About Us

OCAD U is Canada’s university of the imagination. It is the largest and most comprehensive art, design and media university in Canada. Founded in 1876, OCAD U is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines.

OCAD U continuously builds on it s traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, members of the OCAD U community are uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all global citizens.

This unique certificate course offered by OCAD University is an opportunity for students to delve into the world of social innovation design while traveling abroad in beautiful Quepos, Costa Rica, for 10 days. Through direct community engagement, students will use design thinking and the participatory design process to co-create solutions to challenges faced by local residents. Students from any discipline are encouraged to apply and bring to the team their unique knowledge, skillset, and love for traveling off the beaten path.