Experiencing Central Eastern Europe – SLAV 323D / SLAV 323C (3 credits)

Eastern Europe occupies a critical position, geopolitically serving as a bridge between East and West. The region has been subject to power struggles, alliances and rivalries, shaping its current situation. It is a home to diverse cultures, languages and traditions, each contributing to the region’s unique identity.

Poland, Croatia and Ukraine are the three Eastern European countries the seminar focuses on. While different, these countries have notable commonalities: all of them once were a part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and each of them experienced intense political violence under Soviet control. Now, all three are young post-Soviet democracies with newly acquired independence; yet with a long cultural self-awareness. The local cultures are all strongly influenced by Jewish cultural presence; and each of the countries experienced the Holocaust and genocides that targeted European Jews and shattered other local peoples.

The current rise of antisemitism, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the global response to both emphasize the importance of Holocaust and genocide studies. Additionally, a focus on the role of other Slavic countries besides Russia is vital for understanding the post-Soviet era’s challenges. There is a strong connection between history, memory, land and literatures of the region.

By focusing on Poland, Croatia and Ukraine, the program offers a glimpse at historical and contemporary challenges, alongside their rich cultural heritage that reflects a blend of influences and a strong sense of national identity. Students gain an understanding of the complexities, commonalities and conflicting memories within these three countries, fostering a nuanced perspective on the region's past, present and future.

Additionally, the program addresses the role of propaganda in current global developments of the region and introduces students to methods used to uncover, prevent and/or contest influences of intentional disinformation.

Note: While travel for this Global Seminar takes place in Poland and Croatia, students will also engage with course materials, discussions, and guest perspectives related to Ukraine. This academic component provides broader regional context and supports comparative learning across Eastern Europe.

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 director. 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

Required preparatory meetings in spring 2026 (online and/or in person) as outlined by the teaching team.

In-country dates

June 1 – June 20, 2026: on-site learning in Poland and Croatia, including classes, museum visits, partner-led tours, and cultural activities.

Post-travel

Final academic project and seminar wrap-up following return to Vancouver within the overall program window (to June 26, 2026).

Field activities

Classroom lectures, guided site tours, museum visits, discussions and workshops with local partners in Krakow, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Rijeka, and Zagreb.

Housing

Shared rooms (typically 2–3 students) in student residences or hotels arranged by the program.

Transportation

Public transit and intercity trains/buses for program travel between sites and cities.

Mobility and terrain

Expect significant walking and time on your feet; some heritage sites (e.g., Auschwitz-Birkenau) have uneven ground. Alternatives or virtual resources may be arranged where feasible.

Approximate program fees: $4,000–$4,500*

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.