Program Overview
Location: Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
Course code: LFS 302B (6 credits)
Course title: Impact Evaluation Analytics
Faculty lead: Sean Holowaychuk (Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
Dates:
- Overall: April 29 - July 1, 2027
- In-country: April 29 - June 1, 2027
Funding: See Funding section below.
Applications are now open for Summer 2027 programs:
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About the Course
LFS 302B is designed to introduce students to the principles and applications of project Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning (MEL) and impact analysis. 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 2027 version of LFS 302B 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.
Read about the 2025 program experience: Cracking the code of success: a UBC Global Seminar on impact evaluation in Indonesia hits the sweet spot
Program Eligibility
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 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
Program-specific requirements
- Generally, students must have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e., eligible for 3rd or 4th year standing). 2nd year students may apply, but will need the instructor’s consent to participate.
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.
Time Commitment
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
The in-country portion of the program will run from April 29 – June 1, 2027.
Post-travel
Final reports to be submitted during the first week of July.
Overall dates
April 29 - July 1, 2027
Experience and Conditions in the Field
Field activities
Applied MEL and impact evaluation activities with local partners; data collection, analysis, and debriefs; visits to urban and rural project sites. Typical days run approximately 07:00 - 19:00.
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.
Accessibility and Considerations
We encourage students with accessibility concerns to reach out early to the lead faculty program directors to discuss potential accommodations and determine whether the program is a good fit for their needs.
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 readily available. Vegan options are limited, but doable; students may bring supplemental food if needed. Gluten-free options are limited – recommend contacting instructor to discuss. Celiac restrictions may be challenging, so you are encouraged to discuss with the lead faculty in advance.
Partners and Community Engagement
IPB University (Bogor, Indonesia) hosts the program and provides accommodation, local transport, meals, and translators.
Program Fees and Costs
Approximate program fees: $1550-1800
The final fee depends on the number of students enrolled. All Global Seminars only run if a minimum number of students participate.
Included:
- Student accommodations
- Local travel
- Program activities
- Museum admissions
- Some meals – Buffet breakfast
- On-site guest lectures and activities
Not Included:
- Go Global Fee ($440.00)
- Flights
- UBC tuition for credits
- Visa/country entrance fees
- Travel medical insurance (Most students are covered through AMS/GSS, but may choose to purchase additional coverage)
- Lunch and dinner
- Personal spending money/incidentals*
* Some examples of personal costs include: mobile communication, personal transportation that is not related to the learning outcomes of the program, additional meals that are not already identified as part of the Program Fee, immunizations, Visas, etc.
Funding
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
Program Safety
Please see our Preparing to Apply page.