SOWK 440J/571: Global Mental Health (2025S)

SOWK 440J/571: Global Mental Health (2025S)

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

  • Program Type: 3-Credit Curricular Program (Academic Course) taught by Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim
  • Placement Location: Nairobi, Kenya
  • Duration: 5 weeks beginning in May 2025 + Pre-departure Program & Post-placement Activities
  • Eligibility: Open to UBC-V BSW or MSW students (exceptions outlined below)

Course Description

This course is eligible for Arts Research Abroad (ARA) funding. Arts courses that are designated as ARA courses will provide an award which will cover up to 70% of program costs and flight for eligible students. In cases of demonstrated financial need (determined by Enrolment Services), ARA may fund up to 100% of the program costs and flight. See below for More Information on Funding Opportunities or check out our Funding page here.

According to the Global Burden of Diseases report, mental illness is considered to be among the leading conditions causing disability globally. Health and social service providers practicing in international settings can play a role in policy development, health education and promotion, direct provision of psychosocial interventions, assessment, referral/linkage, and mobilization of self-help, mediation, advocacy, community development, public education and research.

SOWK 440J/571 Global Mental Health: Praxis Course introduces students to an emerging and important global mental health field. Global mental health is an area of study, research, and practice that places a priority on improving mental health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide (Patel, 2012). This elective will introduce students to advanced competencies in global health practice and research, such as the global burden of mental health, social and economic determinants of mental health, the globalization of biomedical psychiatry, global mental health governance and leadership, human rights, and equity. Students will discuss practical and ethical challenges in delivering care in low-resource settings, describe tools, and strategies to address the needs of specific vulnerable populations, especially urban refugees in resource limited countries. They will also examine cultural awareness and its importance in caring for a diverse population.

This premier global mental health course provides learners the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills required to work as a mental health practitioner in a global context. This course is located in Kenya to ground the concepts of global mental health in a specific non-western context. Students will be partnered with local health organizations to observe and learn from local experts.

This course will be taught by Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim PhD, MSW, RN, an Assistant Professor at UBC’s School of Social Work and an internationally trained scholar and clinician. He has expertise in the content, lived experience in the area, and a strong network of local human service organizations and professional colleagues to assist in the facilitation of the course content.

Program Overview

Student enrollment in SOWK 440J/571 requires full participation in:

ORICE Pre-departure Learning Program (January – April 2025)

The pre-departure learning program is designed to prepare you for an international placement. This will include:

  • Pre-departure learning sessions taking place over the academic term leading up to departure led by staff and community development professionals.
  • Creation of a learning and development plan
  • Participant-led events/presentations
  • Facilitated meetings with your placement team to explore learning topics
  • Advance team-building and learning with students from Kenya Medical Training College that UBC students will meet and learn with in Kenya
  • Post-Placement overview

5-Week Academic Course (starting May 2025)

  • 1 week online intensive course with Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students prior to departure (Starting last week of April) 
  • 1 week in-person intensive course hosted at KMTC Nairobi.
  • 3 weeks of community-based learning & placements in Nairobi and Isiolo, Kenya for the remainder of May/early June 2025
  • Includes: In-Placement Orientation and Workshops facilitated by ORICE 

Re-entry Debrief Session + Final Course Work On-Campus (June/July 2025)

Public Engagement Presentation (October 2025)

More Information

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Application & Selection Process

  1. Review course and program details (please contact ubc.orice@ubc.ca with any questions you may have).
  2. Next, fill out the ORICE international programs application form for this course below.
  3. Successful applicants will be contacted by email to continue the selection process through an individual interview and a group interview.
  4. 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. You will have approximately one week after receiving the offer letter to accept. Your selection into the program includes meeting eligibility requirements, as well as your initial application and your performance in the interview.
  5. Students who have been selected to participate in SOWK 440J/571 will be automatically registered for the course by the department.

Note: Although there are rounds of multiple deadlines scheduled, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we can not guarantee the number of spots remaining in the following round of deadlines. We encourage interested students to apply as soon as possible.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to BSW or MSW students registered with the UBC Vancouver School of Social Work. Students who are entering their 4th year in September 2024 are encouraged to take this course but please note that students who enrol in this course will be unable to officially convocate until November 2025, as they will still be active students during the May 2025 convocation period.

A program completion letter can be provided when graduating students complete the course, which can be used for employment purposes prior to formal graduation in November.

Students in other health professions, such as Nursing and Public Health, are also encouraged to apply. Strong applications from students who are not in a health professional program may also be considered.

Preference will be given to 4th year and Masters level students.

Timeline and Key Dates

In addition to its academic requirements, SOWK 440J/571 students must also participate in a number of activities to ensure their preparedness for their international placement.

DateActivity
August 12, 2024Program application is open and will close when full. Applications will be considered in the order they are received.
September 22, 2024Application Deadline #1
October 27, 2024Application Deadline #2 (if spaces remain)
November 24, 2024Application Deadline #3
(if spaces remain)
January 12, 2025
Final SOWK application Deadline (if spaces remain)
January 20 – April 11, 2025Orientation and pre-departure learning sessions.
All successful applicants will be expected to be in attendance at all sessions. Sessions include some remote connections with KMTC.
April 28 – May 4, 2025SOWK 440J/571 (Summer Term 1), Course begins with an intensive seminar week prior to departure. (online course with KMTC)
May 9 – 11, 2025Orientation in Nairobi
May 12 – June 6, 20254 week course including community-based attachments in Nairobi, Kenya
June 2025SOWK 440J/571 Final assignments due and post-placement reflection session
Post-placement
October 2025		Public engagement presentation related to course-based research

Living Environment

In Kenya, you will live in hostel-style accommodations with modest living conditions.

Program Fees

There are program fees, outside of tuition, for this course. The finalized cost per student is yet to be confirmed, but will be within the range listed below. A program deposit fee of $685.00 is payable upon acceptance of an offer to secure your spot in the program. The deposit fee will be deducted from the overall balance owing. The prices listed below are in Canadian Dollars (CAD).

Cost Cost with ARA Funding
Program Fee: $3,800 -$4000 Program Fee: $1140-$1200
Estimated flight cost: $2,250 Estimated flight cost: $675
Program fees do not include the cost of tuition.

*Note: Program fees may be adjusted before the offer. Program costs vary primarily due to cost of living expenses. 

Program cost includes:

  • Pre-departure learning sessions at UBC
  • Room and board
  • Transportation from the airport to your placement site
  • Orientation in host country
  • In-session debrief and workshop part way through your placement
  • Reflection materials
  • Community partner management fee
  • Program management fee

Note: Additional expenses not covered in program costs are the responsibility of the student. Costs not included are airfare, visas, vaccinations, tuition, local transportation while in country, transportation from the site back to the airport at the end of the placement, personal items, and daily incidentals.

Please see the Funding Opportunities section below for information on ARA funding eligibility and awards that are available to cover some of the cost of the program.

Funding Opportunities

Funding available for this program: Arts Research Abroad Award (ARA) or Regional and International Service Learning Award.

To be eligible for ARA funding for SOWK 440J/571, students must be in enrolled as a BSW or MSW student.  Other students in Arts will be considered on a case-by-case basis when they meet the basic ARA eligibility and are in a compatible degree. Please reach out to ORICE to explore your eligibility in advance if you are not a BSW or MSW student. Students outside of the Faculty of Arts are not eligible for ARA funding but may be eligible for the ORICE Regional and International Program award (see funding page).

Note: Students may only hold one award at a given time. Please visit the Funding page here for more information on the awards.

International Placement FAQs
See commonly asked questions about the International Placements

 

Pathways for Centering Community in Research: A Conversation on Knowledge Translation with the Public Scholars Initiative

EVENT DETAILS
event

Date: Thursday, March 26th, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

location_on

C.K. Choi, Room #351
1855 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z2

About the Event

This 2 hour session invites graduate students and early career researchers into a conversation about knowledge translation and exchange, exploring what it means to share research ethically and responsibly, with community, and across public channels. 

This session will be held in collaboration with the Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) at UBC focusing on its guiding frameworks, success stories, and the lessons it offers researchers just beginning to think about the public dimensions of their work. From there, we’ll zoom in, spotlighting two PSI Scholars whose research embodies the kind of community-engaged intersectional scholarship the Gender+ Collective works to foster.

The session will include facilitated discussion, opportunities for peer reflection, and space to consider how these frameworks apply to your own research context to ensure it goes beyond the academic paper and into the community and beyond. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

About our Speakers

Serbulent Turan (he/him) is the Manager at the Public Scholarship Initiative within UBC’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. A recipient of UBC’s President’s Staff Award for Enhancing UBC Experience, Serbulent has built PSI into a thriving network of nearly 400 doctoral students and PhDs across disciplines, connecting personally with each cohort, tracking scholars’ progress, and offering tailored mentorship that supports them academically, professionally, and personally.

Addye Susnick (they/them) is an educator, organizer, zine artist, and PhD candidate in political theory at the University of British Columbia. Their dissertation project, “Prefiguring Trans Futures: The Affective, Anarchic Politics of Trans Joy,” integrates political and social theory with community-engaged research and zines to theorize trans joy as a radical political feeling. In and beyond their research, Addye is passionate about fostering accessible learning spaces through creative and collaborative pedagogy. They are especially interested in creative writing and visual art as modes of meaning-making, a passion they share through community-based zine workshops. Outside of work, Addye can frequently be found volunteering at Spartacus Books, wandering their East Van neighborhood, making art, and playing with their beloved cats.

Drew Hall (they/them) is a PhD candidate in Botany at UBC and a Public Scholar. Their research sits at the intersection of biology education and gender studies, examining how plant and algal biology curricula at UBC reproduce binary understandings of sex and how those framings affect the experiences of two-spirit, queer, trans, gender non-conforming, and intersex students. Their work is embedded in a broader effort within UBC’s Biology program to build more inclusive approaches to teaching sex and gender, and looks toward K-12 education as a future site of transformation. For Drew, public scholarship is about connecting the “how” of the scholarship they engage in (the theory, the methods, the every-day activities that contribute to scholarship) with the “why”.

About the Gender+ Collective

The Gender+ in Research Collective at UBC’s Office of Regional and International Community Engagement aims to foster dialogue and co-creation in the incorporation of gender and other identity intersections during the research process. Our work focuses on capacity and community building, while also providing tools that facilitate researchers in using the gender+ lens in their work. 

Academic Freedom Panel Discussion

EVENT DETAILS
event

Date: Wednesday, March 25th, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM - 7 PM

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Dodson Room, IKB
1961 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada

About

This will be a discussion panel with 3-4 professors and scholars with research and/or lived experiences speaking on academic freedom (what it looks like under threat, why it occurs, how we can take action). Panelists will be adjacent to ongoing cases in Iran, Belarus, and China, all of which are currently being monitored by UBC Scholars in Prison (SIP) students, providing timely and relevant perspectives. The UBC SIP students are working as student advocates of the Scholars at Risk organization, to hold this event.

This event will be public and open to all students and faculty. It is designed to foster lifelong learning and student academic success by creating a forum where attendees can gain a deeper understanding of how knowledge production, access to information, and scholarly expression are shaped by social, political, and institutional forces. We hope students will learn about ongoing cases of wrongfully imprisoned scholars, while also engaging with respectful dialogue and taking action to further academic freedom.

The event will promote unique, open learning opportunities by creating an accessible space for students across disciplines to engage with complex and relevant issues outside of, but relating to, their classrooms. It will also support student wellness by encouraging intellectual empowerment and informed participation in the academic community.

Claire Hallett

Claire is a current undergraduate student majoring in Political Science with a minor in Law & Society. She is an ORICE scholar for the Dunster engagementship.

Capturing Academic Freedom

EVENT DETAILS
event

Date: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Drop-In Anytime!)

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Liu Institute for Global Issues
6476 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada

About

Across the world, scholars are being silenced for asking questions and producing knowledge that challenge oppressive power structures. This event uses art as a form of advocacy and solidarity-building by highlighting the stories of targeted academics and the power of expression. Join us for an evening of music, visual arts, poetry, and resistance.

 

Beyond the Frame: Solidarity in Action

EVENT DETAILS
event

Date: Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Time: 5 PM - 7 PM

location_on

C.K. Choi Building, 1855 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z2

About

Join the Human Rights Collective in a consciousness-raising and art workshop around women in resistance. Using sustainable materials, we will create a collective art piece while engaging in critical dialogue about the disproportionate gendered impacts of climate change and intersections with broader resistance and solidarity movements. 

Global Community Engagement in Action: ORICE Year-End Showcase

EVENT DETAILS
event

Date: April 1st, 2026
Time: 4-6PM (Drop in anytime!)

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C.K. Choi Building, Room 120

About

Over the past year, more than 40 UBC students have engaged in ORICE’s Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP) by participating in seven different co-curricular engagementships. Five student teams worked on projects designed and led by global community partners, providing them with valuable hands-on learning opportunities. While two student teams worked on activating and engaging campus through the Human Rights and Gender+ in Research Collectives. As these impactful projects come to a close, students will showcase their work at the second annual ORICE Year-End Showcase: Global Community Engagement in Action. Whether you’re a student planning for your upcoming academic year, a faculty member eager to learn about the students’ contributions, or a member of the UBC community with an interest in experiential education, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of sharing, learning, and celebration!

Details

Poster presentations with light refreshments and time for discussion (attendees can come and go).

Project Descriptions

Co-Curricular
Gender+ Collective Campus Engagement Team 

This co-curricular opportunity is a GEEP initiative by the UBC Gender+ Collective. During this two-semester engagementship, a group of 2-4 students worked alongside the ORICE staff to continue some of the critical work being done by the Gender+ Collective. The student team helped shape the direction of the Gender+ Collective by fostering a community of students who engage with and contribute to the collective via shared experiences in research. The student team organized several workshops and events to promote a community in which gender and other intersections of identity, including race, class, sexuality, ability and others, are considered when conducting research. You can learn about these and more during their presentation at the Showcase!

Human Rights Collective Campus Engagement Team

This co-curricular opportunity is a GEEP initiative by the UBC Human Rights Collective. During this two-semester engagementship, a group of 5 students worked alongside 2 ORICE Scholars and ORICE staff to continue some of the critical work being done by the HRC. The student team helped shape the direction of the HRC and energize the collective by bringing creativity, initiative and commitment to all activities, while receiving leadership and guidance from the Collective and its home unit, ORICE. They organized and held several events and developed key pieces of media in an effort to foster a community committed to examining, collaborating, and acting towards the advancement of human rights. You can learn more about their work during their presentation at the Showcase!

Scholars in Prison Engagementship

During this two-semester engagementship, a group of 7 students focused their efforts on 3 individual cases of imprisoned scholars identified with SAR International. They developed a nuanced understanding of their backgrounds and the political, legal, and human rights issues surrounding their detention. This individual-centered advocacy approach is core to the program, grounding student work in the lived experiences of scholars under threat.  Students engaged in two forms of human rights research and produced two deliverables for SAR. They also hosted key public engagement events and travelled to Austria for SAR’s European Advocacy Days. Learn more about their research, events, and a recently released scholar at the Showcase!

Researching (Re)Integration: A Survey of Emerging Practices for Managing Safe House Transitions (MGSH)

Maisha Safe House partnered with ORICE for the first time for this desk research project to identify good/innovative practices for (re)integration into and out of safe houses in comparable environments to Nairobi, Kenya. A group of 4 students led by 2 ORICE Scholars participated in this engagementship with Maisha Safe House to deliver research to inform their (re)integration practices for girls accessing their safe house. This first stage will be presented in a final presentation and a written report, after which the Maisha team will decide whether and how to utilize it in programming and/or research. Learn more about this project at the Showcase!

Community Mental Health Nursing in Kenya: Evaluation and Policy 

A group of 3 students led by 3 ORICE scholars participated in this engameentship with long-standing community partner, Kamili Organisation. This group worked remotely to continue the work completed by previous cohorts to prepare, implement, analyze and document the findings of the evaluation to understand the impacts of training for selected nurses once they return to their home site of work. Activities associated with this project included a full review of the research and draft evaluation materials developed to date, refining evaluation tools with the partner, project planning, implementation protocols, evaluator training materials, data cleaning, analysis, final report writing/policy brief and contributions to grant applications for related programs. Learn more about the current stage of the project and possible opportunities to engage at the Showcase!

Scaling Inclusion with Basic Needs, Basic Rights Kenya

A group of 3 students and 3 ORICE Scholars participated in this enagementship with long-standing community partner, Basic Needs, Basic Rights. Together with a local Kenyan academic institution, ORICE worked to support BNBR to develop processes for rigorous inquiry into the effectiveness and evolution of BNBR interventions. The inquiry centers on three key dimensions, examining how those with lived experience, service providers, and organizational staff understand and experience social inclusion. The student team worked remotely to prepare and pilot an evaluation. Activities associated with this project included a full review of the service provision model and practice to date, project planning, literature reviews, environmental policy scans, research on social inclusion metrics, research design, methodology reviews and the development of data collection tools. Learn more about the project and its future at the Showcase!

Towards Thriving Rural Communities: Dunster, BC Community Engagement Project

A group of 5 students led by 1 ORICE Scholar participated in this engagementship with a newer community-partner: Dunster, BC. The student team worked with Rashmi Narayan, a Project Coordinator for the Dunster community, and the Dunster Community Organization to move their work forward by strengthening relationships, deepening policy understanding, and contributing to the development of practical tools for community and coalition advocacy in the face of agricultural land purchasing by large developers. The student team recently travelled to Dunster, BC to gain more context and meet with the community-partners. Learn more about their work at the Showcase!

Human Rights Defenders at Risk Project by the Human Rights Collective

The Human Rights Collective housed in the Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE), in partnership with Resilient Societies, is leading a research project to map and document Canadian university-based programs that directly support human rights defenders. The project will identify best practices, drawing on both Canadian and international examples, and recommend ways universities can strengthen their support – including through collaboration with HRDs and civil society groups, and through improved public policy. Two undergraduate students formed part of the research team for this project, working on key findings, organizing events, and publishing a series of blog posts around the topic. Learn more about the project at the Showcase!

Curricular

PPGA 391A: Human Rights in a Globalized World

This course offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience in the field of human rights work. The course takes an interdisciplinary lens to exploring the theory and practice of human rights work in a globalized world. Students learn the opportunities and impediments in rights-based work, and participate in experiential learning activities. Through case studies and examples from different disciplines, students better understand the diverse and increasingly complex body of human rights work. This is the 3rd year that this course is offered under the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in collaboration with the UBC Human Rights Collective and the UBC Office of Regional and International Community Engagement. Learn about this year’s course and 2 projects at the Showcase!

 

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

Applications Closed

  • 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:

  1. Online application form
  2. Statement of Interest (maximum 750 words) that:
    • Describes motivation and preparation for the placement.
    • Demonstrates understanding of and reflection on the African Union values.
  3. Option A: Research/Study Proposal (maximum 1,000 words) – or
    Option B: Learning Objectives Proposal (maximum 1,000 words) as described above.
  4. Curriculum Vitae / Résumé
  5. Unofficial Transcript
  6. Letter of Support from a UBC Faculty Member
  7. 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

Applications Closed.

Thank you for your interest!

 

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

Applications Closed

  • 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

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

DatesActivity
January 16, 2026First round applications due.
January 19-23, 2026Individual interviews (Round 1).
January 22, 2026Group interview.
January 30, 2026Second round applications due if needed based on first round outcomes.
February 2-6, 2026Individual interviews (Round 2).
February 5, 2026Group interview.
February-April, 2026ORICE pre-departure sessions.
May 15-17, 2026In-country orientation in Kenya.
May 18, 2026First day of placement with Kamili.
July 3, 2026Last 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: $4,600*
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.

Applications Closed

Keep an eye on future opportunities on our Instagram!

 

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

Applications Closed

  • 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

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

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

DatesActivity
January 16, 2026First round applications due.
January 19-23, 2026Individual interviews (Round 1).
January 22, 2026Group interview.
January 30, 2026Second round applications due if needed based on first round outcomes.
February 2-6, 2026Individual interviews (Round 2).
February 5, 2026Group interview.
February-April, 2026ORICE pre-departure sessions.
May 15-17, 2026In-country orientation in Kenya.
May 18, 2026First day of placement with BNBR.
July 3, 2026Last 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: $4,600*
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.

Applications Closed

Keep an eye on future opportunities on our Instagram!