pixel

SUMMER at the University of British Columbia - operated by ILSC

West Coast summer adventures start here!

CISS is proud to partner with ILSC, an established and trusted operator of junior language programmes in Canada, to offer students the opportunity to study this summer at the internationally recognized University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. Designed for students ages 9–17, this programme combines high-quality English instruction with the excitement of living and learning on a world-class university campus.

Students will enjoy 15 hours of lessons per week, delivered by qualified and engaging instructors, with a focus on building confidence, fluency, and communication skills. Beyond the classroom, participants take part in a full schedule of on-campus and off-campus activities, giving them the chance to explore Vancouver’s landmarks, culture, and natural beauty while creating lasting friendships with peers from around the world.

The Summer at UBC – operated by ILSC programme offers the perfect balance of learning, discovery, and fun. Students are supported in a safe environment while experiencing an authentic taste of university life in one of Canada’s most dynamic cities.

Summer at UBC - operated by ILSC Brochure

SUMMER at UBC - OPERATED BY ILSC

Key Facts

Location

Vancouver, BC

Ages

9-17, boys and girls

Excursions

4 off-site activities per week

2026 Dates

June 28 to August 09

Accommodation

Single & Double Rooms

Meals

  • 3 meals per day

SUMMER at UBC - OPERATED BY ILSC

Programme Options

General English

Weekly Schedule:  17 lessons, 15 hours
English Proficiency: All levels accepted

The Engish language curriculum reflects current, real-world issues, recent events, social and environmental issues, popular culture, and events so that the content is relatable and interesting for teens. Our language programme focuses on several areas including Canadian culture, reading, speaking, and writing. Speaking and listening are practiced through discussion topics that are interesting and relevant to today’s youth.

STUDY SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

CERTIFICATE: All students receive end-of-course certificates and student progress reports.

Global Leadership

Daily Schedule: 17 lessons, 15 hours per week

English Proficiency:  Intermediate to Advanced (IELTS 4.0+)

Dates: 
2 weeks: July 05 – July 19 or July 12 – July 26
3 weeks: July 05 – July 26

Empowering the leaders of tomorrow begins with our Global Leadership Course, designed especially for students ages 12-17 who are ready to embrace the challenges of a rapidly changing world. In this dynamic programme, expert instructors guide students on a transformative journey of self-discovery, cultural understanding, and personal growth.  Through interactive workshops, cross-cultural exchanges, and real-world problem-solving, we empower students to gain the confidence, empathy, and adaptability needed to tackle complex challenges, drive positive change, and become the trailblazers of tomorrow! 

Leadership skills come to life when students discuss their ability to take positive action not only at local and global community levels but within their immediate community at their programme campus as well. By the end of the course, students will not only have the knowledge and confidence to lead effectively but will also have the opportunity to apply their skills in a meaningful presentation, demonstrating their vision and action plans for projects they will pursue when they return home.

Join Global Leadership this summer and get ready to shine on the global stage as a confident and capable leader.

STUDY SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

CERTIFICATE: All students receive end-of-course certificates and student progress reports.

SUMMER at UBC - OPERATED BY ILSC

Facilities

Operating from the University of British Columbia, this programme offers the best of both worlds — the excitement of life on a world-class university campus and the natural beauty of Vancouver’s stunning coastal and mountain scenery. Students can enjoy the vibrant energy of city life while also experiencing the calm and inspiration of the great outdoors.

The Totem Park residence provides a safe and welcoming environment, with modern dormitory-style housing, comfortable lounges, and a large dining hall where students enjoy daily meals. All lessons take place right on the UBC campus, in bright and spacious classrooms surrounded by green spaces and world-class facilities, giving participants a true taste of university life.

Wi-Fi is available throughout both the residence and campus, ensuring students can stay connected while making the most of their summer in Vancouver.

Facilities Include

N

Modern Classrooms

N

Large, bright cafeterias

N

Student Lounges

N

Large, open sports fields

N

Full WiFi access

N

Outdoor seating areas

N

Comfortable University Residence accommodation

A small dorm room with a single bed, a desk and chair, and a window letting in natural light.
Two students sit at a classroom table, one writing on paper while the other watches. A whiteboard and water bottle are visible in the background.
A modern cafeteria interior with food service counters, salad bar, stainless steel equipment, and seating areas. Large food images decorate the wall in the background.
A five-story brick dormitory building with several windows, surrounded by green trees and bushes; two people walk along a path in the foreground.

You will be placed in a single or double room in the University residence (requests will be considered, pending availabilty).  Students are separated by gender.  Each room has one or two beds, along with desks, chairs, drawers for storage, and a wardrobe.  The rooms each have their own private bathroom.  You will receive clean linens, which are changed weekly.  However, you will need to bring your own bath towel and toiletries.  Common lounges are also located on each floor and feature a small kitchenette, sofas, and a TV.  Safety is our number one priority so staff live on the same floor of the residence, providing full supervision.

Card-operated laundry machines are located within the residence buildings – students must being a credit card to purchase their laundry card!

We provide you with three nutrious meals daily.  Meals are served buffet style from the cafeteria next to the residence, which features a wide choice of main courses.  On full day excursions, you will receive a boxed lunch and a restaurant dinner.

SUMMER at UBC - OPERATED BY ILSC

Location

SUMMER at UBC – OPERATED BY ILSC operated on the beutiful campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia

SUMMER at UBC - OPERATED BY ILSC

Activities

Students always have something to do, beyond their course of study. Our programme includes a variety of on-campus and off-campus activities.

Display None

The General English + Activity option is the ideal choice for international summer students who want to improve their English.  With this option, students receive 10 hours of English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons per week. This includes classroom instruction in speaking, listening, reading and writing, with a focus on helping students of all proficiency levels to improve in their fluency and accuracy of speech.

English lessons comprise two of the five daily periods. You can then choose different land, water, or art activities to fill the remaining two or three periods. 

Afternoon Activities

Students can participate in a variety of afternoon activities
every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the UBC campus. Activities include group sports, games, as well as performing and visual arts
activities. Activity options vary from week to week.

Evening Activities

In the evenings, students participate in social activities such as
scavenger hunts, dance parties, performance nights or team quiz competitions.

Outings and Off-campus Activities

Each week, students take part in half-day and weekend full-day excursions where they have the opportunity to explore the city and
experience the local culture. Activities may include Capilano Suspension Bridge, Playland Amusement Park, Stanley Park, Whister Village and more!

SUMMER at UBC - OPERATED BY ILSC

Schedules

The following schedule is tentative for the 2026 season  All efforts will be made to closely follow the schedule.  However, it is subject to change.

summer at ubc - operated by ilsc

2026 Dates & Fees – general english

Departing
July 05
Departing
July 12
Departing
July 19
Departing
July 26
Departing
August 02
Departing
August 09
Arriving
June 28
1 Week
$3115
2 Weeks
$5580
3 Weeks
$7745
4 Weeks
$9910
Arriving
July 05
1 Week
$3115
2 Weeks
$5580
3 Weeks
$7745
4 Weeks
$9910
Arriving
July 12
1 Week
$3115
2 Weeks
$5580
3 Weeks
$7745
4 Weeks
$9910
Arriving
July 19
1 Week
$3115
2 Weeks
$5580
3 Weeks
$7745
Arriving
July 26
1 Week
$3115
2 Weeks
$5580
Arriving
August 02
1 Week
$3115

summer at ubc – operated by ilsc

2026 Dates & Fees – Global Leadership

Departing
July 19
Departing
July 26
Arriving
July 05
2 Weeks
$5580
3 Weeks
$7745
Arriving
July 12
2 Weeks
$5580
Extra Fees:
Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Fee $  75  Each way. Applies to all students using the UM service with an airline.

All fees are in Canadian Dollars.

 

 

Photo Gallery

Experience Matters

A group of people wearing face masks on a suspension bridge.
A group of people standing near totem poles in a park.
A boy holding a red frisbee in a park.
A group of young people looking at a piece of paper.
Four young men posing for a picture in front of a building.
A group of students sitting at a desk in a classroom.
A group of girls in blue shirts are dancing on a park bench.
A group of young people posing for a photo in the mountains.
A bird's eye view of a hotel surrounded by trees.
A man in a wheelchair posing in front of jellyfish.
A brown bear in a field.
A group of people posing in front of a water park.
A group of people standing in a park with a pole.
A group of students posing for a photo.
A group of people standing in front of a fountain.
A group of people on kayaks in the water.
A group of people are sitting on the grass in front of a building.
A group of boys are working on a project.
A group of young people standing on a bridge.
A young girl is holding a volleyball in her hands.
A group of girls on a gondola with mountains in the background.
Three boys posing for a picture in front of an aquarium.
A group of people are standing in front of a wooden cabin.
A boy is holding an ice cream cone.
A group of girls posing with a stuffed bear.
Four boys in blue shirts sitting at a table with food.
A group of people posing in front of totem poles.
A green ferris wheel at an amusement park.
A group of people posing in front of a large building during an ESL activity.
A gondola ride over a mountain with a blue lake.
A girl standing in front of a screen with the words stop bullying.
Two women riding bikes on a wooden bridge over a lake.
A group of people posing for a photo on a mountain.
A group of people sitting around a campfire.
Four young men posing in front of a mountain with a helicopter in the background.
A group of kids on a suspension bridge in the woods.
A large group of people sitting on the grass in front of a pyramid.
A group of people playing a game of soccer in a park.
A group of people posing in front of a wooden frame.
A group of people posing in front of a stone monument.
A group of people posing in front of a fountain.
A group of people posing in front of a globe.
A gondola is going up a mountain with trees in the background.
A group of people standing on a suspension bridge.
A group of people sitting on a ride at an amusement park.
Two people sitting on top of a mountain overlooking the mountains.
A group of people posing in front of a statue.
A group of people standing on a suspension bridge over a mountain.
Four asian girls standing on a boat with the ocean in the background.
A group of people on bicycles in front of a store.
A group of people in canoes posing for a photo.
A girl in a pirate hat and a boy in a pirate hat.
A dorm room with two beds and a desk.

Summer Camps

FAQ

Parents and students may have questions about our programme and we are happy to bring you the frequently asked questions here.

Summer Programmes FAQ
A staff member and a student smiling for the camera
Staff giving students a tour

Summer Camps

The CISS Difference

Since 1979, CISS has provided students from around the world the opportunity to come together in Canada for transformative summer learning experiences in traditional camps, language programs in cities, and other adventure experiences. With a focus on fun and unique opportunities to learn, our summer programmes promise to give you the experience—and the Canadian memories—of a lifetime.

N

Specialized care for the unique needs of Campers

N

Motivated, caring and qualified staff

N

Personal attention

N

Student-centred programmes fostering independence

N

Programmes to suit different interests and ability levels

N

Strong focus on Canadian traditions

N

Fostering a multicultural and open-minded atmosphere

About us

Apply Now

Ready to start your programme?

We would love to hear from you and to provide you with the full set of documents that are necessary for your application process.

Apply Now
Questions?
A student sitting on a paddleboard
Questions?

Summer City Programmes

CISS City Summer Programmes give you the chance to live, learn, and grow while visiting Canada. And best of all, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible summer experience!

EXPLORE

High School

Whether you’re looking for a more academic environment, or specific classes, or a school with great sports, our wide variety of options means we have something for everyone.

EXPLORE

Study Tours

Study Tours provide an opportunity for students to practice their English, integrate with local students in a high school, experience life with a host family, enjoy unique activities, and have a genuine Canadian cultural experience.

EXPLORE
Print This Page