Applications for KIN VSP 2025 are now open! Visit UBC VSP to apply
Learn more about the Kinesiology VSP packages below.
The Vancouver Summer Program (VSP) in Kinesiology is a unique 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.
Study what moves you in Vancouver
Ranked #1 in North America and #3 globally for sports-related subjects, the UBC School of Kinesiology is the perfect place to deepen your understanding of health and movement science.
Discover what it’s like to study at Canada’s top institution for kinesiology, meet new friends, and learn about the world around you.
Kinesiology Course Packages
At KIN VSP, students will study two specialized course packages designed to explore key themes in kinesiology.
Each package consists of two courses taught by expert UBC instructors. With approximately 39 hours of instructional time per course, students engage in both practical and theoretical learning experiences. Upon completing the program, students will receive a certificate of participation and a grades letter.*
*Please note: VSP course packages do not carry UBC credits, and grades letter is not an official UBC transcript. Students are advised to consult their home institution to determine whether credits may be awarded.
Package A: Psychology of Movement and Health
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 activities such as:
- Visits to the Richmond Olympic Oval; a world-class recreation facility and 2010 Winter Olympic venue
- Visits to ICORD and PARC; a state of the art spinal cord injury research facility, and
- Participating in Dragon Boating; a unique and cultural team sport that is widely popular across Canada and the world
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.
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: Global Perspectives on 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.
Package B: Anatomy and Physiology in Action
This package includes two courses covering core topics in anatomy and physiology, blending lecture-based learning with hands-on lab sessions that apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
Students will gain a solid understanding of key body systems, including the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, pulmonary, digestive, urinary, and endocrine systems. Special emphasis is placed on how these systems work together to support anaerobic and aerobic exercise across the lifespan, with an introduction to overcoming physical and health-related challenges.
In the lab, students will build foundational skills in anatomy and physiology while gaining practical experience with exercise testing equipment.
Past programs have included activities such as:
- Visits to the Richmond Olympic Oval; a world-class recreation facility and 2010 Winter Olympic venue
- Visits to ICORD and PARC; a state of the art spinal cord injury research facility, and
- Participating in Dragon Boating; a unique and cultural team sport that is widely popular across Canada and the world
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.
Course 1: Theoretical basis of exercise physiology and anatomy
This 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.
Course 2: Practical applications of exercise physiology
Through experiential learning, students will gain practical experience in applying exercise physiology to real-world scenarios. This includes designing effective training programs for diverse populations, conducting metabolic testing, analyzing exercise biomechanics, and more. The course emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, exploring how physiological, bio-mechanical, and sport science principles intersect to enhance health and performance.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Master/PhD students are also welcome to apply)
- 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)
- 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 should have a strong academic interest in the field of kinesiology, health, and movement science.
No, 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.
Visit UBC VSP for details on how to apply. When applying, it will provide you the option to select a KIN package.
Applications for VSP 2025 are now open! Please send in your application early to secure your spot as course packages have a minimum and maximum class sizes.
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 incurred during their personal time.