Faculty of ArtThe Urban Ethnographic Field School (UEFS) offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in community-engaged research and learning. Running in Summer Session Term 1, this intensive program unfolds over six weeks and carries six academic credits. Students may register through either ANTH 480 or SOCI 480, making it accessible to those in Anthropology, Sociology, and related fields.
Classes meet Monday through Thursday each week, with three-hour sessions from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Depending on space and learning needs, sessions take place either on campus or at the UBC Learning Exchange in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (612 Main Street),.
Beyond classroom learning, students also commit 8–10 hours per week working alongside community partners. This applied component is central to the Field School—giving you hands-on experience in collaborative research, relationship-building, and the everyday practice of ethnography in urban settings. Students are further immersed in the community through “neighbourhood walks” and field trips to sites in Vancouver’s Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside.
The Urban Ethnographic Field School gives you far more than classroom learning. You will develop practical research skills, engage meaningfully with local communities, and take part in research that has real-world impact. This includes hands-on learning of ethnographic methods, encompassing techniques for participant observation, writing field notes, conducting in-depth interviews, as well as interpretative analysis through your work at the community organizations. Along the way, you’ll deepen your understanding of urban life, inequality, and social theory, gaining insights that stay with you well beyond the course.
Admission to the Urban Ethnographic Field School is selective, and students are accepted through a simple application process. The application will open in January and remains open until March 1, after which admission decisions will be made in mid-March. The application-based selection helps us build a cohort of students who are ready for collaborative community-engaged research and committed to the spirit of field-based learning.
Alongside regular UBC tuition, the Field School includes a $300 supplemental fee. This contribution helps us honour the work of our community partners and supports events that bring community guest speakers as well as students together throughout the term. We are committed to making the Field School accessible. Students with financial need may apply for a need-based bursary to help offset this additional cost.
Each year, we also celebrate exceptional academic work. The Dan Small Award recognizes outstanding student papers written during the Field School, offering distinction for excellence in community-engaged scholarship.
You can find a list of our current community partners here
FAQ
Q: I don’t have formal training in ethnographic methods, and/or my major isn’t in anthropology or sociology. Can I still apply?
A: Absolutely! We regularly admit students without prior experience in qualitative research, as well as students from disciplines outside anthropology and sociology. If the Field School interests you, we encourage you to apply.
Q: Can I split the 6 credits—for example, take 3 ANTH credits and 3 SOCI credits?
A: Unfortunately, no. You must enroll in either 6 credits of ANTH (ANTH 480) or 6 credits of SOCI (SOCI 480).
Q: Can I handle the workload if I enroll in another course or keep a full-time job during Summer Term 1?
A: Because the Field School is intensive and includes significant community-based work, we strongly recommend against taking other courses or maintaining full-time employment during the term.
Q: If I’m accepted, can I choose my preferred community partner?
A: Not exactly—but we do our best! When pairing students with community partners, we make every effort to align partner needs with student interests, skills, and learning goals.
Q: What do past participants say about the Field School?
A: Watch this short video to learn about that!
See our history page for more information about alumni experiences and projects!