The Immersive Global Simulation Lab (IGSL) is a three-week, non-credit experiential learning program where students step into the roles of global leaders, negotiators, advisors, and media representatives to respond to an evolving international crisis.
Through workshops, a multi-day immersive simulation, community engagement, and cultural experiences, students develop practical skills in diplomacy, leadership, policy thinking, communication, and collaboration—all in a supportive Canadian context. They also consider how global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals intersect with complex policy challenges.
The Immersive Global Simulation Lab (IGSL) is designed for undergraduate students who want to strengthen their leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills through hands-on, community-focused learning.
Ideal participants include students who:
interested in global issues, diplomacy, international relations, crisis response, and policy decision-making.
enjoy strategy, structured teamwork, and analytical problem-solving.
Program Fit & English Requirements
A good fit for students who prefer experiential learning, role-based simulations, rapid decision-making, negotiation, and leadership activities.
English level: Recommended minimum IELTS 5.5 or equivalent to fully participate in discussions and simulations.
Daily workshops introduce students to frameworks in diplomacy, systems thinking, negotiation, crisis communication, and international cooperation.
Students are assigned roles (states, NGOs, advisors, media actors) and work in teams to negotiate solutions to a complex global issue such as climate displacement, public health emergency, or AI governance.
Students explore the Canadian approach to global policy through community visits, Indigenous learning, and civic engagement at the Alberta Legislature, and examine how local and global challenges intersect with SDG themes such as climate action, health, and sustainable communities.
A detailed schedule will be provided to participants closer to the program start date.
Goal: Build foundational knowledge, leadership skills, and team cohesion before entering the simulation.
Arrival, check-in, light orientation, and campus tour.
AM — Global systems and diplomacy workshop
PM— Team-building and simulation theme introduction
AM — Negotiation tools workshop
PM — Issue exploration and case study analysis
AM — Guest speaker (policy or diplomacy)
PM — Scenario research and strategy development
AM — Media literacy and public communication workshop
PM — Practice activity (mock simulation)
AM — Visit to the Alberta Legislature
PM — Reflection on Canadian governance
No scheduled instruction.
Goal: Engage fully in a three-day crisis simulation after structured preparation.
AM — Systems-thinking and leadership workshop
PM— Role briefing and team preparation
AM — Stakeholder mapping workshop
PM — Strategy development and bloc formation
AM — Opening statements and agenda setting
PM — Negotiation Round 1 and early crisis developments
AM — Crisis escalation and emergency sessions
PM — Negotiation Round 2 and media communications
AM— Final negotiations and coalition-building
PM — Resolution adoption and micro-debrief
Two-day guided excursion to Calgary and Banff.
Goal: Reflect on learning, integrate insights, and present outcomes.
AM — Capstone development
PM — Structured reflection session
AM — Presentation and storytelling workshop
PM — Capstone drafting and preparation
AM/PM — Capstone showcase and feedback
AM — Certificate ceremony and closing reflections
PM — Optional social activity
Free day for independent exploration or packing
Departure and check-out
A final breakdown will be available in January 2026.
Approximate structured hours:
Instructional Workshops: ~30 hours
Simulation Activities: ~36 hours
Civic, Indigenous, and Community Engagement: ~20 hours
Guided Excursion Learning: ~12–14 hours
Capstone & Reflection: ~10–12 hours
Estimated Total Structured Hours: 100–110 hours
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
Analyze complex global challenges using systems thinking and structured policy frameworks.
Demonstrate negotiation, diplomacy, and crisis-response skills in a fast-paced, role-based simulation environment.
Communicate effectively across cultures, presenting ideas clearly in briefing notes, negotiations, and team discussions.
Develop and evaluate policy options under time pressure, incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives.
Collaborate in multicultural teams to build consensus, manage conflict, and make informed decisions.
Apply leadership and strategic thinking to respond to evolving global scenarios.
Reflect on personal leadership strengths, teamwork dynamics, and their role in global citizenship and international engagement.
Produce a final policy or crisis-response outcome, demonstrating integration of learning across workshops, simulation days, and reflection activities.