China: Contemporary Forestry and Conservation in China - CONS 488 (6 credits)

The "Contemporary Forestry and Conservation in China" program provides opportunities for students to examine the current development of Chinese forestry and conservation, ecological restoration, plantation, and urban forestry through indoor lectures, field trips to urban parks and nature reserves, visits to plantation area and national forest parks in China. Students will have opportunities to meet and network with world-renowned professors and experts in China. The program content includes Chinese vegetation and ecosystems, ecological and commercial forest development, biodiversity protection and management in global hotspots across China from the North to the South, forest policy and economy, management of plantation areas, ecological restoration projects, urban forestry, development and management of national parks, and ecological restoration in the Asia Pacific region.

The overall learning objectives of the program include cultivating students' abilities to demonstrate a basic understanding of the development of Chinese forestry and urban forestry, to describe the current forestry and ecological restoration issues in China, to compare the differences in related issues between China and Canada through environmental, economic and social research, and to understand conceptual and practical forest management in China. The field trips will take students across China, from the north to the south, offering an outstanding hands-on opportunity to explore key topics in diverse ecological and cultural settings. By engaging directly with local communities and experts throughout these regions, students will not only deepen their understanding but also build valuable networks with leading professionals—potentially opening doors to future career opportunities.

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

Program-specific requirements

• Minimum year level completed before participating: 3

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

A few required readings and a pre-departure meeting prior to travel.

In-country dates

May 5 - May 29, 2026: program activities in Harbin and Hainan, including lectures, exchanges, field excursions, and site visits.

Overall dates

May 5 - May 29, 2026 (same as in-country).

Field activities

Classroom seminars, guided discussions, guest talks by local experts; field trips to conservation sites and national forest parks; collaborative projects with local partners; hands-on research or data collection; cultural activities and reflection sessions.

Housing

On-campus dormitories during lecture days; hotels during travel days (generally two students per room).

Transportation

Domestic flights or high-speed trains between cities; chartered buses with professional drivers for local field trips and daily activities. No students or instructors will drive.

Mobility and terrain

Some field sites may have uneven terrain, limited paved paths, or be in remote locations; frequent travel and extended time outdoors.

Language

Not all local community members speak English; interpretation/support will be arranged with local partners where possible.

Additional support in-country includes volunteers and a guest faculty member from a Chinese university, plus local industry professionals. A program assistant will accompany the group for the entire trip.

Approximate program fees: $2500-3000*

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.