In May 2025, the University of British Columbia and the School of Social Work welcomed 26 students from Hong Kong Baptist University for a week-long immersive course exploring social diversity, inequality and justice in Canada.
The course, Understanding Society through Independent Inquiry: Diversity, Inequality and Social Justice in Global Context, was taught by Dr. Kaxton Y. Siu from HKBU’s Department of Sociology and Sheng-Pei Tsai, a PhD candidate from UBC’s School of Social Work. Over the six days, students took part in classroom sessions, guest lectures and group field activities off UBC’s Vancouver campus.
The program began with a warm welcome from the School of Social Work’s director Lea Caragata, followed by group introductions and a campus tour. Throughout the week, students studied a variety of topics such as anti-Black racism, the history of colonization in Canada, Indigenous perspectives, gender and sexuality, and the structure of welfare and social policies.
Several guest speakers joined the program to share their knowledge and experience. Jeremy Jones from the Indian Residential School Survivor Society hosted a session at the UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre. Dr. Rolf Ahlrichs from the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Ludwigsburg gave a lecture about youth civic engagement in Germany. Another highlight was a talk by Ernest Gleeson – PhD student, drag performer and yoga instructor – who spoke about lived LGBTQ+ experiences and wellbeing.
Students also took part in off-campus learning. They visited Vancouver’s Chinatown with the Hua Foundation, a youth empowerment non-profit connecting cultural heritage and social change. Another day was spent volunteering with the SUCCESS Multilevel Society, where students assisted staff with day care and institutional care events and activities.
The week wrapped up with student group presentations that reflected on the topics explored during the course, followed by a farewell lunch and a sharing circle. The visit gave students a meaningful opportunity to learn about social justice in Canada and reflect on how these lessons might apply in their own lives and communities.
