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UCL Study Abroad is delighted to present a range of summer opportunities for students. Browse the options below!
International volunteering partnerships
Below is a summary of our international volunteering partners and the opportunities they offer.
Students can apply for a Global Experience Bursary to help with the associated volunteering costs. For final year students that may not be eligible for the Global Experience Bursary, please look at Study Abroad's Funding page for ideas on other sources of support..
- Think Pacific - Volunteering and Internships in Fiji and Indonesia
Think Pacific is a UK social enterprise, which works with local government partners in Fiji and Indonesia to achieve ethical, responsible and sustainable development in remote communities, whilst allowing university students to have a safe, structured and rewarding learning and volunteering experience. International volunteers live in a village and work with locals to discuss, explore and implement sustainable projects to tackle a range of social issues. Topics include public health, mental health, sports development, enterprise start up, employability and life skills.
Watch the video below to find out more about Think Pacific:
YouTube Widget Placeholderhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJLGmEPmuzw CostsRegistration and programme fees are published on Think Pacific's Costs webpage. Students are encouraged to fundraise over the course of the year to reach their targets, which Think Pacific will provide resources and guidance to assist participants with. Please note the programme fee does not cover flights. Further details can be found on Think Pacific's Cost Breakdown page.
How to applyStudents can find out more information on the application page, where they will complete a short online form. Think Pacific will then contact students for a phone call about their application and to discuss the programme in greater depth.TestimonialAslam Bin Norhan from Psychology and Language Sciences participated in the summer 2018 programme. Watch his testimonial below:YouTube Widget Placeholderhttps://youtu.be/pvKaTCt0q3I Fully funded remote interships - Think Pacific also offer Remote Internships (fully online, but working on live projects with Fijian Ministries, NGO’s, social enterprises or local charities). In 2024 they have 150 fully funded places, so for more information visit their Remote Internships website and apply by 25 May.
Watch Noah's testimony on his experience on a remote internship here.
Further information on Think Pacific can be found on their UCL-Think Pacific webpage. Students may also book onto their weekly online information sessions.
- Gotoco - TEFL Volunteering
Gotoco is a social enterprise devoted to providing students with impactful and affordable global work experience and adventure travel opportunities. Gotoco is committed to promoting cultural awareness and quality English education through a variety of projects across Europe and Asia, with the aim to make international cultural exchange, travel and TEFL certification more accessible and affordable.
To find out more, watch the videos below:
YouTube Widget Placeholderhttps://youtu.be/CHCRbae-hXU YouTube Widget Placeholderhttps://youtu.be/5LtolsJuUUQ CostsThere is a £480 fee that goes towards:• TEFL training and certification
• accommodation and meals during the summer camp
• in-country support and post-programme references
• cultural activities.
Full information regarding costs are on the Gotoco website. Students can apply for a Global Experience Bursary to support with this cost.How to applyStudents complete an online form via the Gotoco website and may involve an interview. Final location details are usually confirmed from March-June, as this is when the summer camps confirm their teams.For more information please visit the Gotoco website. Students may also book onto their online information sessions (bookable one week in advance).
- Raleigh International
Raleigh International work with young people from across the world on volunteering projects in Costa Rica, Kenya or Borneo on Raleigh Expeditions. Raleigh has over 40 years’ experience with more than 50,000 people from over 100 countries having taken part. Raleigh Expeditions last between 5-10 weeks and involves voluntary work on community and environment focused projects. All projects are set up in partnership with the local communities as a part of longer-term sustainable initiatives and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
There are opportunities for over 21s and over 25s - Venturer Managers support the 17–24-year-old Venturers (most roles need to be over 25. There are also content creator and photographer roles for over 21s.
YouTube Widget Placeholderhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2zFtIcTv2k CostsExample for 5-weeks £3,499* (this price does not include flights and is correct as of Oct 2024).Full information regarding costs and what’s included or not is on Raleigh International's website under the Expedition destination you choose. Their financial support includes:
- 5% discount - Raleigh International offer a 5% discount to any current UCL students for any of their Expeditions.
- Easyfundraising – Raleigh is partnered with easyfundraising which allows you, and as many supporters as you can get, to raise funds for your trip simply by shopping online. It’s totally free and users make on average £400 in a year but up to £1000 in some cases. Take a look at the easyfundraising pack.
- SES Raleigh Explorer Award full bursary – Raleigh offers a small number of fully-funded places in partnership with the SES (Scientific Exploration Society). Find out more about how to apply and the criteria.
How to apply
Students complete an online application form via the Raleigh website and then are contacted by one of their members of staff for further guidance.For further information visit the Raleigh website. Students may also book onto a Raleigh Online Information Event (they take place every two weeks), book a 121 call or simply fill out an enquiry form.