Applications for KIN VSP 2025 will open near the end of November 2024.
Check back here, or reach out to Kinesiology VSP for more information!
The Vancouver Summer Program (VSP) in Kinesiology is a four-week, cross-cultural learning experience for international students. Students have the chance to learn about the field of Kinesiology in Canada, while also exploring Canadian society and culture through interactive lectures and social activities. Discover what it’s like to study kinesiology in Canada, meet new friends and learn about the world around you.
Visit UBC VSP for general program information.
KIN Package A:
Human Movement and Health through Psychology
This package consists of two courses that will explore the psychological and sociological aspects of human movement and health. Students will discover physical activity and health-related concepts in a combination of classroom lectures, discussions, and reflection exercises. Past programs have included visits to the Richmond Olympic Oval, a world-class recreation facility and 2010 Winter Olympic venue; ICORD and PARC, a state of the art spinal cord injury research facility; and participated in Dragon Boating, a unique and cultural team sport that is widely popular across Canada and the world.
Students are expected to participate in 39 hours of class time per course, including field trips. A certificate and grades letter* will be presented to students upon completion of the program.
This package runs for four weeks during the July-August cohort of VSP. Students are expected to be in attendance from July 14th to August 8th.
*Grades letters are not official UBC school transcripts. VSP courses do not receive UBC credit, although credit may be granted by students’ home institutions, at their discretion.
Course 1: Introduction to Sports Psychology
This course will provide an overview of core topics and applications in sport and exercise psychology. The course is intended to develop students’ understanding of the psychosocial factors that impact behaviour in sport and exercise settings. Emphasis will be placed on the application of sport and exercise psychology in physical activity contexts, including visiting sport/physical activity facilities and engaging in personal reflection exercises.
Course 2: Sport, Culture, and Critical Perspectives: Global Approaches to Sport and Exercise Psychology
This course will offer a comprehensive overview of core topics and applications in global perspectives of sport and exercise psychology. Students will develop an understanding of the psychology of sub-cultures in sport and physical activity through the lens of various critical perspectives, including socio-cultural dimensions, feminist perspectives, and critical theory. The course places particular emphasis on the intersection of sport science and psychology, exploring diverse viewpoints from around the world and approaches grounded in various cultural, methodological, and theoretical backgrounds.
KIN Package B:
Human Movement and Health – Understanding Anatomy and Physiology in the Classroom and the Real World
This package consists of two courses that will provide an overview of core topics in anatomy and physiology with a focus on applying the lecture-based material to lab-guided sessions that mimic real-world scenarios. This lecture and laboratory course will provide students with a strong understanding of the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, pulmonary and endocrine systems’ anatomy and physiology. Emphasis will be placed on how the cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal and nervous systems interact to support anaerobic and aerobic exercise in health across the lifespan, with a brief touch on overcoming physical, health-related challenges. Students will strengthen important foundational anatomy and physiology knowledge, and gain hands-on experience in the laboratory settings, where they will learn how to use equipment for exercise testing. Past programs have included visits to the Richmond Olympic Oval, a world-class recreation facility and 2010 Winter Olympic venue; ICORD and PARC, a state of the art spinal cord injury research facility; and participated in Dragon Boating, a unique and cultural team sport that is widely popular across Canada and the world.
Students are expected to participate in 39 hours of class time per course, including field trips. A certificate and grades letter* will be presented to students upon completion of the program.
This package runs for four weeks during the July-August cohort of VSP. Students are expected to be in attendance from July 14th to August 8th.
*Grades letters are not official UBC school transcripts. VSP courses do not receive UBC credit, although credit may be granted by students’ home institutions, at their discretion.
Course 1: Anatomy and Physiology I
Course details coming soon.
Course 2: Anatomy and Physiology II
Course details coming soon.
Student Experience
VSP gives students the chance to mingle with peers from around the world and experience living on campus at UBC, while exploring Vancouver and its surroundings.
Course and class activities for our packages are run during the weekdays, with most evenings and weekends free for exploring. We also offer optional social activities throughout the program that students can sign up for.
Our program also provides students with the opportunity to put their learnings into practice through various field trips that integrate key course topics and showcase kinesiology in Canada.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Vancouver Summer Program, you must be:
- A student at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada (preference goes to undergraduate students, but graduate Masters/PhD students are also welcome to apply), and
- At least 18 years of age on the first day of the program (students under the age of 19 must have approval from their parent or guardian for certain program activities in KIN VSP)
To qualify for the Vancouver Summer Program, you must be proficient in English and be able to engage in an academic setting. Language requirements are self-assessed—TOEFL or IELTS results are not required.
Students are not required to come from a Kinesiology background. Courses are mostly taught at an introductory level to Kinesiology, in an adaptive classroom setting.
Program Fee and Application
The program fee includes:
- orientation and farewell events
- course materials
- on campus accommodation (private room in a shared apartment)
- basic medical insurance
- exciting group socio-cultural activities and city tour
Students are responsible for the cost of food, transportation around Vancouver, and any other expenses occurred during their personal time.
Please consult with your home institution to determine study abroad eligibility if you are a student interested in participating in this program. You must be proficient in English and have a strong academic interest. Universities interested in having multiple students participate are encouraged to have their students apply well in advance. Course packages have minimum and maximum class sizes, so please register early.
Visit UBC VSP for more details on program fees and how to apply. When applying, it will provide you the option to select a KIN package.