Indonesia: Impact Evaluation Analytics - LFS 302B (6 credits)

LFS302B is designed to introduce students to the principles and applications of project Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning (MEL) and impact analysis in a post-COVID world. Students will travel to Indonesia to learn the IEAnalytics Methodology in order to assess the efficacy and impact attributed to small-scale development projects in rural settings. The 2025 version of LFS302B presents an opportunity for students interested in a career in international development to come to terms with the challenges of gathering information, analyzing data, and doing field-work post-pandemic – and beyond. Students will learn how to use the resources at their disposal to do research and interpret information from stakeholders in order to accurately appraise development project interventions. The world of international development faces many challenges, one of which is the failure of assistance interventions (aid projects and programmes). Students will develop a practical understanding of the logical processes by which projects are designed and implemented, including the need for external evaluation, ex post project delivery in order to assess the efficacy, outcomes, impacts, and sustainability of these interventions. Lack of project success, more often than not, is a result of inadequate impact evaluation strategies. Students will learn skills to develop strong monitoring, evaluation, & learning plans in order to overcome these deficiencies. Students will be provided with analytical tools that will increase their value as employment candidates for national and international donor agencies, consultancy companies, as well as non-government organizations (NGOs) operating in the development field.

General Global Seminar requirements

To participate in a Global Seminar, students must:

• Be in good-standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty)
• In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)
• Have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e., eligible for 3rd or 4th year standing)
• Have at least a 70% academic average in your last full-time academic session before applying
• Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program
• Meet any program specific requirements listed below including pre-requisites before participating

Final selection will be made by the lead faculty program directors. Space in the program may be limited.

Students who wish to participate in the summer after graduating may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

Pre-departure

Pre-travel preparation includes MEL and impact evaluation foundations, safety and logistics briefings, and assignment setup to support the field component.

In-country dates

Fieldwork in and around Bogor with classroom sessions, applied methods training, partner meetings, and site visits. Typical days run approximately 07:00 - 19:00.

Overall dates

See dates in the overview above.

Field activities

Applied MEL and impact evaluation activities with local partners; data collection, analysis, and debriefs; visits to urban and rural project sites.

Climate

Warm and rainy conditions are expected; long days in the field.

Housing

Private dorm room with private bath and shower.

Transportation

Rented mini-vans with professional drivers for program activities.

Mobility and pace

No accessibility barriers unless a powered mobility device is required. Days involve standing and walking for extended periods.

Dietary considerations

Vegetarian options are available. Vegan options are limited; students may bring supplemental food if needed.

IPB University (Bogor, Indonesia) hosts the program and provides accommodation, local transport, meals, and translators.

Approximate program fees: $1750-2250*

The final fee depends on the number of students enrolled. All Global Seminars only run if a minimum number of students participate.

Go Global Award

All eligible students in this Global Seminar will automatically receive a $1,000 Go Global Award. No separate application is required.

Global Pathfinder Award

The Global Pathfinder Award supports students who face barriers to participating in study abroad. It provides $2,000 for Summer Abroad, Global Seminar, or Research Abroad programs. Students who have not previously participated in Go Global and who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
Students successful in their Pathfinder application will receive this award instead of the $1000 Go Global Award. The awards do not stack. Learn more about the Global Pathfinder Award

Go Global Sustainability Award

Students who demonstrate a plan for sustainable travel, an interest in climate action, and engagement with UBC’s sustainability initiatives may be eligible for a $1,000 Sustainability Award. This award is offered in addition to the Go Global Award.
Learn more about the Go Global Sustainability Award

All travel and program activities involve risk of harm to participants. Go Global and Seminar program leads take reasonable precautions to reduce risks. However, not all harms can be anticipated or prevented. 

While travelling on UBC programs, students have a responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group.

Some common issues for travellers include:

• Illness and injuries (e.g. respiratory illnesses, flu, food poisoning, sprained ankles, etc.)
• Fatigue and heat exhaustion
• Violence like robbery, or gender- and race-based harassment or attacks, especially in urban areas
• Traffic accidents
• Lost documents (passports, credit cards, etc.)

Before Applying:

• Get to know the places you will be travelling by using available resources like Global Affairs Canada travel reports.
• Consider your own mental and physical health alongside what you know about the conditions during the program (e.g. how physical is the program? What are the living conditions? What can I do to prepare myself?)

Before departure:  

• Participate in all pre-departure activities offered by Go Global and your program teaching team to learn about the program and ways to prevent and respond to incidents.
• Ensure you have adequate travel medical insurance that will cover you in the location and for the duration of your trip.
• Be aware of how to use your travel medical insurance, if you need it, and where to access medical care or other emergency assistance in the locations where you will be travelling. 

During the program: 

• If you don’t feel safe, say something! Let your program leads know how you feel, or about incidents that occur. Don’t hesitate to contact Go Global during your program.
• Know your own needs: be aware of your own mental and physical health and your limits. Communicate with your program lead and group about making adjustments, as needed. 

Public health: COVID-19 and other diseases

Students and faculty are required to comply with the entry requirements of the host country, regulations of transportation carriers, and any local public health orders. These rules might require vaccinations (e.g. for COVID-19, yellow fever, etc.) to enter the country or to participate in certain program activities. Some places may require masking, testing or isolation in various circumstances. It is your responsibility to research and comply with any requirements.

COVID-19 and other infections can spread easily in a group setting. Most programs involve shared accommodations. Unless required by local public health authorities, isolation for those infected during the program may not be possible. 
 
Review local requirements before applying and before departure. Check the Global Affairs Canada Advisory under Entry Requirements for your Global Seminar destination to learn more. Keep in mind that program conditions can vary and rules can change before or during your trip.