Combat Corrosion in China

Overview

General Timeline

Teaching Dates: May 2026 (exact dates TBD)

Arrival: TBD

Weeks one to four: 

This program will be located in Xi’an, the majestic capital of Shaanxi Province. It is a city steeped in history, having served as the capital of 13 dynasties over more than 3,000 years. Revered as ‘the birthplace of Chinese civilization,’ Xi’an was a vital stop along the ancient Silk Road, where cultures and cuisines converged, enriching the city with an unparalleled diversity that has only deepened with time. Amidst world-renowned historical treasures such as the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and the ancient, towering City Wall, Xi’an pulses with a vibrant blend of culinary delights, from the delicate flavours of Cantonese dishes to the fiery allure of Sichuan spices. The city’s artisans, steeped in tradition, craft some of China’s finest products, adding to the charm.

Yet Xi’an is not simply a relic of the past. It stands proudly as one of China’s largest and most developed cities, where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly. The city offers every contemporary convenience, ensuring that travellers seeking luxury will find their desires met. With its rich heritage and cosmopolitan flair, Xi’an presents an unrivalled experience where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication. Here are some of the finest luxury hotels in Xi’an, ready to offer you a stay that blends history with indulgence.

To learn more about Xi’an – please watch this 4 minute video

Students will have the opportunity to participate in many activities during the month in Xi’An such as:

Kung Fu training in China offers a deeply immersive experience rooted in centuries of tradition, discipline, and philosophy. Often held in dedicated martial arts schools or temples, such as the renowned Shaolin Temple, students train intensively under the guidance of skilled masters. The training emphasizes not only physical strength, flexibility, and technique, but also mental focus, respect, and inner balance. Whether for self-defense, personal development, or cultural appreciation, Kung Fu training in its country of origin provides a rare opportunity to engage with authentic Chinese martial arts in a profoundly meaningful way.

Chinese Language Lesson: Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world and the official language of China. Known for its tonal pronunciation and character-based writing system, Mandarin is a key to understanding Chinese culture, history, and communication. Learning Mandarin opens doors to engaging with over a billion native speakers and provides valuable insight into one of the world’s oldest and richest civilizations. Whether for travel, business, or cultural exchange, studying Mandarin offers both practical benefits and a deeper connection to the global community.

Site Seeing: Students will have the chance to explore some of China’s most iconic and unforgettable landmarks, including the majestic Great Goose Pagoda, the breathtaking peaks of Huashan Mountain, the vibrant West Gate food market, the culturally rich Muslim Street, and the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. Each of these sites offers a truly unique and immersive experience that captures the spirit, history, and energy of China—making it an unforgettable journey for global travelers.

Cultural Amalgamation: UBC students will engage in meaningful collaboration with students from Chang’an University, both in the classroom and through hands-on activities beyond the academic setting. This immersive environment fosters mutual learning, cross-cultural dialogue, and the development of global perspectives. The cultural exchange embedded throughout the course is both rich and profound, offering students a unique opportunity to build lasting connections, deepen their intercultural understanding, and enhance their academic experience through real-world interaction.

Program Director Bio

2023 Documentary film

Dr. Ray Taheri earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan in 2002. From 2003 to 2006, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in collaboration with IPSCO, a leading Canadian steel producer, where he applied academic research to real-world industrial challenges in materials and manufacturing. In 2006, he joined the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), where he serves as a Professor of Teaching in the School of Engineering. Over nearly two decades, Dr. Taheri has developed and delivered more than 100 courses, reaching over 20,000 students locally and internationally. Known for his student-focused teaching, he is widely respected for his innovative, interdisciplinary approach to engineering education.

Dr. Taheri has also built long-standing partnerships with top universities in China, supporting joint research and academic exchange. In Summer 2025, he will lead a Global Seminar in China, offering UBC students an immersive academic and cultural experience. Passionate about preparing globally minded engineers, Dr. Taheri remains dedicated to creating transformative learning experiences that combine technical excellence with cross-cultural understanding.

Dr. Taheri looks forward to facilitating meaningful cross-cultural exchanges and sharing his expertise with the next generation of global engineers.

Read more about Dr. Ray Taheri: Encouraging empathetic engineers who will make a positive impact on the world