2026S: Policy, Practice & Research in Mental Health Systems

This program is part of the Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP) and is informed by ORICE values. GEEP aims to strengthen the bridge between classroom learning (theory) and application (practice) to address pressing global issues, in this community-based praxis initiative. Students who participate in GEEP can participate in experiential education projects designed and led by global community partners.

Details at a Glance

Application Deadline: January 25, 2026 (11:59PM)

Program Type: Graduate Placement Opportunity
Program Location: 2026S In-person, Ethiopia
Duration: 3 months beginning in May 2026

Program Overview

The Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the School of Social Work (UBC) in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), specifically, the Primary Healthcare Center, Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries and Mental Health, invites applications for the Policy, Practice &
Research in Mental Health Systems program.

This three-month graduate placement offers students an exceptional opportunity to engage directly with continental efforts to strengthen mental health systems, integrate non-
communicable disease (NCDs) prevention, and advance evidence-based policy and practice across Africa. Students will contribute to ongoing activities within Africa CDC’s Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries and Mental Health (NCDIMH), while developing their own applied or research-
focused projects under the mentorship of both Africa CDC and UBC faculty.

Students selected for this placement will embody the values of the African Union, which guide Africa CDC’s work across the continent:

Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
Think Africa Above All
Transparency and Accountability
Integrity and Impartiality; Efficiency and Professionalism
Commitment to Information and Knowledge.

Applicants are encouraged to reflect on how these values align with their personal and academic commitments.

About the Host Division: Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries & Mental Health

The Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries and Mental Health (NCDIMH) operates under the Primary Healthcare Center at the Africa CDC. The Division’s work is guided by the Africa CDC Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries Prevention and Control, and Mental Health Promotion Strategy (2022 – 2026) and focuses on strengthening Member States’ capacity to address NCDs and mental health challenges through coordinated, evidence-based, and sustainable approaches.

Key functions of the Unit include:

Supporting policy development and program implementation on NCDs and mental health.
Promoting surveillance, data systems, and research on NCDs, injuries, and mental health.
Fostering cross-sectoral partnerships and knowledge sharing among AU Member States.
Leading continental advocacy for mental health promotion and NCD risk reduction.

Students placed with the Unit will gain firsthand exposure to Africa CDC’s leadership in global health policy, program coordination, and evidence translation.

Placement Details:

Host Institution: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
Location: African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Division: Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health
Duration: 3 months (Summer 2026)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. (Addis Ababa time) – hours may also include evening and weekend engagements.
Format: In-person, on-site engagement
Number of Placements: 2-4 students (depending on Africa CDC capacity)
Funding: $2,000 CAD award from UBC ORICE*
Program Fees: Estimated $5,000 CAD (details below) + airfare and incidentals

*Selected candidates must meet the award eligibility requirements to receive the ORICE award.

Project Objectives:

This placement is designed to:

Enhance student understanding of the policy and practice landscape for mental health and NCD prevention in Africa.
Provide hands-on experience in a continental public health organization.
Support Africa CDC’s strategic objectives through applied research or professional contributions.
Strengthen intercultural and professional competencies relevant to global public health leadership.
Build collaboration between UBC and Africa CDC on knowledge exchange in mental health systems strengthening.

Placement Streams:

To reflect different academic pathways, applicants may apply under one of two streams:

Option A – Research/Inquiry Stream

For students in research-based or thesis programs who wish to pursue a specific area of inquiry during their placement.

Applicants must submit a study proposal (max 1,000 words) outlining:

Research question(s) and rationale
Methodology and data sources (if applicable)
Alignment with Africa CDC’s strategy
Ethical considerations and supervision plan (including UBC academic supervisor)

Students will work under dual supervision (UBC and Africa CDC) and may produce a short policy brief, literature synthesis, or reflective report as an output.

Option B – Professional Learning / Support Stream

For students in professional or course-based programs seeking hands-on experience in practice and organizational learning.

Students in this stream will submit a Learning Objectives Proposal (maximum 1,000 words) instead of a research proposal. This document should:

Outline the specific learning objectives the student hopes to achieve during the placement.
Describe how these objectives connect to their academic program or professional trajectory.
Identify the skills, competencies, or thematic areas they wish to develop.
Explain how engagement with Africa CDC’s work on mental health and NCDs will contribute to those goals.
Indicate if this fulfills a specific requirement within your degree, and if so who the academic or staff oversight person is within your department.

Activities under this stream that interns could potentially provide assistance to include:

Supporting the AU CDC unit of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health teams with planning, implementation, or analysis of program evaluation activities.
Contributing to policy or strategy development processes.
Assisting with coordination, communications, and report preparation.
Participating in technical meetings and stakeholder engagement.

Students will work under dual supervision (UBC and Africa CDC) and will either produce agreed upon academic outputs or a reflective blog examining the work the unit is undertaking and their intersecting learning.

Eligibility & Priority:

Open to graduate students (Master’s & PhD) enrolled at the University of British Columbia. Must be a current student in good standing.
Citizens of African Union (AU) Member States will receive priority consideration in selection.
Non-African Union member state citizens UBC students with demonstrated interest in global mental health and health systems may also apply.

Applicants should demonstrate:

Strong academic standing.
Clear motivation and fit with Africa CDC’s work.
Articulation of how this placement intersects with academic and professional goals.
Cross-cultural sensitivity and professionalism.
Ability to live and work full-time in Addis Ababa for the placement duration.

All applicants will include a cover letter, CV, and unofficial transcript with your application.

Selection Process:

Stage 1: UBC Review

ORICE staff, including the Faculty Advisor for East Africa regional concentration, will assess applications for academic merit, preparedness, and program fit and conduct interviews.

Stage 2: Africa CDC Review

Recommended applications will be reviewed by Africa CDC for final approval based on alignment with the division’s priorities and capacity to host.
Final selection (2 – 4 students) will be jointly confirmed by UBC and Africa CDC.

Financial Information & Program Expenses:

This is an unpaid placement. Students are responsible for travel, visa, insurance and living costs, including daily transportation. The ORICE $2,000 CAD award is available to those who meet the eligibility requirements to support student participation.

Estimated Expenses:

Category	Description	Estimated Cost (CAD)
Program Fee	Administration, coordination, pre-departure training, risk management, supervision, room and board	≈ $5000 CAD
Less: UBC Travel Award	ORICE award toward participation costs*	– $2,000
Estimated Net Cost to Student	After UBC award (excluding airfare and personal expenses)	≈ $3,000 CAD
	*Award eligibility must be met

These figures are preliminary and provided for planning purposes only. Final costs will be confirmed once program logistics and location expenses are finalized.

Terms & Conditions:

Insurance: Students must maintain valid health and travel insurance throughout the placement.
Visa: Participants are responsible for obtaining visas and travel documentation; UBC and Africa CDC will provide guidance and letters of support.
Confidentiality: Students will sign a confidentiality agreement consistent with Africa CDC and AU policies. Information obtained through the placement cannot be published or shared without authorization.
Conduct: Participants must adhere to both UBC and AU codes of conduct, ethics, and professional standards.
Duration: Standard term is 3 months; extensions are only possible with approval from both UBC and Africa CDC. No additional funding will be available for an extension.
Completion: Students will participate in pre-departure and re-entry debriefings coordinated by ORICE.

Application Components:

Applicants must submit:

Online application form
Statement of Interest (maximum 750 words) that:
- Describes motivation and preparation for the placement.
- Demonstrates understanding of and reflection on the African Union values.
Option A: Research/Study Proposal (maximum 1,000 words) – or
Option B: Learning Objectives Proposal (maximum 1,000 words) as described above.
Curriculum Vitae / Résumé
Unofficial Transcript
Letter of Support from a UBC Faculty Member
Copy of Valid Passport or National ID

Timeline:

Milestone	Date
Call for applications released	December 5, 2025
Application deadline	January 25, 2026
UBC selection review	January -February 2026
Africa CDC final approval	February 2026
Pre-departure preparation	March – April 2026
Placement period	3 month duration between May-August 2026

Additional Notes:

Students must comply with UBC and AU travel, safety, and ethical engagement standards.
ORICE will provide pre-departure, in-field, and post-placement support.
Students must be active students during the placement, and can not graduate during the program dates.
Selected students will represent both UBC and the Africa CDC in a professional capacity.

How to Apply

Applications are open.
For more information about the program or the course, please contact ORICE at ubc.orice@ubc.ca

APPLY NOW

Second Round Application Deadline: January 25th, 2026 (11:59PM)

WL W25 Program Assistant, ORICE

Submit your resume and cover letter to CareersOnline by December 21st, 2025

Job Title: ORICE Program Assistant

Job Description: WL 25 ORICE Program Assistant Job Description

Position Summary:

The Program Assistant for the Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE) will play an important role in the unit by supporting the team to liaise with communities and community partners who are part of student learning programs; be that internships, remote projects or by bringing in case studies to classrooms. The ORICE Program Assistant will work alongside the staff in the office to ensure the successful implementation of program activities through: responding to student inquiries; working within a project management framework to organize, design and deliver key events in the ORICE program cycle; preparing materials for promotional workshops and information sessions; delivering workshops and information sessions to
undergraduate students; providing support to ORICE staff with the recruitment selection, pre-departure, support of student participants; preparing reports; assisting with campus outreach; performing general office support.

UBC Unit: Office of Regional and International Community Engagement

Anticipated Start Date: January 12th, 2026

End Date: April 30th, 2026

Hours Per Week: 10

Rate of Pay: $21.14/hr

Eligibility: This position is for current UBC-Vancouver undergraduate and graduate students.

How to Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to CareersOnline by December 21st, 2025

Please reach out to us at ubc.orice@ubc.ca if you have any questions.

2026S: Evaluating and Strengthening Community Mental Health Nurse Training with Kamili Organisation (Kenya)

This program is part of the Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP) and is informed by ORICE values. GEEP aims to strengthen the bridge between classroom learning (theory) and application (practice) to address pressing global issues, in this community-based praxis initiative. Students who participate in GEEP can participate in experiential education projects designed and led by global community partners.

Details at a Glance

First Round Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 (11:59PM)

Program Type: Co-curricular (Not-for-credit)
Program Type: Community-Engaged Research Project in collaboration with Kamili Organisation
Program Location: 2026S In-person, Kenya
Duration: 2 months beginning in May 2026 + Pre-departure Program & Post-placement Activities

Applications for this program are open!

Program Overview

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all UBC students. Upper-year undergraduate and graduate students with coursework or experience in community-engaged research, global health, mixed methods, nursing, health systems research, evaluation, or related fields are preferred. Up to 4 placement spots are available.

Program Description

Kamili Organisation is a long-standing community mental health organization providing affordable, high-quality mental health care through 30+ clinics across Kenya. Kamili’s model emphasizes accurate diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support for individuals and families, while reducing stigma through community education and outreach.

For 11 years, Kamili has run a national scholarship program supporting qualified general nurses who are pursuing mental health specialization through the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Nurses selected for the program receive a scholarship that includes a 1-week intensive training on the Kamili community-based model, which focuses on delivering mental health services within primary-level health facilities—ensuring accessibility, affordability, and sustainability across the country. Graduates return to their home facilities and join a growing professional network now comprising 156 nurses across 44 of Kenya’s 47 counties. This network receives ongoing guidance, site visits from Kamili leadership, and participates in annual learning and network-building events.

Background and Prior Collaboration

Kamili and ORICE began a multi-year collaboration in Winter 2024 to explore how the organization could formally evaluate the impacts of this national training program. The partnership aims to understand how nurses apply their specialized training in practice, the barriers and facilitators they encounter, and how Kamili’s approach influences patient care, community mental health awareness, and health systems more broadly.

In August 2025, UBC students traveled to Kenya to deepen their understanding of the program and organizational context and have continued on to work with a larger student team in w2025 to begin developing an evaluation framework and pilot project.

Current Project

Kamili is currently midway through developing an evaluation to understand how nurses integrate mental health specialization into their work once they return to their home facilities. The evaluation will support program improvement and inform policy engagement at county and national levels.

By May 2026, Kamili anticipates completing a pilot guided interview with a subset of trained nurses and producing a preliminary analysis report. The Summer 2026 team will build on this foundation during an 7-week immersive placement in Kenya, working alongside Kamili staff during the same daily schedule (M–F, 9–5).

Students placed in Summer 2026 may contribute to:

Reviewing and synthesizing findings from the guided interview pilot
Finalizing a survey instrument for dissemination across the full nurse network
Supporting survey implementation planning, analysis and documentation, across the full network of Kamili nurses.
Developing policy briefs based on study findings.
Drafting program learning materials or resources informed by interview and survey insights
Strengthening organizational processes for evaluation, research planning, and data use

This placement supports Kamili’s long-term goal of generating strong evidence on the impacts of community-based mental health capacity-building and strengthening health systems across diverse Kenyan contexts.

Student Profile

This placement is best suited for students who are:

In their 3rd or 4th undergraduate year or enrolled in a graduate program
Interested in qualitative methods, survey design, evaluation, health systems research, or policy analysis
Curious about community mental health, task-shifting, capacity building, and rights-based approaches to care
Motivated by applied research that informs program design, policy, and advocacy
Comfortable working collaboratively in a cross-cultural, community-based setting

Students from all faculties are welcome to apply.

More Information

Program Key Dates

Dates	Activity
January 16, 2026	First round applications due.
January 19-23, 2026	Individual interviews (Round 1).
January 22, 2026	Group interview.
January 30, 2026	Second round applications due if needed based on first round outcomes.
February 2-6, 2026	Individual interviews (Round 2).
February 5, 2026	Group interview.
February-April, 2026	ORICE pre-departure sessions.
May 15-17, 2026	In-country orientation in Kenya.
May 18, 2026	First day of placement with Kamili.
July 3, 2026	Last day of placement with Kamili.

Pre-Departure Overview

The pre-departure learning program is designed to prepare you for an international community-based placement. This includes:

Pre-departure sessions led by ORICE staff and community development professionals
Development of a learning and development plan
Participant-led discussions and presentations
Facilitated team meetings exploring core learning themes
Post-placement activities

Post-Placement Overview

Following the field placement, students will participate in:

A Summer 2026 re-entry debrief
A public-engagement presentation related to the evaluation in Fall 2026

Living Environment

Participants will live with host families arranged through ORICE for the duration of the placement. Students will have their own room and will integrate into family life, sharing meals and participating in home and community activities. Daily commuting to Kamili will use public transportation.

Program Fees

Estimated Program Fee: $4,000 – $4,800*
Fees are subject to adjustment before offers are released and depend on cost-of-living factors.

Program fee includes:

Pre-departure learning sessions at UBC
Room and board in Kenya
Transportation from airport to placement site
In-country orientation
Mid-placement debrief/workshop
Reflection materials
Community partner management fee
Program management fee

Not included: airfare, visas, vaccinations, tuition, local in-country transportation, transportation to the airport for departure, personal items, and daily expenses.

Funding

This program is eligible for the $2000 Regional and International Program Award. Review eligibility information here.

Students can also fundraise for the personal learning experience. ORICE staff can advise on this process.

Students may only hold one award at a time. Visit our Funding page for further information.

How to Apply

Applications are open.
For more information about the program or the course, please contact ORICE at ubc.orice@ubc.ca

Curious about ORICE’s International Immersive Programs?

Read first-hand student stories and testimonies from participants in our Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP).
Learn more.

APPLY NOW

First Round Application Deadline: January 16th, 2026 (11:59PM)

2026S: Scaling Social Inclusion for Community Mental Health with Basic Needs, Basic Rights (Kenya)

This program is part of the Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP) and is informed by ORICE values. GEEP aims to strengthen the bridge between classroom learning (theory) and application (practice) to address pressing global issues, in this community-based praxis initiative. Students who participate in GEEP can participate in experiential education projects designed and led by global community partners.

Details at a Glance

First Round Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 (11:59PM)

Program Type: Co-curricular (Not-for-credit)
Program Type: Community-Engaged Research Project in collaboration with Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya (BNBR)
Program Location: 2026S In-person, Kenya
Duration: 2 months beginning in May 2026 + Pre-departure Program & Post-placement Activities

Applications for this program are open!

Program Overview

Eligibility Criteria

Program Description

Basic Needs, Basic Rights (BNBR) is a vibrant, registered national non-governmental organization located across seven counties in Kenya. One of BNBR’s core programmatic areas is to support people with mental health conditions, those at risk, and their caregivers to live and work successfully in their communities. BNBR strives to ensure that individuals with mental health concerns can access their basic rights by empowering communities to provide care, social support, and opportunities for social and economic participation.

Since its inception, BNBR has distinguished itself as a leader in mental health and community development in Kenya by implementing a holistic model that combines psychosocial support, community development and livelihoods, and improving policy and practice through research and advocacy. Their approach is grounded in the understanding that mental well-being and illness extend beyond health systems and require attention to structural, social, and economic determinants.

Background and Prior Collaboration

BNBR’s current work is guided by a five-year strategic plan emphasizing the development of organizational research capacity and evidence-based programming. In S2024, BNBR and ORICE partnered to explore and document research priorities and develop a preliminary research agenda for the organization. In W2024, a UBC-based student team advanced this work by examining how social inclusion is understood within BNBR’s programs and by creating a database of inclusion-related policies and implementation mechanisms in Kenya. In S2025 and W2025, student teams have been working with BNBR to develop a set of tools for education on social inclusion, as well as assessment tools to work with health system professionals to understand how social inclusion and mental health are currently understood in some of the counties that BNBR works with.

Current Project

The Summer 2026 placement continues this multi-year collaboration by supporting BNBR as they prepare to scale promotive and restorative community mental health services to two additional sub-counties, with the goal of strengthening inclusion and local health systems. A central focus of this expansion is embedding participatory research into BNBR’s social inclusion programming, ensuring that people with lived experience, service providers, and organizational staff all have meaningful influence in shaping the evolving concept and practice of social inclusion.

By May 2026, BNBR anticipates having completed a staff assessment and engagement process on social inclusion. The next phase of the project is expected to involve beginning engagement with health system professionals, using participatory or qualitative methods that are currently under development through collaboration between BNBR, a Kenyan academic partner, and UBC teams.

Students placed in Summer 2026 may contribute to:

Reviewing and synthesizing insights from BNBR’s staff engagement phase
Preparing for or supporting early-stage engagement with health system professionals
Supporting document review and contextual analysis related to inclusion and health systems
Assisting in the iterative development of educational tools on social inclusion
Assisting in the iterative development of participatory research or evaluation tools
Strengthening organizational processes for research planning and evidence generation

Students will be in placement on a similar daily schedule to BNBR teams (M-F, 9-5), allowing for direct collaboration, relationship-building, and contextual understanding with BNBR colleagues during the 7-week immersive placement.

Student Profile

This placement is best suited for students who are:

In their 3rd or 4th undergraduate year or enrolled in a graduate program
Interested in qualitative research, participatory methods, evaluation, or policy analysis
Engaged with topics such as community mental health, social inclusion, disability rights, and rights-based approaches to care
Curious about how research can inform program design and advocacy

Students from all faculties are welcome to apply.

More Information

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Program Key Dates

Dates	Activity
January 16, 2026	First round applications due.
January 19-23, 2026	Individual interviews (Round 1).
January 22, 2026	Group interview.
January 30, 2026	Second round applications due if needed based on first round outcomes.
February 2-6, 2026	Individual interviews (Round 2).
February 5, 2026	Group interview.
February-April, 2026	ORICE pre-departure sessions.
May 15-17, 2026	In-country orientation in Kenya.
May 18, 2026	First day of placement with BNBR.
July 3, 2026	Last day of placement with BNBR.

Pre-Departure Overview

The pre-departure learning program is designed to prepare you for an international community-based placement. This includes:

Pre-departure sessions led by ORICE staff and community development professionals
Development of a learning and development plan
Participant-led discussions and presentations
Facilitated team meetings exploring core learning themes
Post-placement activities

Post-Placement Overview

Following the field placement, students will participate in:

A summer 2026 re-entry debrief
A public-engagement presentation related to the placement research in Fall 2026

Living Environment

Participants will live with host families organized through ORICE for the duration of the program. Participants will have their own room but will integrate with the family otherwise, sharing meals, participating in household and community activities. Participants will use public transportation to go to Basic Needs Basic Rights for work.

Program Fees

Estimated Program Fee: $4,000 – $4,800*
Fees are subject to adjustment before offers are released and depend primarily on cost-of-living factors.

Program fee includes:

Pre-departure learning sessions at UBC
Room and board in Kenya
Transportation from airport to placement site
In-country orientation
Mid-placement debrief/workshop
Reflection materials
Community partner management fee
Program management fee

Not included: airfare, visas, vaccinations, tuition, local transportation in-country, transportation from placement site back to airport at end of placement, personal items, and daily expenses.

Funding

This program is eligible for the $2000 Regional and International Program Award. Review eligibility information here.

Students can also fundraise for the personal learning experience. ORICE staff can advise on this process if interested.

Students may only hold one award at a time. Visit our Funding page for further information.

How to Apply

Applications are open.
For more information about the program or the course, please contact ORICE at ubc.orice@ubc.ca

Curious about ORICE’s International Immersive Programs?

Read first-hand student stories and testimonies from participants in our Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP).
Learn more.

APPLY NOW

First Round Application Deadline: January 16th, 2026 (11:59PM)

Towards Thriving Rural Communities – Dunster, BC Community Engagement Project (Jan – Apr 2026 UBC-Based)

This program is part of the Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP) and is informed by ORICE values. GEEP aims to strengthen the bridge between classroom learning (theory) and application (practice) to address pressing global issues, in this community-based praxis initiative. Students who participate in GEEP can participate in experiential education projects designed and led by global community partners.

Details at a Glance

Applications Closed & Under Review

Program Type: Co-curricular (Not-for-credit)
Engagementship Type: Community-Based Policy Engagement with Dunster Community Association, Dunster, BC
Engagementship Location: Remote, with optional site visit (depending on community/student availability)
Duration: January – April 2026
Discipline Fit: Public policy, geography, community development, sociology, land use planning, environmental studies, agriculture/food system studies, rural development
Eligibility: Open to UBC-V Undergraduate (60+ credits) & Graduate students (more details below)

APPLY NOW

Community Partner

Dunster, BC is a small rural community located between the Cariboo and Rocky Mountains and situated between Prince George, BC and Jasper, Alberta. The Dunster Community Association (DCA) is a volunteer-driven grassroots organization working to address interconnected community challenges related to housing, food security, land stewardship, and long-term rural sustainability.

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the purchase of local farmland by investors who do not actively use the land. As a result, approximately 24 farms in the region are currently unoccupied. This trend has contributed to declining population—particularly young families—reduced volunteer capacity, and stress on local services including schools, food systems, and community initiatives. The Association seeks to counter this trend by promoting equitable access to farmland, supporting young agrarians, and revitalizing community life.

In 2024, community members initiated an organized effort to understand the impacts of absentee land ownership, document policy gaps, build coalitions across rural BC, and identify pathways for community-led alternatives to traditional land ownership models. A local community developer, Rashmi Narayan, now serves as the Project Coordinator. In 2025, students from a UBC course on human rights (PPGA 391A) worked with the DCA and Rashmi to develop a policy review, initiate coalition building with communities facing similar challenges and begin a media tool kit.

Project Overview

Building on last year’s foundational research, the 2025 student team will work with Rashmi and the DCA to move the work forward by strengthening relationships, deepening policy understanding, and contributing to the development of practical tools for community and coalition advocacy. This term focuses on:

1. Community Engagement Support

The Dunster community is at the heart of this project and must ultimately drive the direction. Students will support the DCA on community engagement strategies and actions by contributing to tools, communication materials, and plans that help Dunster articulate the urgency of farmland access, promote community-led solutions, and recruit allies—including media, local champions, and organizational partners.

2. Coalition Building and Network Strengthening

The team will continue mapping rural communities in BC experiencing similar challenges and engage directly with emerging or existing citizen groups. Students may support convening virtual meetings, documenting shared concerns, gathering comparative examples, and facilitating knowledge exchange across communities.

3. Liaising With Policy Experts to Advance Preliminary Policy Briefs

Students will connect with policy researchers, agricultural organizations, rural development experts, and legal/policy practitioners to gather insights that strengthen existing drafts. This includes reviewing key issues such as succession planning, affordability of rural land, governance structures for collective ownership, and barriers to young farmers.

4. Policy and Research Brief Development

Based on expert conversations, community dialogue, and further research, students will refine and/or expand preliminary policy briefs.

The briefs may be used by Dunster and coalition partners for advocacy, public awareness, and potential funding proposals.

5. Empowering Community

Develop a factsheet in plain language for owners and sellers on development guidelines in the regional district of Fraser Fort George, which is in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The factsheet could include information related to permitted size of primary and secondary homes, permitted uses, taxation, subdivision and farmland protection tools like conservation easements.

There could be an opportunity for face-to-face engagement with residents to increase capacity by addressing knowledge gaps to support farmland preservation and succession planning.

Project Timeline

Over a period from January to April 2026, the selected team of students will spend 3-5 hours weekly working collaboratively to complete the project. Students will be asked to participate in weekly scheduled in-person meetings (on the UBC Vancouver Campus) to ensure collaboration and accountability goals are defined and met. However, the remainder of the allotted time will be self-directed or in small work teams as per agreements with teammates.

Learning Opportunities

Through this project, students will gain experience in:

Applied public policy research
Rural community development
Coalition-building and stakeholder engagement
Translating research into advocacy tools
Working with grassroots organizations on long-term social change initiatives
Understanding the intersection of land use, equity, food systems, and rural sustainability

More Information

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Application and Selection Process

Applications Closed & Under Review

Review project details (please contact ubc.orice@ubc.ca with any questions you may have).
Next, fill out the ORICE program application form (Qualtrics Survey) below.
Successful applicants will be invited by email for a 20-minute individual interview.
After interviews, you will be notified of a decision; successful candidates will be sent an offer letter with further details on the program and detailed instructions on how to accept. Your selection into the program includes meeting eligibility requirements, as well as your initial application and your performance in the interview. The team will ultimately be comprised of 4-6 students.

Eligibility Criteria

Be a UBC-Vancouver undergraduate student with 60+ completed credits, or a graduate student as of January 2026.
Access to a reliable computer and internet connection for remote collaboration.
Demonstrated critical thinking, initiative, interest in rural land issues, community development, policy research. Prior experience in policy, research or community engagement is an asset but not required.
Willingness to be flexible for occasional meetings that may involve community partners/stakeholders outside standard hours.

How to Apply

Interested students should:

Review the project description and eligibility criteria.
Complete the ORICE GEEP application form.
If shortlisted, participate in a short interview (approx. 15 minutes).
Upon selection, you’ll receive an offer letter with further details.

Timeline and Key Dates

Project Dates: January 2026 - April 2026

Weekly Meetings (Jan - April): TBD - applicants will be asked to be flexible as we will be seeking a weekly standing 2-hour meeting block during M-F, 9 am - 5 pm.

Timeline
Applications Open	November 21, 2025
Deadline	December 5, 2025 @ 11:59pm.
Secondary Deadline	January 6, 2026 @ 11:59pm (if availability remains following Dec. 5 deadline)
Program Start Date	January 16, 2025
Program End Date	End of April 2026
Estimated Weekly Commitment	3-5 hours/week

Funding Opportunities

Funding available for this program: ORICE Experiential Education Accessibility Award.

Note: Students may only hold one award at a given time. Please visit our funding page for more information.

APPLY NOW

Applications for the Dunster Engagementship are now open.

Applications closed & under review.

Elle Savage

Elle is an undergraduate student at UBC. She is part of the SIP engagementship.

Annie Li

Annie is an undergraduate student majoring in Political Science at UBC. She is part of the BNBR engagementship.

Annabelle Katz

Annabelle is an undergraduate with a major in International Relations and a minor in Geography. She is part of the BNBR engagementship.

Ethan Lui

Ethan is a recent BA graduate with a degree in International Relations. He currently works on the BNBR Scaling Inclusion engagementship and is currently interested in exploring health policy, development, and law. You can also find him on campus working on a community-engaged environmental engineering research project.

Sarah Kwak

Sarah is a UBC student majoring in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy. She is an ORICE scholar for the Kamili engagementship.