APRU Undergraduate Leaders Program

Each year, UBC's nominates up to 5 students to participate in this program. The location and topic changes each year. 

In 2024, the program took place in Shanghai, China, and focused on “Sustainable Development in a Fast-Changing Metropolis.”

In 2025, the program will take place in Santiago, Chile. 

2025 Program for Future Global Citizenship Leaders: Addressing Pacific Rim Challenges

The theme for this year’s program is Future Global Citizenship Leaders: Addressing Pacific Rim Challenges. This immersive two-week experience is designed to give undergraduate students a deep understanding of the Pacific Rim's complex political, economic, social, and cultural dynamics, particularly emphasizing the Latin American perspective. Participants will explore critical regional and global challenges, including intercultural dialogue, economic development, and environmental sustainability while developing their capacity as global leaders.

The program will feature seminars and workshops led by experts, interactive activities such as UN simulation models, and excursions to key international organizations. These activities will foster cultural exchange and a celebration of diversity, highlighting the importance of inclusion and mutual respect in global diplomacy. Students will refine their diplomatic and leadership skills. Still, they will also be able to form lasting connections with peers and experts, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to policy-making efforts within the Pacific Rim.

Participants will be hosted at the Universidad de Chile and will enjoy and experience Santiago, surrounded by the snowy Chilean Andes. The program will collaborate with key local partners, such as the Ministry of External Affairs of the Chilean Government, embassies from the Pacific Rim, the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Santiago de Chile, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL). 

Applications are open now! Deadline to apply is February 20. 

Program Date: July 20 to August 1, 2025
Theme: Program for Future Global Citizenship Leaders: Addressing Pacific Rim Challenges
Location: Santiago, Chile
Host: Universidad de Chile

Number of Participants

UBC will nominate up to 5 students to participate in this program. Selected students will receive a $1000 Go Global Award. The Go Global fee will be waived (i.e. not charged) for this program. 

45 undergraduate students from across APRU member universities.

Program Highlights:

  • Workshops and Presentations: Guest speakers will include experts from academia, industry, and government offices.
  • Collaborative Learning: Emphasis on teamwork and cross-cultural communication.
  • Hands-on Experience: Real-world case studies and site visits.
  • Cultural Exchange: Opportunities for students to share insights from their own cities.

Cost per student: 600 USD paid to the host university

Program fee includes:

  • Academic program costs
  • Transfers within the program
  • Meals provided during program activities
  • Accommodation from July 20 to August 2, 2025

Expenses covered by participants:

  • Airfare to and from the participant’s home country
  • Passport and visa fees (if required)
  • Medical insurance
  • Meals and expenses outside the program
  • Any other expenses not explicitly mentioned above

Eligibility:

  • Full-time UBC undergraduate degree students
  • Will have completed at least one academic year at UBC before July 2025
  • Students in any discipline are welcome

Application Deadline: February 20

Apply online through the Go Global Gateway. 

Go to “search experiences” from the top menu, search “APRU,” then press “apply search.” Scroll down to the APRU Undergraduate Leaders Program and select apply for “Summer." 

Go Global will ask you to provide written statements on: 

  • Your personal and academic motivations for applying to this program 
  • Your previous global/intercultural experience (note: We encourage students with no or little previous travel experience to apply!) 
  • Your suitability and preparedness for the specific program you are applying for (eg, the climate, activities, etc.) 
  • How you will contribute to a positive group learning environment 

UBC will nominate up to 5 students to participate in this program. Selected students will receive a $1000 Go Global Award. The Go Global fee will be waived (i.e. not charged) for this program. 

You may also be interested in this program: https://goglobal.ubc.ca/apru-sdg-education-global-citizenship 


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