Immersive Global Simulation Lab (IGSL)

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.

Week 1: Foundations (July 5–11)

Goal: Build foundational knowledge, leadership skills, and team cohesion before entering the simulation.

Sunday, July 5

Arrival, check-in, light orientation, and campus tour.

Monday, July 6

AM — Global systems and diplomacy workshop
PM— Team-building and simulation theme introduction

Tuesday, July 7

AM — Negotiation tools workshop
PM — Issue exploration and case study analysis

Wednesday, July 8

AM — Guest speaker (policy or diplomacy)
PM — Scenario research and strategy development

Thursday, July 9

AM — Media literacy and public communication workshop
PM — Practice activity (mock simulation)

Friday, July 10

AM — Visit to the Alberta Legislature
PM — Reflection on Canadian governance

Weekend (July 11–12)

No scheduled instruction.

Week 2: Simulation Week (July 13–19)

Goal: Engage fully in a three-day crisis simulation after structured preparation.

Monday, July 13

AM — Systems-thinking and leadership workshop
PM— Role briefing and team preparation

Tuesday, July 14

AM — Stakeholder mapping workshop
PM — Strategy development and bloc formation

Wednesday, July 15 — Simulation Day 1

AM — Opening statements and agenda setting
PM — Negotiation Round 1 and early crisis developments

Thursday, July 16 — Simulation Day 2

AM — Crisis escalation and emergency sessions
PM — Negotiation Round 2 and media communications

Friday, July 17 — Simulation Day 3

AM— Final negotiations and coalition-building
PM — Resolution adoption and micro-debrief

Weekend (July 17–19)

Two-day guided excursion to Calgary and Banff.

Week 3: Integration and Capstone (July 20–25)

Goal: Reflect on learning, integrate insights, and present outcomes.

Monday, July 20

AM — Capstone development
PM — Structured reflection session

Tuesday, July 21

AM — Presentation and storytelling workshop
PM — Capstone drafting and preparation

Wednesday, July 22

AM/PM — Capstone showcase and feedback

Thursday, July 23

AM — Certificate ceremony and closing reflections
PM — Optional social activity

Friday, July 24

Free day for independent exploration or packing

Saturday, July 25

Departure and check-out

Program Hours Summary (Estimated)

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:

1. Analyze complex global challenges using systems thinking and structured policy frameworks.

2. Demonstrate negotiation, diplomacy, and crisis-response skills in a fast-paced, role-based simulation environment.

3. Communicate effectively across cultures, presenting ideas clearly in briefing notes, negotiations, and team discussions.

4. Develop and evaluate policy options under time pressure, incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives.

5. Collaborate in multicultural teams to build consensus, manage conflict, and make informed decisions.

6. Apply leadership and strategic thinking to respond to evolving global scenarios.

7. Reflect on personal leadership strengths, teamwork dynamics, and their role in global citizenship and international engagement.

8. Produce a final policy or crisis-response outcome, demonstrating integration of learning across workshops, simulation days, and reflection activities.