Your Brain, Your Mind, Your Future, an immersive summer experience.

Students curious about the brain can explore the connections between psychology and neuroscience in our Vancouver Summer Program.

Your Brain, Your Mind, Your Future is a Vancouver Summer Program (VSP) developed collaboratively by UBC’s Department of Psychology and Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience.

Featuring lectures, workshops, and social activities, the program offers students from around the world a unique, immersive introduction to the brain and human behaviour. It’s a chance to discover what it’s like to live and learn in Canada and meet other from across the globe.


2027 Programs

The Neuroscience of Human Experience (Neuroscience)

Get to know the brain from the inside out. This foundational course unpacks the inner workings of the brain at the cellular, molecular, network, and functional levels. Spanning many sub-fields of neuroscience, this course will introduce students to the neural basis of our daily human experiences, positioning the brain as an adaptive organ that is in constant interaction with our broader environment and society. Key topics include signal transmission and basic neuroanatomy, learning and memory, neurodiversity, stress and emotion, decision-making and reward, and the social brain. This course will emphasize real-world examples, connections to personal experience, and engagement with local Indigenous and global cultural perspectives. No prior neuroscience background required— just a curiosity for the nervous system and its role in human experience.

Mind, Emotions, and Well-Being (Psychology)

Ever wonder why we perceive, think, and feel the way we do? This introductory psychology course examines core concepts such as sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, and abnormal psychology. Students will delve into the science of emotion and motivation, as well as investigate clinical applications in areas like addiction, movement disorders, and stress management. Through case studies, group discussions, and interactive activities, learners will gain practical insights into how psychological processes shape everyday life and inform mental health treatment. Perfect for anyone looking to understand the mind’s inner workings—and how to support well-being in diverse contexts.


2027 Dates

June Session: 

  • June 4 – July 4, 2027
  • Application Deadline: March 12, 2027

July Session:

  • July 16 – August 16, 2027
  • Application Deadline: April 16, 2027

About UBC’s Vancouver Summer Program

The Vancouver Summer Program is four-week experience for international undergraduate students at one of the world’s top universities. UBC VSP is as much about academics as it is about social and cultural experiences.

Eligibility

To apply for the Vancouver Summer Program you must be:

  • An undergraduate student at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada
  • At least 18 years of age on the first day of the program

Program Highlights

  • The programs have two uniquely designed courses taught by world-class UBC instructors
  • The VSP is a chance to engage in unforgettable social and cultural activities
  • Students live on UBC’s Vancouver campus in modern student residences

On this page