Cardiff University

Immersive Summer Experiences in Asia-Pacific for Students
Journeys With Purpose, Since 2009

Adventures That Boost Your Future

In partnership with local communities and governments, our immersive university programmes blend culture, adventure, and real-world learning, taking you far beyond the classroom.

Explore three incredible destinations: Fiji, Bali, and Northern Thailand, each brought to life through our personal approach and deep local connections. Ignite your curiosity and grow personally and professionally through meaningful travel with specific thematic focus for your future.ย  This is global experience that challenges your perspectives and boosts your future.

Guided by our Think GLOBAL framework and CARE principles, every programme blends immersive learning and long term benefits for local communities.

At a Glance..
  • Award-winning student programmes since 2009
  • 14โ€“21 day summer experiences in Fiji, Bali & Thailand
  • Guided by our unique GLOBAL Framework of experiential learning
  • Community-led programmes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Learn directly from local people & exclusive partners
  • Graduate Skills & Career Themes: Social Enterprise, Mental Health, Global Health, Nursing, Sustainability, Engineering, Conservation, Arts & our broader ‘Ultimate’ programmes.
  • Build employability, cultural intelligence, soft skills & lifelong friendships
  • Inclusive of accommodation, meals, domestic travel, cultural activities & 24/7 support
  • Programme fees from ยฃ1,595 (excl. flights) | Apply for Bursaries of either ยฃ1595 or ยฃ2000 depending on your circumstance
  • Option to have your program fully funded by Cardiff University
Apply Here - Before 8th Dec

Join a Discovery Session ๐Ÿ’ป

Monday’s 4pm [GMT – London] (Register Here)

Global Travel Bursaries Available

Students participating in a Think Pacific programme during the summer of 2025 can apply for a bursary from the Cardiff University, Global Opportunitiesย team.

There are two bursaries available to undergraduate students at Cardiff University, with the potential to receive a fully funded place on one of our programs:
  • ยฃ1595 available to undergraduate students*
  • ยฃ2000 available to undergraduate students who meet the university’s widening participation criteria

*Please see the below section for further details on eligibility

  1. Apply online to Think Pacific, and complete a call with a member of the TP Team
  2. Apply to the Global Team, to find out whether youโ€™re eligible for funding, through the intranet
  3. Confirm your place with Think Pacific.

Students can contactย go@cardiff.ac.ukย to check their funding eligibility or ask questions or visit theย Cardiff University Intranet pageย 

Funding Eligibility Criteria

Widening Participation Criteria

  • Students in receipt of the Cardiff Bursary
  • Students receiving Universal Credit
  • Care Leavers / Care Experienced Students
  • Students who have caring responsibilities
  • Estranged Students
  • Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Funding Exceptions

If any of the below applies to you, you are not eligible to receiving funding from the University:

  • Final year students completing the program after their graduation (if you are in final year, you must complete the program prior to graduation – usually mid July)
  • Students enrolled on a Preliminary Year (year 0)
  • International students undertaking a programme in their home country
  • Students who have previously received, or will receive, funding for another GP programme (ie. a year abroad). Students can usually only receive Go funding once.

 

The GO bursary from Cardiff University covers the program fee, but any extra costs, such as flights, or spending money, will need to be covered by the student

What Will You Gain?

A Think Pacific Immersive Experience – A Summer Like No Other. Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll take away:

  • Graduate Employability โ€“ Gain skills & experiences that employers really value.
  • Global Perspectives โ€“ Understand complex issues from the ground up.
  • Clarity & Confidenceย โ€“ Discover your values, strengths, and future direction.
  • Lifelong Friendshipsย โ€“ Travel with strangers who become like family.
  • Unforgettable Momentsย โ€“ Adventure, connection, and unique memories.
  • Positive Impact – Through respectful exchange & our CARE Approach

Bigger than an internship. Deeper than travel. More impactful than volunteering.

Immersive global programmes that transform students, connect you deeply with local perspectives, and create real long term impact.

Learn From The Worldโ€™s Most Inspiring Places
South East Asia
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South Pacific Islands
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Journeys Like No Other
Fiji Islands ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ ๐ŸŒด
Culture, Community & Island Life

Fiji is pure South Pacific magic, rooted in culture, community, and stunning nature. In the villages, youโ€™ll dive into daily life and feel the warmth of island hospitality. But Fiji is more than paradise; itโ€™s also tackling global issues like climate change and cultural preservation, giving you the chance to explore sustainability, identity, and resilience up close.

Fiji Village Immersion
21 Days

Our most iconic cultural immersion. Join a Fijian village and experience culture, community and adventure. An experience like no other that connects you deeply with Fiji, its people, and its culture.

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Ultimate Fiji
21 days

From Fiji’s Capital to Coast to Community. Our most diverse experience. Explore Pacific identity, industry, conservation and culture, where ancient traditions meet modern Fiji.

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Chiang Mai, Thailand ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ โ›ฐ๏ธ
Mountains, Temples & Tradition

Chiang Mai is Northern Thailandโ€™s cultural capital. Immerse yourself in the temples, night markets, and mountain views. Itโ€™s your gateway to treks, waterfalls, and national parks and a hub for innovation and community projects, from elephant care to forest restoration.

Ultimate Chiang Mai
21 days

Throw yourself in Chiang Mai over three immense weeks.ย  Immerse yourself in Thai Culture, learn traditional skills, conservation, nature and sustainability.

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Discover Chiang Mai
14 days

A fast-paced and authentic two weeks. Join a team to explore temples, markets and mountain trails and experience Lanna traditions and culture.

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Bali, Indonesia ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ๐ŸŒบ
Creativity, Culture & Harmony

Welcome to Bali! Think rice terraces, temples, beaches, and communities. Here, ancient rituals and arts collide with modern takes on sustainability and wellbeing. From spirituality and street art to reef care and eco-projects, Bali gives you the chance to explore culture, community, and nature while seeing how heritage and innovation shape island life today.

21 days...
Ultimate Bali
21 Days

See beyond the tourist trail and immerse yourself in real Bali. Learn from culture, tradition & Balinese philosophy and enterprises that are driving sustainability.

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Mental Health & Wellbeing
21 Days

An in-depth programme exploring Balinese approaches to mental health and wellbeing, including the Tri Hita Karana philosophy of harmony between people, nature, and self, and see how this shapes daily life.

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14 days..
Ethical Business & Enterprise
14 Days

An immersive two-week journey in Ubud, exploring businesses and social enterprises that put purpose before profit. Visit inspiring ventures and learn from local changemakers.

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Conservation, Environment & Coral
14 Days

Explore how Bali is responding to environmental pressures through coral reef conservation, plastic reduction, and community-led initiatives.

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Engineering for a Green Future
14 Days

Discover how innovative engineering and community-led solutions in Bali are shaping a more sustainable, eco-friendly, and resilient future.

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Global Health & Nursing
14 Days

Immerse into community-based approaches to health and nursing in Bali. Learn how local knowledge, cultural beliefs, and grassroots practices shape community health.

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Art, Culture & Creativity
14 Days

Explore Baliโ€™s creative spirit through art, design, and performance, gaining insight into how creativity is woven into daily life.

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Mental Health & Wellbeing
14 Days

Join a two-week immersion and discover Balinese approaches to mental health and wellbeing through Tri Hita Karanaโ€”the balance of people, nature, and spirit.

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Student Testimonials
See Your 6-Step Journey
๐Ÿ’ปโžก๏ธ๐ŸŒโœจ From First Click to Life Changing Experience

Hereโ€™s how your journey unfolds. Six exciting steps from discovery to real-world impact. With full support from our UK team before you depart, and in-country experts guiding every moment on the ground, youโ€™ll feel confident, prepared, and fully immersed. Spaces are limited โ€” so donโ€™t wait to take the first step.

1. Join a Discovery Session

Attend a free online info session to explore the experience and ask questions.

2. Register

Fill out the apply form and our friendly team will be in touch to arrange a chat and guide you through the next steps, then secure your place with a small registration fee.

3. Join The Community

Connect with your group online, join the pre-departure community, and prepare for your global experience.

4. Team Briefing

Arrive in Fiji, Bali or Chiang Mai, meet your leaders and kick off your journey with cultural welcomes and orientation.

5. Immerse & Impact

Immerse in to local life with your team – unique cultural experiences, experiential activities, workshops, adventure, and challenge.

6. Reflect & Celebrate

Share your reflections, celebrate your experiences and return home with new skills, friendships, and global perspectives.

Start Your Global Immersion ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ‘‡