UBC continues to develop exceptional global citizens who promote the values of a civil and sustainable society through such far-reaching programs as the Global Resource Systems (GRS). The program recognizes that resource problems are complex and require a range of skills, as well as solutions that are global and interdisciplinary in scope.

As part of this program students study science in the context of a region of the world, gaining an understanding of agricultural and natural resource systems from an international and interdisciplinary perspective. The curriculum involves a "double major" - you customize your degree by selecting both a resource area and region of the world to focus your studies.

Students complete their first year in Land and Food Systems, Arts or Sciences and then begin the GRS program at the beginning of second year or third year. In third and fourth years, students choose a resource specialization and a region.

The program is learner-centered, allowing you maximum flexibility to "take charge" of your education. You graduate with international understanding, problem-solving skills, and a sense of your place as partners in creating a sustainable world.

For more information on the Global Resource Systems website, you can visit the GRS Website . Here you will find detailed information about the program, including where graduates are working as well as current student exchanges and experiences.

See where our students have ended up on our interactive GRS alumni map.

Resource & Region Specialization

International programs in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Americas and Africa combine language skills, cultural experience and real-life applications of global sustainability. Through the Global Resource Systems program you can combine a field of study such as international development or sustainable agriculture within a specific region of the world. By studying internationally, students gain a uniquely integrated and interdisciplinary approach to the complex issues faced by local and global communities.

In third and fourth years, students pursue a double major, a resource specialization and a regional specialization.

Resource Specialization Options

For the resource specialization, students focus on one discipline, or choose courses from different disciplines that relate to a resource theme. Resource specializations can be developed both at UBC and at our partner universities, depending on the specialization. Option ideas include but are not limited to: 

• Environment
• First Nations
• Food Security
• Global Health and Nutrition
• Resource Systems
• International Trade and Development
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Animal Behaviour and Welfare
• Brewing and Distilling
• Food and Resource Economics
• Gender
• Environment and Development
• Horticulture
• Organic Agriculture
• Resource-Based Tourism and Viticulture
• Wine Science

 Regional Specialization Options

For the region specialization, students can choose to narrow their focus to one city or region or broaden their focus to encompass a country or continent. Region specializations can be developed through taking relevant courses at UBC or partner universities as well as international or local volunteer placements. Option ideas include: 

• Americas  Students focus their courses on British Columbia, Canada, United States, Mexico and other Latin American countries. Student exchange opportunities are available in the United States (Oregon, California, Arizona, Texas), Mexico, Costa Rica, and Chile.
• Africa  Students focus their courses on issues related to agriculture and development in this region. Student exchange opportunities are available in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.
• Asia Pacific  Students focus their courses on China, India, Japan , Korea or Southeast Asia. Student exchange opportunities are available in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
• Europe  Students focus their courses on either western or Eastern Europe. Student exchange opportunities are available in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom .

Within the regional specialization, the program requires:

1. a relevant language other than English
2. a relevant international experience met through a period of learning in the region or about the region via academic exchange, field study, or work-based learning (internships)
3. relevant course work. 

Volunteer placements available in: Chile, Costa Rica, British Isles, Italy, Ghana, Uganda, Swaziland, Lesotho, India, China, Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand.