Try-it-first learning at UFV

A guest post by UFV student Paulina Jiménez Violante

Choosing a university can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not totally sure what you want to do yet. Lectures, assignments, exams and grades are all part of the experience, but learning at UFV goes beyond the classroom. A big part of it is getting hands on and trying things out, so you can figure out what actually feels right for you.

That is what “try-it-first” learning looks like at UFV.

From your first year, many programs are designed to give you practical experiences that connect directly to real careers. Instead of waiting until the end of your degree to apply what you have learned, you are building skills, using equipment, working on projects, and getting feedback along the way.

In science, environmental studies, and agriculture programs, learning often happens outside the classroom. Students collect samples in the field, work in labs, and learn directly in greenhouses and agricultural spaces. You are not just reading about plants, soil, ecosystems, or sustainability, you are interacting with them. Even during colder months, hands-on learning continues through lab work and greenhouse activities.

Anna Rebecca Ramírez de Gracia, agriculture student

“From first-year classes, we’re already learning by doing, and that only helped me realize how much I love being surrounded by plants and growing things.” Anna Rebecca Ramírez de Gracia, Agriculture student

Trades and technology programs also focus heavily on learning by doing. Students spend time in shops, labs, and workshops, gaining experience with tools, machinery, and technology early on. These programs are designed to help students build confidence while discovering what areas they enjoy most, without needing to have everything figured out from day one.

Business, communications, and marketing programs offer hands-on learning through group projects, case studies, and real world scenarios. Instead of focusing only on theory, students collaborate on campaigns, strategies, and communication projects that reflect the kind of work they may do after graduation.

Natsuki Noma, communications student

“Actually doing projects instead of just learning theory helped me see how practical and flexible communication studies can be.” – Natsuki Noma, Communications student

Creative arts, media, and design programs are similarly practical. Whether you are studying visual arts, graphic design, theatre, or media arts, much of the learning happens through creating, experimenting, and collaborating in class. Students get to experience what creative work looks like in professional settings while still having room to explore and grow.

Health, education, psychology, and human services programs also emphasize early exposure to real world environments. Through labs, simulations, and practice based learning, students begin to understand what working in these fields can look like. This approach helps students build confidence, gain relevant experience, and reflect on whether their chosen path feels like the right fit.

Nathalia Ribeiro Bertoli, psychology student

“I had the chance to explore a variety of classes and experiment with different electives, but it was the passion and care my psychology teachers brought to their courses that made me certain this was the path I wanted to pursue.” – Nathalia Ribeiro Bertoli , Psychology student

One of the biggest advantages of try-it-first learning is that it takes the pressure off having everything planned from the start. At UFV, exploring different skills and experiences is part of the process, not a setback. Trying things early helps students learn what they enjoy, what challenges them, and where they want to go next.

At UFV, learning is about discovery as much as it is about direction. You don’t need a perfectly mapped-out future on your first day, you just need curiosity and a willingness to try. At UFV, you get to try it first.

Curious what learning at UFV feels like in person?

Spring Break Tour Nights are a great opportunity to visit UFV’s Abbotsford campus and learn about your next steps as a future student. Several dates are available during spring break.

Register for a Spring Break Tour Night: Spring Break Tour Nights 2026