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. Applications for the 2026/27 Academic Year will open in October.
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 2026
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 2026 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 for 2026/27 Academic Year
- Term 1 start (July-November 2026) - option for Single Term or Full Year
- Term 2 start (February-June 2027) - option for Single Term or Split Year
Funding
- Eligible students will receive a $5,000 Go Global Award for a Single Term Exchange or a $10,000 Award for a Full Year or Split Year Exchange.
- The TPW award is paid out at the start of the UBC Term (i.e. If your program begins in July, your award will be issued at the start of UBC Term 1 in September)
- If you are participating in a Full Year or Split Year Exchange the $10,000 award will be dispersed equally at the beginning of each team (i.e. $5,000 at the start of Term 1 and $5,000 at the start of Term 2)
- The total annual funding for this program is $20,000. Up to 4 single term candidates will be selected or 2 Full-Year/Split Year candidates.
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 term7 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 December 10, 2025 (11:59PM).
UBC-Monash University Indigenous Leaders Program APPLY NOW!
UBC-Monash University’s Indigenous Leaders Program extends beyond traditional academic boundaries to incorporate first-hand learning experiences with Indigenous peoples in Narrm, Melbourne. The program offers a unique opportunity of visiting Monash University in Australia where Indigenous students learn about historic examples of Indigenous leadership in Australia that have laid the foundation for positive change. 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. The program 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.
Students are expected to actively contribute to the program's objectives by engaging in cross-cultural dialogues, enhancing their academic and personal growth. Pre-departure workshops online and in-person will provide essential background information, ensuring all students are well-informed and ready to maximize their learning experience.
Timeline
- Pre-Departure Programming in-person and online: 2-4 workshops between February-April
- In Country Experience in Australia: June 9 - 25, 2026
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
- Year 2 standing or higher (including students finishing their degree requirements and graduating in May)
- Students who have received major funding for another international program through Go Global are not eligible to receive funding for this program (e.g. Corbett Fellowship, Choquette Award, GSO funding, ARA funding)
Funding
This program is funded by the Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund. The following costs will be covered by the program:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Group meals
- Excursions and cultural activities
Students will be responsible for the costs of:
- Passport and visa acquisition fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals outside of the group
- 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
Application Process
Students will first complete a written application that is due November 30.
Short-listed applicants will be invited for an in-person or Zoom interview (see questions here).
Deadline to apply: Sunday November 30, 2025 (11:59pm)
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