Twenty-two undergraduate students from City University of Macau spent a month studying in Vancouver, Canada during the summer, in the University of British Columbia (UBC) Summer Program. They joined over 2,400 outstanding international students from dozens of different countries around the world who took specially designed summer course packages from UBC, one of the world’s top 40 universities.

Most of the City University students were drawn from the new International Business Cohort (IBC) Program, with others coming from the BBA program and the Faculty of International Tourism and Management. They were enrolled in a program on “Environmental Economics and Geographies of the World Economy,” that focused upon the nature of the global economy and environmental economics. This program is offered by UBC’s School of Economics and the Geography Department, each of them ranked among the top 20 university departments in the world in their subject. Students found the courses challenging but enjoyable, and appreciated the stimulation offered by international teachers and different teaching methods.

Outside the classroom, students were struck by the natural beauty of the UBC campus and Vancouver, especially the stunning views of the sea and the mountains, the woods, the wildlife, and the beautiful blue skies and stunning sunsets. The sports facilities were very popular, as our swimming and badminton champions made good use of them. Students were taken on tours of the university campus and Vancouver and on special field trips to local businesses and landmarks. At the end of the class, many of them took the opportunity to go on a special 3-day tour of the Rocky Mountains. Students also welcomed the chance to meet other top students from over 200 universities around the world who were enrolled in the many different programs offered by UBC, as well as the UBC student volunteers who served as helpers.

The City University students were accompanied by the IBC program coordinator, Professor Priscilla Roberts. She arranged a special picnic for them one evening in the grounds of the historic Green College, where she was staying. The principal of Green College, Prof. Mark Vessey, welcomed them personally. She also took them on a trip to an ice cream parlor, where they sampled ice cream, which is an important part of North American culture.

The group flew back from Vancouver on 14 August 2018, the end of an unforgettable summer experience.