Latin American Studies University of British Columbia

Overview

The Latin American Studies programme at the University of British Columbia provides students with a multifaceted understanding of the peoples and places across Latin America. This interdisciplinary degree allows for a broad foundation of knowledge, integrating perspectives from various academic fields to explore a region with significant global influence. Students can choose to pursue this field as either a major or a minor within the Faculty of Arts.

Why Latin American Studies at the University of British Columbia?

Students benefit from exceptional flexibility, selecting courses from numerous departments including Anthropology, Art History, Geography, and Political Science. The University of British Columbia maintains exchange agreements with thirteen prestigious universities in Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, and Mexico, fostering international engagement. The dedicated Tec de Monterrey-UBC House further encourages interaction between domestic and international students on the Vancouver campus.

Academic support is a priority, with the Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies providing free tutoring in Spanish and Portuguese through its Learning Centre. Beyond the classroom, the Cultural Club hosts language conversation tables and film screenings, creating a vibrant community for linguistic and cultural immersion. These resources ensure students develop high-level competency in regional languages while exploring modern social issues.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 49548 per year
• National fee: CAD 6079 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build from foundational concepts to advanced thematic analysis. Modules may include:

• Latin American Studies
• Spanish
• Global Indigenous Histories
• Issues of Development in Modern Latin America
• Hispanic Literature
• Oral Tradition
• Politics and Government of Latin America
• Integrative Seminars in Social Work
• Geographies of Social Movements in the Americas
• Gender and Sexuality in Latin America

Careers with Latin American Studies

Graduates possess versatile skills suitable for diverse industries and governmental roles worldwide. Many alumni find success in public service, foreign service, and non-profit organisations or NGOs. The programme also prepares students for professional paths in international business, humanitarian work, and tourism. Other common destinations include careers in translation, interpretation, international law, and global health care.