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Home » Faculty-Led International Programs (FLIPS)

Faculty-Led International Programs (FLIPS)

Faculty Led International Programs offer students the opportunity to engage in structured, academically rigorous educational experiences abroad under the guidance of York University faculty members. These programs are designed to enhance global competencies, deepen subject knowledge, and provide valuable cross-cultural perspectives. We invite students to explore these unique opportunities for academic growth and global engagement.

Key Features

  • Short-term, intensive study abroad experiences
  • Led by York faculty with international expertise
  • Integration of classroom learning and field experiences
  • Typically offered during the summer term (May-August)
  • Duration: 10 days to 3 weeks
  • Limited enrollment: 15-25 students per course

Academic Benefits

  • Global Perspective: Gain firsthand experience of global contexts in your field of study
  • Applied Learning: Translate theoretical knowledge into practical understanding
  • Faculty Mentorship: Engage closely with professors in small group settings
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Explore interconnections between health and global issues
  • Academic Credit: Earn course credits while broadening your international experience

Quick Links

Upcoming Programs

Environmental Psychology: Costa Rica

  • Course Code: HH/PSYC 3450/6710 3.0
  • Dates: Summer 2025 – TBD
  • Location: York University’s Las Nubes EcoCampus, Costa Rica

This experience offers an immersive study of the bidirectional relationship between humans and their environments. Students will examine psychological processes—including cognition, affect, and behavior—in relation to environmental factors. The program emphasizes the impact of natural and built environments on human well-being and explores strategies for promoting sustainable behaviors.

Enacting the Human Right to Health & Health Equity: Cuba

Experience Cuba’s commitment to health as a human right while living in solidarity with a community under long-standing embargo and sanctions. This experience provides a comprehensive examination of Cuba’s approach to social policy, with a focus on healthcare and education. Students will analyze the intersection of human rights principles and public policy, gaining insights into the Cuban model of health equity and social development. Engage with Cuban professors, students, and healthcare professionals to analyze how human rights principles shape public policy despite economic challenges. Gain transformative insights into global health systems and community resilience in this rare learning experience.

Social Determinants of Global Health: Ghana
“African Perspectives on Health, Culture and Social Wellbeing”

Explore the Social Determinants of Health in a dynamic African context. This course combines interactive academic workshops on public health issues, indigenous culture, and traditional medicine with hands-on community engagement. Experience Ghana’s rich cultural tapestry through field trips and volunteerism. Gain invaluable insights into African health systems and socio-cultural factors influencing health outcomes. Optional excursions to breathtaking natural and historical sites enhance this transformative learning experience.

Social Determinants of Global Health: Costa Rica
“Exploring Health and Aging in Costa Rica”

In this immersive fieldwork course, students will explore the determinants of health and aging in Costa Rica. Home to some of the longest-lived people on the planet, Costa Rica is an ideal place to study the factors that contribute to exceptional health and longevity. It is the only “Blue Zone” in the Global South, a label used to describe regions of the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives compared to the global average. Engage in experiential learning through discussions with local people and health-related practitioners, ethical field observations, and participation in community events. These activities will take place in diverse settings where Costa Ricans live, learn, work, play, and age. Students will gain valuable insights into the personal, relational, community, environmental, socio-cultural, and historical influences that shape health, wellness, and aging across the lifespan.

Social Determinants of Global Health: Brazil
“The Impacts of FIFA and Olympic Development in Rio de Janeiro”

Dive into the vibrant world of Rio de Janeiro and uncover the hidden impacts of global sporting events on urban health and development. Explore how the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics transformed local communities, revealing complex intersections of health, human rights, and urban planning. Through immersive experiences, you’ll investigate how massive infrastructure projects reshape the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Gain unique insights into international urban development and its effects on community well-being. Challenge official narratives by engaging directly with local realities in this unforgettable Brazilian learning experience.

Funding Opportunities

Participants in FLIPs are eligible to apply for York International Mobility Awards (YIMA). These awards aim to support students in pursuing international academic experiences. For more information and to apply, visit York International.

Eligibility and Application

  • Students must meet prerequisites and requirements
  • Open to students from all Faculties, subject to course eligibility
  • Application processes may vary by program
  • Click here to apply.

Faculty Initiatives

Faculty members interested in developing a FLIP must consult with their Chair/Director for departmental approval and support.

Faculty members wanting to learn more about the process can contact jlhard@yorku.ca.