Humber College launches summer school on human rights and diversity in 2026: understand the program

The summer of 2026 brings to Humber College, in Toronto, a course that goes beyond technical skills. The Human Rights, Diversity and Social Inclusion program proposes three weeks of immersion in topics that are redefining professional, academic, and community environments around the world.

From July 10 to August 1, 2026, you immerse yourself in critical discussions about social justice, colonization, power, privilege, and oppression. Classes take place from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 11:30 in a format that balances academic theory with deep personal reflection.

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Why human rights and diversity define careers today

The global market doesn't just seek technical competence. International organizations, multinational companies, NGOs, and educational institutions are looking for professionals who are able to navigate multicultural environments with sensitivity, understand power dynamics, and work effectively with diverse populations.

Professionals who master cultural competence excel in selection processes, lead international projects more effectively, and build resilient careers in an increasingly interconnected world. Understanding structures that generate marginalization is not only academically relevant, but strategically essential.

What you develop throughout the course:

• Critical analysis of historical and contemporary approaches to human rights
• Understanding the structures that contribute to marginalization in Canadian society
• Application of social justice theories in real professional contexts
• Ability to communicate fundamental aspects of human rights
• Capacity for reflection and continuous self-assessment about personal biases

The program works with feminist and anti-racist theories, indigenous studies, and critical perspectives on race. You not only learn about these approaches, but you examine how they apply in practical community and institutional work situations.

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How the learning experience works

The methodology combines theoretical seminars with in-depth discussions facilitated by specialized educators. Humber College adopts adult education principles that recognize participants' prior experience and collaboratively build knowledge.

Each week explores different layers of complexity. You begin by examining fundamental concepts of human rights and inclusion, move on to intersectional analyses of oppression (how race, gender, class, and sexual orientation intertwine), and culminate in practical applications for community development.

The classes bring together people from over 40 countries, creating a living laboratory of diversity. You discuss colonization with colleagues whose countries were colonized, you debate feminism with perspectives from different cultures, you examine privilege in an environment where social hierarchies are manifested in varied ways.

Program structure:

1. Foundations: human rights, diversity, and social inclusion in the Canadian context
2. Critical Analysis: Colonization, Power, Privilege, and Systems of Oppression
3. Practical application: social justice and anti-oppression in community and institutional settings

You work on real case studies, participate in simulations of professional situations, and develop projects that apply critical theories to contemporary problems.

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Who is this course designed for

The program serves professionals and university students from diverse fields. Human resources managers seeking to implement effective diversity and inclusion policies. Educators wanting to work with students from varied backgrounds in a more sensitive way. Social workers needing to understand the dynamics of oppression in vulnerable communities.

You benefit from this course if:

• Works in areas such as HR, education, health, social work, or community development
• Do you intend to work in international organizations or NGOs
• It seeks to develop critical awareness about social structures and its own position
• Are you willing to reflect deeply personally on privileges and biases
• Do you want to master vocabulary and theoretical frameworks about social justice?

The course requires openness for questioning. You'll be invited to examine your own beliefs, recognize privileges you may never have considered, and confront discomforts that arise when we analyze power structures.

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Toronto as an ideal context for this learning

The city offers the perfect setting for studying diversity. Over 50% of Toronto's population was born outside Canada. There are more than 200 ethnic groups and 160 languages spoken. This multicultural composition is not an accident, but the result of deliberate immigration and inclusion policies.

Over decades, Canada has developed legal and political frameworks for diversity management that serve as a global reference. Studying human rights and inclusion in Toronto means observing in practice how multicultural societies work, what the real challenges are, and how public policies attempt to address issues of equity.

During the program, you participate in cultural activities that complement formal learning: a visit to Niagara Falls, a Blue Jays game, a boat party on Lake Ontario, and city explorations. These experiences allow us to observe how diversity is manifested in different social contexts.

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Academic certification with international weight

The course offers 3 academic credits equivalent to 6 European ECTS. This official Humber College certification can be taken advantage of in undergraduate or graduate programs, depending on your institution of origin.

For professionals, the certificate differentiates curricula in selection processes for positions that require cultural competence. International organizations, companies with global operations, and NGOs value credentials that demonstrate a structured background in diversity and inclusion.

What's included in the program:

• Reception at Toronto International Airport
• Lakeshore Campus Student Residence Accommodation
• Daily breakfast for the entire duration of the course
• Official certificate with recognized academic credits
• Excursions and cultural activities with transportation included
• Health insurance valid for the entire program period
• Public transport card (Presto Card) with initial recharge
• Opening and Closing Ceremonies

The student residence on the Lakeshore campus is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, providing a tranquil environment that encourages reflection and study.

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Connections with long-term trajectories

For those who consider Study in Canada subsequently, this course works as an ideal preparation. You get to know the Canadian education system, test adaptation to the country, and even develop theoretical frameworks that facilitate longer academic programs.

Many participants use this experience as a bridge to college programs with co-op in areas of human sciences, social work or people management. The diversity and inclusion training acquired at the summer school perfectly complements professional programs in these areas.

If you plan University abroad in social sciences, international relations, law, or related areas, this course provides a solid theoretical foundation and demonstrates genuine engagement with social justice issues.

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How cultural competence transforms careers

Professionals with structured training in diversity and inclusion access opportunities that others cannot. They lead multicultural teams more effectively, mediate conflicts considering cultural contexts, and develop policies that really work for diverse populations.

In areas such as human resources, this competence is not a differential, but a basic requirement. Companies face million-dollar lawsuits for discrimination, lose talent because of non-inclusive environments, and suffer reputational damage due to lack of cultural sensitivity. Professionals who understand these dynamics protect organizations and build healthier environments.

For educators, cultural competence dramatically improves learning outcomes. Teachers who understand how intersectional identities affect educational experiences create more inclusive classrooms where all students thrive.

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Preparation and practical requirements

The program requires advanced intermediate English, proven through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or certificates from recognized schools. If you need to improve English before summer school, consider language programs in Canada lasting from 4 to 12 weeks.

The documentation includes a valid passport (at least 6 months after the end of the program), translated academic record, motivation letter explaining why you seek this training, and financial proof for support during your stay.

The student visa for short-term programs generally has more streamlined processing, but start the procedure at least three months in advance.

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Optional: creative thinking bootcamp

Before the main course, Humber College offers optional one-week bootcamp on Creative Thinking: Tools for Success (July 3-11, 2026).

This add-on works on brainstorming techniques, creative problem solving and the development of innovative solutions. For professionals in areas such as community development, education, and people management, this week enhances practical applications of the critical theories studied in the main course.

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Personal reflection as part of the process

The program does not offer ready-made answers. It provides theoretical frameworks, exposes you to diverse perspectives, and creates a safe space for deep questioning. True learning happens when you examine your own privileges, recognize unconscious biases, and develop genuine commitment to social justice.

This journey can be uncomfortable. Recognizing privileges creates guilt. Confronting biases causes shame. Understanding structures of oppression brings frustration. But it is precisely from this discomfort that real growth and genuine transformation of perspective emerge.

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Be Easy

Participating in this program requires careful planning, adequate documentation, and understanding of the application processes at Canadian institutions. Be Easy guides every step of your Humber College application, from document preparation to boarding to Toronto. Contact us to receive personalized support about Global Summer School 2026 and guarantee your place in this course that will expand your critical awareness and expand your professional possibilities in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.