University of Alberta IEE Summer Programs (2026)

Experiential learning programs for emerging global leaders.

About Our Summer Programs

The University of Alberta offers two three-week, non-credit experiential learning programs designed for students who want to build global competencies, strengthen leadership skills, and experience life at one of Canada’s top five universities.

These programs combine hands-on learning, community engagement, and immersive Canadian cultural experiences, delivered by International Education & Engagement (formerly University of Alberta International).

Students participate in skill-building workshops, collaborative projects, site visits, and a two-night excursion to Calgary and Banff National Park, all while living on our vibrant Edmonton campus.

Immersive Global Simulation Lab (IGSL)

July 2026

A three-week experiential program focused on diplomacy, crisis negotiation, and global leadership. Students participate in a multi-day simulation, collaborate with international peers, and learn from Canadian government and community experts.

Learn More About IGSL

Global Youth Changemaker Lab (GYCL)

August 2026

A three-week program in social innovation and community impact. Students explore design thinking, develop creative solutions to local challenges, and present a final project pitch after working with Edmonton community partners.

Global Youth Changemaker Lab (GYCL)

Our Approach to High-Quality Global Learning

Experiential Learning with Strong Work Integrated Learning(WIL) Alignment

Our programs emphasize learning by doing, grounded in experiential and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) principles. Students engage in real tasks that build practical skills and connect to global frameworks such as the UN SDGs. GYCL participants also receive hands-on training at UAlberta’s Digital Scholarship Centre to support prototype development.

Students learn through:

Facilitated workshops
Team-based problem solving
Real-world case work
Simulations or innovation labs
Guided reflection and debriefs

Cultural & Community Immersion

Learning extends beyond the classroom. Students engage with the people, places, histories, and communities that shape Alberta through:

Indigenous learning sessions
Alberta Legislature visit
Local community partnerships
Volunteer/service-learning experiences
Planned cultural activities and excursions

This helps build cultural intelligence and a wider perspective on global and local contexts.

Leadership & Personal Growth

Every activity is designed to help students grow as collaborative, confident, and globally minded leaders. Students develop transferable skills including:

Communication & storytelling
Problem-solving & innovation
Teamwork & collaboration
Intercultural competence
Self-awareness & reflection

Capstone presentations at the end of the program give students the chance to demonstrate what they’ve learned and celebrate their growth.

Program Structure & Certification (General Overview)

The U of A summer programs are non-credit, short-term experiential learning opportunities designed for international undergraduate students. Each program includes instructor-led workshops, team-based activities, community engagement, and guided cultural experiences.

Certificate of Participation

Students receive an official U of A Certificate of Participation, presented during the final ceremony and also provided digitally.

This certificate confirms participation, dates of study, and the nature of the short-term experiential program.

It is suitable for partner institution recognition and scholarship documentation.

Program Hours Summary

Each participant will receive a letter documenting total instructional and experiential contact hours to meet the documentation needs of international partners.

Hours include workshops, team-based activities, facilitated learning sessions, community visits, and the Calgary–Banff excursion’s educational components.

Learning Components

Programs combine workshops, team-based collaboration, community and civic engagement, Indigenous learning, and guided cultural activities during the Calgary–Banff excursion.

Together, these elements create a balanced academic, cultural, and experiential learning experience.

Our short-term programs are built on an experiential learning model that incorporates strong Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) principles. Students learn through authentic tasks, applied problem-solving, collaboration, and structured reflection—mirroring many elements found in Canadian professional and workplace-focused education. While non-credit and not formal WIL placements, both programs intentionally develop workplace-relevant skills that align with national WIL competency frameworks.

Experience Alberta

Program Fees

$4,800 CAD
This fee covers participation in the full three-week program, including hotel accommodation and all scheduled academic, cultural, and community activities.

Included

20 nights / 21 days in on campus accommodation. Daily lunch and two dinners included.
- Rooms include kitchens
All scheduled program workshops and instructional sessions
Team project facilitation and coaching
Indigenous learning and community engagement activities
Local transportation and entrance fees for program activities
Two-day Calgary and Banff educational excursion
Select group meals (e.g., welcome/farewell events, some lunches or dinners)
All program materials
Certificate of Participation

Not Included

Health Insurance
Airfare
Breakfasts, dinners and snacks
Personal expenses
Optional activities not part of the scheduled program

Apply

Who Is Eligible?

These summer programs are open to:

Undergraduate and Graduate Students currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution
Students who are interested in experiential learning, leadership development, global skills, and intercultural engagement

English Language Recommendations:

IGSL: Recommended for students with strong academic English. Minimum IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
GYCL: Recommended for students comfortable participating in collaborative workshops. Minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent
(Students should be comfortable participating in interactive workshops and team-based work.)

How to Apply

Applications will open at the beginning of January.

Access the application form
The form will be available through our program website when it is published in early January.
Application deadline is February 28, 2026
Pay the application fee
A CAD $150 non-refundable application fee is required at the time of submission.
Review the waiver
A program waiver will be available on the website for partners and students in January.
Receive an invitation letter
After the application has been accepted and the program fee paid, students will receive an official invitation letter.

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