The program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about the field of Kinesiology in Canada, while also exploring Canadian society and culture through interactive lectures, various social activities and intercultural workshops.

What you might expect/course format

This package consists of two courses that will explore the psychological and physiological aspects of human movement and health. Students will discover exercise-related concepts in classrooms, laboratories, and through field trips. Past programs have visited the Richmond 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.

For more information, please visit the Kinesiology VSP page.

July 2024 Course Packages

Sport and Exercise 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 behavior in sport and exercise settings. Emphasis will be placed on the application of sport and exercise psychology in phys500ical activity contexts, including visiting sport/physical activity facilities and engaging in personal reflection exercises.

Exercise & Health Physiology

Exercise is now recognized as a fundamental lifestyle component of health promotion and is an integral part of prescriptive approaches to the treatment of chronic diseases or conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and other degenerative diseases. Students in this course will be exposed to the theoretical basis for the mechanisms for exercise as a therapeutic approach to health promotion, application of exercise prescriptions, and research approaches. Concepts learned in class will be supported by lab-based sessions covering testing and monitoring of exercise training programs, as well as visits to facilities that put these concepts into practice, in order to facilitate an active learning environment.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

For more information

Kinesiology VSP Brochure

Kinesiology VSP Webpage

For VSP Kinesiology-specific questions, email Chanel Flores, Academic Advisor, Special Programs & Partnerships, at vsp.kinesiology@ubc.ca.

Student testimonials

“It was an extraordinary experience for me to explore UBC and Vancouver. This summer program allowed me to have a better understanding in health and fitness through interactive class tutorial and outdoor activities. You will never regret joining it!”

– Emily Wong, VSP Kinesiology Student

“During my study, I found myself more interested in exercise physiology and sport performance, while both teachers were very patient and professional. In the practical sessions of the clinical exercise physiology, the teacher and teaching assistants were very helpful in guiding us on how to use the equipment. Also, he organized many interesting group activities. I still vividly remember the interesting experiences in health and physical activity behavior. The teacher instructed us to do lots of outdoor activities at the forest and beach. We made delicious cookies and shared with our roommates. I wish I could study in UBC again.”

– Yilin Chen, VSP Kinesiology Student