community leaders, artists, and scholars, aimed at fostering a comprehensive appreciation of Indigenous cultures and leadership models. Students are expected to actively contribute to the program's objectives by engaging in cross-cultural dialogues, enhancing their academic and personal growth. A preparatory online lecture will provide essential background information, ensuring all students are well-informed and ready to maximize their learning experience.
The overseas element of this program focuses on exploring the rich and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It aims to foster mutual understanding, promote cultural appreciation, and create lasting connections between Indigenous students from the William Cooper Institute and Indigenous students from The University of British Columbia.
Timeline
- July 8 to 20, 2024.
UBC Staff Support
The students will be accompanied by staff members from UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
Student eligibility
Eight UBC undergraduate students will be selected to participate; 4 from UBC Vancouver and 4 from UBC Okanagan.
Go Global Eligibility Requirements:
- This program is for students who self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit
- Undergraduate students from any faculty are eligible to apply
- Currently 2nd year status or higher (including students finishing their degree requirements this term and graduating in May)
- Must have Canadian citizenship or Permanent Residency
- Students who have received funding for another Universities Canada funded program are not eligible to receive funding for this program
Funding
This program is generously supported by Universities Canada Indigenous Global Connections fund. The study tour will bear the costs for:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Some meals
- Excursion fees
Students will be responsible for the costs of:
- Some meals
- Passport and visa acquisition fees
- Travel insurance
- Incidentals
How to apply
Complete the application online through Go Global's Gateway system. Go to "Search Experiences" and search "Monash" scroll to this program and press "Apply for" and select "Summer" to start an application. The heart of this program is sharing world views and experiences. Successful applicants will have strong listening skills and a willingness to share their perspectives with others. In your application you will be asked to respond to questions relating to:
- Your motivation for joining this program
- Your leadership experience and community involvement
- Previous experience working on a team or in a group setting
Deadline to apply: Sunday March 24 11:59pm
Indigenous Global Connections (IGC) Award
This award is generously funded by Universities Canada Global Skills Opportunity grant. The Indigenous Global Connections (IGC) Award is available for select Global Seminars that are focused on Indigenous topics and learning alongside Indigenous communities. The intention of this award is to support students who identify as being Indigenous or are interested in international learning experiences centered on Indigenous topics and dialogue.
Value: up to $4000
Eligible programs
- Nepal FNIS 360: Global Indigineities
- Peru LAST 315: Making and Unmaking Indigeneity in the Andes
- Alaska ARCL 306: Indigenous Archaeology
- Mexico WRLD 3xx or SPAN 3xx: Protecting Traditional Language, Knowledge and Territory (UBCO)
- Australia INDG 4xx: Indigenous Australia (UBCO)
For more information on IGC-designated programs please visit the UBC Vancouver Global Seminars Program Page and the UBC Okanagan Global Seminars Program Page.
Eligibility requirements
- Students must hold Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
- Undergraduate students currently in 2nd year or above
- Students who self-identify as being First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit) are prioritized
- Students on both UBC campuses are eligible. Please review the cross-campus registration process if you are interested in taking a UBCO Global Seminar.
- The IGC is considered a major award. Students will only be considered for one major International Learning Award throughout their degree (e.g., ARA, Choquette, One World, Premier, or any award valued at $2000+)
Award requirements
- Participate in pre- and post-experience dialogue with other students participating in this program
- Students receiving IGC funding will be required to submit additional program surveys from the Canadian government and provide receipts for flights
- If you withdraw after accepting your spot, you are required to return any award funds received
How to apply
Candidates will be automatically considered with their program application to the Global Seminars.
Opportunities and partner schools
Note: While land acknowledgements, or acknowledgements of country, are appropriate practices in some regions, this is not the case everywhere. Partner schools who do engage in this practice have their relative acknowledgements included in the chart below, as well as links to the nations websites when available for students wishing to learn more before traveling to said territories. Schools with no acknowledgements listed may still be situated on Indigenous territory; additionally, the information below is intended to be a starting point for further research. The resources listed are non-exhaustive, and there may be additional supports provided by the various institutions.
| Country | University | Indigenous programming | Supports for Indigenous students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | "At Monash University campuses and sites in Melbourne we acknowledge the people of the Kulin Nations. This is inclusive of all groups in the area. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people at Parkville campus and the Bunurong people at Peninsula campus. Currently there is no registered Aboriginal party at Clayton, Caulfield and City campuses." | Indigenous Studies undergraduate major and minor | Study lounges for Indigenous students Indigenous Academic Enhancement Program (Two free hours of tutoring per week per unit for Indigenous students) Elder in residence available to meet with students 20 minute online course available for students to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture with links for further learning |
| Australia | "We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the Macquarie University land, the Wattamattagal clan of the Darug nation, whose cultures and customs have nurtured and continue to nurture this land, since the Dreamtime. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future." | Indigenous Studies undergraduate major and minor | Indigenous Student Association Spaces for Indigenous students: Computer lab, common room and kitchen, culturally safe learning space in library |
| Australia | "We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which the University of Sydney is located, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and we pay our respect to the knowledge embedded forever within the Aboriginal Custodianship of Country." | Indigenous Studies undergraduate major and minor | Gadigal Centre provides a space for Indigenous students to use as well as academic counselling |
| Australia | "We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand – the Turrbal peoples from the northside of the river and the Jagera peoples of the south side of the river and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging." | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Major and Minor Indigenous Australia: study abroad and exchange student program | Goorie Berrimpa Indigenous Student Collective |
| Australia | "We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we gather on." | Indigenous Knowledges and Society Major and Minor | Student Support Officers and Cultural Advisors (including Elders) available for Indigenous students |
| Australia | "We would like to Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our Deakin University campuses are located: the Wadawurrung people, the Boon Wurrung people, the Wurundjeri people, and the Gunditjmara people. We acknowledge that the lands on which Deakin campuses reside were places of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal peoples have had and continue to have, a unique role in the life of these lands." | Indigenous studies minor | Academic Support Officers, Social Emotional and Wellbeing Officers, and tutoring services available for Indigenous students |
| Australia | "UNSW is located on the unceded territory of the Bedegal (Kensington campus), Gadigal (City and Paddington campuses) and Ngunnawal peoples (Canberra) who are the Traditional Owners of the lands where each campus of UNSW is situated." | Indigenous Studies major and minor | Nura Gili at Balnaves Place offers study spaces and meeting rooms for Indigenous students Tutoring services available for Indigenous students |
| Australia | Queensland University of Technology "The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) acknowledges the Turrbal and Yugara, as the First Nations owners of the lands where QUT now stands." | Indigenous Knowledges minor | Elder in residence Student support centre: Oodgeroo Unit |
| Australia | "Our campuses are situated as followed: Parkville, Southbank, Werribee, Burnley, Hawthorn and Fishermans Bend campuses are located on the traditional territory of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples, Shepparton and Dookie campuses are located on the traditional territory of the Yorta people, and the Creswick campus is located on the traditional territory of the Dja Wurrung people." | Indigenous Studies major and minor | Weekly Tuesday lunches for Indigenous students Indigenous students common room and computer lab Indigenous Student Success officers available |
| Australia | Australian National University "ANU acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land upon which the University’s Acton campus is located." | Indigenous Studies major and minor | Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre (The Tjabal Centre) |
| Australia | "We acknowledge the Dharawal, Yuin and Wadi Wadi peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Country in the Illawarra. We also acknowledge the ongoing significance of Mount Keira, the ancient teaching site, below which our School resides." | Indigenous Studies major and minor | Woolyungah Indigenous Centre |
| Australia | University of Western Australia "The University of Western Australia acknowledges that its campus is situated on Noongar land, and that Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land, and continue to practice their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge." | Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage major | Indigenous student center with study rooms, common areas and computer labs |
| New Zealand | University of Canterbury | Māori and Indigenous Studies major and minor Te Reo Māori major and minor | Māori student centre The Whare, contains study rooms, a kitchen, social spaces, a computer lab and showers |
| New Zealand | University of Auckland | Multiple Programs with an Indigenous focus Māori Studies major and minor | Māori student centre Te Aka Matua ki Te Pou Hawaiki |
| New Zealand | University of Otago | Indigenous Development major and minor Māori Studies major and minor | Māori student centre Māori Centre Te Huka Mātauraka Māori student association Te Roopū Māori |
| United States | "On behalf of the University of Hawaiʻi, it is with profound reflection that I offer up this Land Acknowledgement, acknowledging Hawaiʻi as an indigenous space whose original people are today identified as Native Hawaiians. The ʻāina on which we gather is located in the ahupuaʻa of Waikīkī, in the moku of Kona, on the mokupuni of Oʻahu, in the paeʻāina of Hawaiʻi. I recognize that her majesty Queen Liliʻuokalani yielded the Hawaiian Kingdom and these territories under duress and protest to the United States to avoid the bloodshed of her people. I further recognize that generations of Indigenous Hawaiians and their knowledge systems shaped Hawaiʻi in a sustainable way that allows me to enjoy her gifts today. For this I am truly grateful." (Michael Bruno) | Hawaiian Studies major and minor | Two student centres, Queen Liliuokalani Center For Student Services and Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies for Hawaiian students offering academic and wellness counseling; Hawaiian language tutoring; Mac computer and printing access; Promethean Smart Board technology; launa (socialize, relax) and meeting space; programs and services referrals; academic enrichment, career development and technology workshops; cultural and community engagement opportunities |
| United States | "Arizona State University's four campuses are located in the Salt River Valley on ancestral territories of Indigenous peoples, including the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) Indian Communities, whose care and keeping of these lands allows us to be here today." | American Indian Studies minor | ASU Alliance of Indigenous peoples |
| United States | "The University of Washington acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Duwamish, Puyallup, Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations." | American Indian Studies major and minor Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies minor | wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ is a longhouse-style facility for Indigenous students |
| United States | "UC Berkeley sits on the territory of xučyun (Huichin), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo speaking Ohlone people, the successors of the sovereign Verona Band of Alameda County. This land was and continues to be of great importance to the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe and other familial descendants of the Verona Band." "We should take a moment to acknowledge the land on which UC Davis is located. For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people. Today, there are three federally recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands." "As a land grant institution, UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, So. Channel Islands)." "As an institution physically located in Southern California, we at UC Riverside would like to respectfully acknowledge and recognize our responsibility to the original and current caretakers of this land, water, and air: the Cahuilla [ka-wee-ahh], Tongva [tong-va], Luiseño [loo-say-ngo], and Serrano [se-ran-oh] peoples and all of their ancestors and descendants, past, present, and future." | Native American studies offered at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Los Angeles, UC Riverside | UC Davis, UCLA, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz have student centres/spaces for Indigenous students |
| United States | "American Indian Studies at San Diego State University acknowledges the Kumeyaay peoples as the traditional caretakers of the land on which SDSU now sits and its surrounding areas. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with the Indigenous peoples in this place. We pay our respects to tiipay nyekurr yak (ancestors and ancient peoples), and mecheyuuy (all our relations) past, present and emerging." | American Indian Studies major and minor | Native Resource centre offering Academic support and research opportunities, engaged faculty and administrative mentors, internships and career assistance, seminars, workshops, field trips and study abroad experiences, culturally responsive leadership development, peer to peer mentoring, traditional tribal gatherings, scholarship opportunities, community graduation ceremony |
| United States | "Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, is located within the traditional homelands of the Mary’s River or Ampinefu Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855, Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians." | Indigenous Studies minor | Ina Haws, student centre for Indigenous students offering fully-equipped kitchen, computers, TV & video games, lounge, study space, spiritual room, library of books on Indigenous topics, gender-inclusive bathrooms Native American Student Association |
| Canada | "McGill University is situated on the traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka, a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst nations. We recognize and respect the Kanien’kehà:ka as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we meet today." | Indigenous Studies minor | SMUU Indigenous Affairs |
| Japan | "The Ainu are the indigenous people of the lands surrounding the Sea of Okhotsk, including Hokkaido Island, Northeast Honshu Island, Sakhalin Island, the Kuril Islands, the Kamchatka Peninsula and Khabarovsk Krai, before the arrival of the Yamato Japanese and Russians." | Centre for Ainu and Indigenous Studies |
The map shows information on our partner schools with Indigenous programming, those located on Indigenous territories and approximate carbon emissions for a round-trip to each destination. To use the map, feel free to turn on and off visibility of the various information included using the eye symbol next to each group in the window on the right. The legend is in the information tab: click on the small "i" in the bottom right corner of the map. Follow the links at each partner school to find out more about the exchange programs we currently offer with each institution and how to apply.
Safety abroad as an Indigenous student
International education and experiential learning is an opportunity to broaden understanding of other cultures and places, grow personally and professionally, and explore new areas of interest. However, racism and discrimination is pervasive around the world, and Indigenous students can face unpleasant, triggering and unsafe situations while travelling abroad. Most importantly, your safety is always the priority. You have the right to leave any situation which feels unsafe or has the potential to threaten your safety. Before departure, consider what supports you have in place while abroad. If at any point you need assistance, contact Go Global.
Depending on your intended destination, there could be differing understandings of Indigenous peoples, Indigenous peoples in Canada, and what it means to identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit. Just as in Canada, some people could be unaware of the history of settler-colonialism and violence Indigenous peoples have faced from colonial forces and structural racism. While this often comes from a place of ignorance, this does not negate any and all impacts it might have on you. For some it can feel empowering to facilitate conversations about your community, identity and Indigenous peoples in Canada; others might not wish to do so. Both approaches are valid, and it is entirely up to you how you wish to handle such situations. Above all, prioritize your wellbeing and safety. Additionally, you might have multiple intersecting identities, such as being multi-racial, 2SLGBTQ+ or low-income. Before embarking on your trip, find systems of support and resources to ensure you are supported in your time away from home mentally, spiritually, physically and culturally. Researching the place you will be visiting can also help you get a sense of any potential safety risks prior to arriving. Your experience abroad is uniquely yours, and UBC Go Global is here to support and assist you through the entire journey.
Pre-departure considerations
To get ready for your time abroad, consider the following questions. Do not feel that you need to have definitive answers to any of these questions; they can be starting points for self-reflection, research and discussions with your advisor.
- What does Indigeneity mean in the region you are travelling to? Is there an Indigenous population? How is the Indigenous population in the regions you're visiting perceived compared to how you are perceived as an Indigenous person back home?
- What relationship exists between the country you are traveling to and Canada?
- What resources can you access while abroad? Does your host university have support services for Indigenous students?
- What access will you have to your community while abroad, including Elders? If you are likely to have limited access for extended periods of time, what can you do to support yourself through that time?
- Are you able to bring medicines and ceremonial material with you on your trip? Are there any relevant restrictions to bringing biological material (for example, medicines for smudging) across international borders?
- What are you looking to get out of your international experience? How can you best meet these goals while abroad?
Resources
We designed the page above based on similar pages from Queens University, Toronto Metropolitan University and Northern Arizona University. Follow the links to their pages for additional resources and tips.
- First Nations Longhouse
- Indigenous Students Collegium
- X̱wi7x̱wa Library: centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship. Its collections and services reflect Aboriginal approaches to teaching, learning, and research.
- Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre: addresses the colonial legacy of residential schools and other policies imposed by the Canadian government on Indigenous Peoples, and ensures that this history is acknowledged, examined and understood within the UBC community.
- Indigenous portal: Your pathway to learning about UBC’s commitment to Indigenous engagement at its Vancouver campus and an information resource for Indigenous students, faculty and the wider community.
- Experience spurred study of own culture - An article about Miranda Livers, a student with Cherokee heritage, who participated in an Indigenous exchange program at the University of Otago, New Zealand.
- How to Engage in Challenging Conversations Abroad - An article from Diversity Abroad.
- Increasing Access for Indigenous Students in International Ed - An article by a staff member of CIS Abroad, a private organization that helps students study or intern abroad.
- Reasons to Study Abroad for Native American Students and What About Discrimination for Native American Students - All Abroad U.S. is a U.S. based organization that aims to help students study abroad. While the article is written for U.S. Native American Students, its message has similar implications for Indigenous students in Canada.
For questions about Go Global Indigenous Programs, please contact Fay Alikhani at fay.alikhani@ubc.ca
You can book an appointment to meet in person or online through the following link: https://calendly.com/fay-alikhani/go-global-advising.