Program

Global Changemakers: Leadership, Diplomacy and Global Challenges

July 5–30, 2027

Global Changemakers is a four-week experiential summer program for international undergraduate students. Through interactive workshops, collaborative projects, community engagement, guided learning experiences and an immersive global simulation, students explore complex global challenges while developing practical skills in leadership, diplomacy, intercultural communication, negotiation and collaborative problem-solving.

The program connects global perspectives with learning in Edmonton and across Alberta. Students examine how governments, communities and organizations respond to contemporary challenges and consider their own potential to contribute to positive change.

Program Focus Areas

Global Challenges + Changemaking

Students explore contemporary global and community challenges and consider how they connect across local, national and international contexts. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and other global frameworks provide a foundation for examining complex issues and considering approaches to positive social change.

Through workshops and collaborative activities, students develop skills in systems thinking, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving while considering the roles individuals, communities, governments and organizations can play in responding to shared challenges.

Leadership, Diplomacy + Negotiation

Students develop practical skills for working across cultures and perspectives. Workshops introduce approaches to leadership, intercultural communication, diplomacy, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, coalition-building and collaborative decision-making.

Students have opportunities to practise these skills throughout the program before applying them in the immersive global simulation.

Immersive Global Simulation

A multi-day global simulation is a central component of the program. Students take on roles such as state representatives, NGO leaders, advisors and media actors as they respond to an evolving international challenge.

Simulation preparation includes issue research, stakeholder analysis, position development, negotiation practice and team strategy. During the simulation, students participate in formal and informal negotiations, respond to changing circumstances, build coalitions and work toward collaborative solutions.

A facilitated debrief helps students reflect on decision-making, communication, leadership and the complexities of international cooperation.

Learning Through Alberta

Learning extends beyond the classroom through Indigenous, civic, community and environmental experiences in Edmonton and across Alberta.

Program experiences include:

• Indigenous learning and a visit to Métis Crossing
• A visit to the Alberta Legislature
• Guided learning at Elk Island National Park
• Community-based activities and engagement in Edmonton
• Excursions to the Rocky Mountains
• Opportunities to explore Canadian culture, governance, communities and environmental perspectives

These experiences are integrated into the academic themes of the program through facilitated discussion, guided activities and reflection.

Collaboration, Application + Reflection

Throughout the four weeks, students work with peers from different cultural and academic backgrounds to apply what they are learning. Structured team activities and project work encourage students to connect global challenges with their own communities, interests and areas of study.

The program concludes with opportunities for participants to synthesize their learning, share their ideas and reflect on how the skills and perspectives developed during the program can be applied beyond their time at the University of Alberta.

English Language Requirement

Minimum IELTS 5.5 or equivalent is required to participate in workshops, collaborative activities and the global simulation.

A detailed program schedule and simulation brief will be shared with participants closer to the program start date.