Introduction to the Global Political Economy
    In-person Program

    Introduction to the Global Political Economy

    by UBC Future Global Leaders

    Explore how global trade, multinational corporations and government policy shape the world economy, alongside practical university preparation.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Introduction to the Global Political Economy at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    High school; completed grade 10

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, Canada

    Cost

    $1,940 CAD; $2,620 CAD

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Business & EconomicsPoliticsInternational Relations
    Class size: Small classes
    Accommodation: Optional single room in campus residence
    Meals: Commuter lunch; residence full board
    Certificate / Outcome: Letter of Completion
    Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday: 3-hour classes, 1.5-hour workshops
    Faculty: Dr. Robert Farkasch, UBC Political Science
    Assessment style: No exams

    Introduction to the Global Political Economy summary

    UBC Extended Learning's course connects economics with politics through multinational corporations, global trade, international finance and development.

    Academic classes are paired with university preparation workshops and campus activities, giving subject exploration a practical university-life context.

    It suits students curious about why governments and markets pull in different directions, especially those considering economics, political science or public policy.

    What is Introduction to the Global Political Economy?

    Introduction to the Global Political Economy is a UBC Extended Learning course within Future Global Leaders. It examines multinational corporations, global trade, international finance and international development, including the competing ideologies behind government responses to market pressures.

    Students attend academic classes on UBC's Vancouver campus with Dr. Robert Farkasch, a lecturer in Political Science. Afternoon university preparation workshops complement the subject teaching, while commuter and residence options offer different ways to experience campus life.

    Why Succeed highlights Introduction to the Global Political Economy

    • The course connects economics and political science through concrete themes such as global trade and multinational corporations.

    • Dr. Robert Farkasch's teaching in international political economy and international relations closely matches the academic focus.

    • First-year university-level teaching without exams offers a practical way to test interest in the subject.

    • University preparation workshops add application, study and well-being guidance alongside academic exploration.

    Who is Introduction to the Global Political Economy for?

    Best for

    Students interested in economics, political science, public policy or current events who want to connect subject exploration with university preparation.

    Not ideal if

    You want a self-paced experience or a direct university admissions pathway; the course follows a structured campus timetable.

    Is Introduction to the Global Political Economy worth it?

    This is a strong option for testing whether the relationship between politics and economics interests you enough for further study. The combination of specialist teaching and university preparation gives the experience a clear purpose beyond simply visiting a campus.

    The value is strongest when you want both academic exploration and a structured student-life experience. Treat the Letter of Completion as recognition of participation and good standing, and judge the course on what you learn rather than expecting a university admissions advantage.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $1,940 CAD; $2,620 CAD; includes Morning academic classes and afternoon university preparation., Weekday lunch in the residence dining hall., UBC Recreation Card, including swimming and drop-in sports., Afternoon campus activities., Residence add-on: private room and daily full board., Residence add-on: airport transfers within designated service windows., Residence add-on: evening activities and weekend excursions., Residence add-on: local medical insurance for international students..

    Accommodation

    Optional single room in campus residence

    Meals

    Commuter lunch; residence full board

    Provider details

    Review the UBC Future Global Leaders provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, Canada.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does Introduction to the Global Political Economy need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin family, travel and accommodation planning several months before a confirmed session, allowing extra time for visa or accessibility arrangements.

    Main challenge

    Connecting competing political ideas with economic forces at a first-year university level.

    Typical preparation

    • Read a few current stories about trade or multinational companies and identify the government decisions involved.

    • Discuss the commuter and residence options with a parent or guardian.

    • Prepare separate parent and student email addresses for the Family Account.

    • Plan time to complete the mandatory information package within 48 hours of registration.

    Useful if

    You want to test an interest in economics, politics or public policy.

    What do students do on Introduction to the Global Political Economy?

    You explore the forces shaping the world economy through academic teaching, then develop university readiness in afternoon workshops. Campus activities provide opportunities to meet peers and experience student life.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend morning classes on multinational corporations, trade, finance and development.

    2. 2

      Analyze competing ideologies and tensions between governments and markets.

    3. 3

      Join afternoon university preparation workshops.

    4. 4

      Take part in campus social and recreational activities.

    5. 5

      If staying in residence, join evening activities and weekend excursions.

    Introduction to the Global Political Economy dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Programme dates

    6-17 July 2026

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • High school students ages 15-18.

    • Completed grade 10 or equivalent.

    • Canadian and international students may participate.

    • Recommended academics: 78%, 3.5 GPA, B average or IB 5+.

    • Recommended English: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80 or equivalent.

    • No admissions application, transcripts or English proof required.

    How much does Introduction to the Global Political Economy cost?

    Course fee

    $1,940 CAD; $2,620 CAD — Canadian/permanent-resident and international fees, respectively.

    Funding or discounts

    • Optional residence: $2,650 CAD — Adds housing, full board and residence services.
    • Registration deposit: $500 CAD — Part of the course payment under the 2026 payment policy.
    • UBC President Bursary: Needs-based support for eligible British Columbia grade 11 students.

    What's included

    Morning academic classes and afternoon university preparation., Weekday lunch in the residence dining hall., UBC Recreation Card, including swimming and drop-in sports., Afternoon campus activities., Residence add-on: private room and daily full board., Residence add-on: airport transfers within designated service windows., Residence add-on: evening activities and weekend excursions., Residence add-on: local medical insurance for international students.

    How to apply to Introduction to the Global Political Economy

    1. 1

      Review eligibility and the Future Global Leaders refund and conduct policies.

    2. 2

      Have a parent or guardian create a Family Account using their primary email address.

    3. 3

      Add the student as a family member using a different primary email address.

    4. 4

      Select the course session and commuter or residence option, assign the student and complete checkout.

    5. 5

      Select New Application in the Family Account and submit the information package within 48 hours.

    6. 6

      Follow the student's email instructions to set up their student account and Campus-wide Login.

    7. 7

      Use the registration confirmation sent after the information package to plan travel.

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    What does Introduction to the Global Political Economy cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Multinational corporations

    Explore the role of multinational corporations in the global economy.

    Global trade

    Study global trade as a central theme of the political economy.

    International finance and development

    Explore international finance and international development within the global economy.

    Governments, markets and ideologies

    Analyze competing ideologies and government efforts to enhance or resist market pressures.

    University preparation

    Join workshops on applications, academic habits, study choices and university well-being.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Introduction to the Global Political Economy?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic classes

    Three hours of subject teaching each weekday.

    University preparation

    Attend 1.5 hours of university preparation workshops or lectures.

    Campus activities

    Join on-campus activities, study time or free time; commuters depart by 5 p.m.

    Residence activities

    Residence students can join social activities and Vancouver excursions.

    Who teaches on Introduction to the Global Political Economy?

    Dr. Robert Farkasch, PhD, is a faculty lecturer in UBC's Political Science Department who teaches international political economy, international relations and terrorism studies. University preparation lectures are led by UBC instructors and professionals experienced in advising high school students.

    Where do students stay on Introduction to the Global Political Economy?

    Residential plan

    • Single campus room: Stay in a furnished single room with a twin XL bed, desk, chair, lamp and bedding.
    • Daily full board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on weekdays and weekends.
    • Residence welfare: Student life assistants live in residence and provide 24/7 support at a 10-to-1 student-to-staff ratio.
    • Activities and transfers: Evening activities, weekend excursions and airport transfers within designated windows are included.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter participation: Arrange your own accommodation and transport, with weekday lunch and a UBC Recreation Card included.
    • Afternoon campus life: Commuters can join afternoon campus activities and study time before departing by 5 p.m.

    Residence rooms have shared bathrooms on mixed-gender floors; air conditioning and fans are not provided.

    What happens after Introduction to the Global Political Economy?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Explore interests in economics, political science and public policy.

    Experience first-year university-level academic teaching.

    Develop knowledge for university applications and academic success.

    Build academic and social skills through campus participation.

    Receive a Letter of Completion when attendance and conduct requirements are met.

    Participation is not a direct pathway to UBC or another university.

    Where does Introduction to the Global Political Economy take place?

    The course takes place on UBC's Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada, where students can commute or stay in a campus residence. Buses serve the central UBC Bus Loop, and Vancouver International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from campus.

    Residence airport transfers operate within designated arrival and departure windows.

    Introduction to the Global Political Economy FAQs

    It covers multinational corporations, global trade, international finance and international development. Students analyze competing ideologies and the tensions between government policy and market pressures.

    Dr. Robert Farkasch, PhD, is a faculty lecturer in UBC's Political Science Department. His teaching includes international political economy, international relations and terrorism studies.

    Academic classes run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. University preparation workshops run from 1:30 to 3 p.m., covering topics such as applications, study habits and university well-being.

    Yes. Commuters arrange their own accommodation and transportation, receive weekday lunch and a UBC Recreation Card, and can join afternoon activities. Evening and weekend activities are reserved for residence students.

    Student life assistants live in residence and provide 24/7 support, with a 10-to-1 student-to-staff ratio. Staff have first aid, CPR-C and AED certification and undergo criminal record checks.

    Students must remain in good standing with program and conduct expectations. They must not miss more than one class without approval.

    The UBC President Bursary supports British Columbia grade 11 high school students who demonstrate financial need and meet Future Global Leaders eligibility requirements.

    No. Future Global Leaders is not a direct pathway to UBC or another university. It offers academic exploration, university preparation and firsthand experience of campus life.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Student life | Extended Learning
    • Information for parents and students | Extended Learning
    • UBC Future Global Leaders | Extended Learning
    • Future Global Leaders on-campus | Extended Learning
    • Refunds, cancellations and transfers | Extended Learning
    • StrongerBC future skills grant | Extended Learning
    • Financial assistance | Extended Learning
    • Registration technical support | Extended Learning
    • Eligibility, admissions and accommodations | Extended Learning
    • How to pay | Extended Learning
    • How to log in or create a Lifelong Learning Student Account | Extended Learning
    • How to register or apply | Extended Learning
    • How online courses work | Extended Learning
    • Registration info | Extended Learning
    • UBC Pre-University Programs Sample Menu
    • 2026 MarComm Schedule
    • Pre-University Summer Program Code of Conduct and Rules
    • Introduction to the Global Political Economy | Extended Learning

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page reviewed

    • Course-specific session checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Course fee categories checked

    • Residence inclusions reviewed

    • Financial aid reviewed

    • Refund exceptions reviewed

    • Participant conduct rules reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.