International Bachelor of Arts (iBA)

LA&PS is home to a unique international bachelor’s degree which prepares you for success in the global workforce and provides international perspectives and experiences.

The International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) degree has been structured to make enrolment and completion clear and easy to understand. The Honours iBA degree is similar to the Honours BA degree, which also has 120 credits required for completion. Within these 120 credits, iBA students are required to complete internationally-oriented courses (12 credits), language courses (18 credits) and an international exchange with one of York University’s 120+ global partners.

These additions to your BA will help distinguish you and your degree!

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About the iBA

The iBA program reflects York’s continuing commitment to providing you with the opportunities to gain international experience and skills. You will have the opportunity to learn a new language and complete a term abroad, providing you with the cross-cultural knowledge that is in demand in today’s global workplace.

Programs

Choose among the Honours iBA, Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor in 12 specializations:

International-Oriented Courses Requirement

To pursue the iBA, you will need to complete ANTH 2300 3.00 – Intercultural Training Skills, plus at least 9 credits of internationally-oriented courses to be completed form the list of pre-approved courses; these courses can be additional courses in your major.

ANTH 2300 prepares you to negotiate learning goals in a cross-cultural context while on university exchange. Topics covered may include culture, participant observation, culture shock, risk & safety, managing intercultural conflict, friendship, travel, politeness, cleanliness, gender & sexuality, gifts, poverty, religion and health. (This course should be completed before the term(s) abroad.)

See below for pre-approved internationally-oriented courses. To select other courses to fill this requirement, consult with your iBA Coordinator.

Language Requirement

Language credits: at least 18 credits in a modern language offered by York University, including the advanced-level course in the chosen language.

A student may be exempted from some of the language requirement credits if he/she has a degree of fluency in a language. If an iBA student is fluent in a language, he/she may undergo an examination to test language proficiency by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics (or the Department of French Studies for French language). Students exempted from one or more of the language courses may substitute the required credits with another language or cultural course. Please speak with your program iBA Coordinator for more details.

Academic Exchange Requirement

International exchange: at least one full term abroad as a full-time student at one of York University’s 120+ exchange partners. Course credits earned on exchange will be transferred to the degree, and can be classified as fulfilling major, internationally-oriented, language, or free choice credit requirements.

Students are recommended to apply during second year in order to spend their third year abroad. By third year, students should have adapted to the demands of university life and have the skills required for study in a foreign teaching environment. Those in their final year of studies have less flexibility in course selection and may experience increased difficulties in finding courses abroad.

All academic exchanges are organized through the Office of York International.

What is the difference between an Honours BA and an Honours iBA? Read this detailed breakdown (PDF).