Experiencing Eastern Europe (including Witnessing Auschwitz) – SLAV 323D (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 the 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 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

• Students must have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e., eligible for 3rd or 4th year standing), unless approved by instructor. 

Pre-departure

Go Global Pre-departure session in early April. Required preparatory meetings in spring 2027 (online and/or in person) as outlined by the teaching team. 

In-country dates

June 1 – June 20, 2027: 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 30, 2027). 

Overall dates

May 1 – June 30, 2027 

Field activities

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

Housing

Shared rooms (typically 2–4 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 infrastructure

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. 

Dietary and personal needs

In some areas, access to dietary needs is limited but available. 

Approximate program fees: $3,500 – 4,000

The final fee depends on the number of students in the program. All Global Seminars only run if there is a minimum number of students enrolled.       

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

Please see our Preparing to Apply page.