Durham University
With Funding Available from the Durham University
Are you looking to make the most of your university summer?Â
Discover an unforgettable experience with Think Pacific.
Join a team of like-minded students, immerse yourself in a new culture, and work on impactful projects that will shape both your future and the future of local communities. At Think Pacific, we offer university students the chance to participate in life-changing volunteer and internship programs across the Asia-Pacific region.
Whether you’re seeking to develop new skills, make a difference, or experience a different way of life, our programs provide the perfect opportunity for personal and professional growth, all while contributing to sustainable initiatives that are achieving groundbreaking results across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Award-winning volunteering and internships, since 2009.
- 1-Month or 16-Day Projects in Fiji, Bali & Thailand.
- Support the achievement of the UN SDGs.
- Work on behalf of exclusive partners, such as the Fijian Government.
- Cultural immersion within traditional communities.
- Work on Marine, Business, Education, Youth, Build, Mental Health or Sport initiatives.
- Develop employability skills, meet like-minded people and contribution to sustainable development.
- Project includes; food, accommodation, 24/7 in-country support, weekend adventures, domestic travel, and charity donation.
- Project costs from ÂŁ1,895. (Flights not included)
- x25 Durham University scholarships available for project fees, flight costs & living expenses (See Details Below)
Join a Discovery Session 
👇
👇Open Online Session, Every Monday at 4 pm (London), (Register Here)
Not able to make it live? Watch a recording here
Funding is available from the Global Opportunities team at Durham University. All of the Global Internships & Volunteering summer 2025 programmes are eligible for funding.
The University covers the cost of any programme fees that the internship or volunteering provider would normally charge. Funding to contribute to travel and cost-of-living expenses is provided through the Turing scheme. Please see below for more details about how much funding is available and eligibility information. Full details of how to apply for your Turing grant will be sent to successful students by email after your place with a provider is confirmed.
Application Process
- Apply for the Global Internships & Volunteering programme directly to Durham University, before 11:59pm on Sunday 08 December.
- If shortlisted, attend an interview at Durham University early February 2025.
- Confirm your place with Think Pacific.
If you have any funding questions, please contact: Mike Purvis, International Work-based Learning Manager, global.internships@durham.ac.ukÂ
You must be an undergraduate student not in your final year of study and you must come from a family who has a household income, as assessed by Student Finance England (or an equivalent income level verified by the University if you are an international student), of below £47,200 per annum.
In addition to the above financial requirement, applications are encouraged from students who also meet any of the below criteria:
- You have participated in the Supported Progression Scheme or Sutton Trust Summer School at Durham University.
- You have participated in the Space to Explore Potential (STEP) programme at Durham University.
- If a UK student, your home address is in an area of low progression to higher education (i.e. your postcode is listed as 1 or 2 in the POLAR4 column on the POLAR checking tool
- You are a care-leaver (at any time) or an estranged student.
- You have asylum seeker or refugee status.
Funding for Global Internships & Volunteering 2025
The University covers the cost of the internship or volunteering provider programme fees – in this case, Think Pacific. Funding to contribute to travel and cost-of-living expenses is provided through the Turing scheme in the form of a Turing grant. Please see below for more details about how much funding is available and eligibility information. Full details of how to apply for your Turing grant will be sent to successful students by email after your place with Think Pacific is confirmed.
Funding For Projects in Fiji = x15 Scholarships AvailableÂ
- Durham University provides funding for x15 students to cover the Think Pacific project fee and a Turing scheme grant which provides funding to contribute towards international flights and cost-of-living expenses. A volunteering visa is not required for Fiji.
Funding For Projects in Bali = x10 Scholarships AvailableÂ
- Durham University provides funding for x10 students to cover the Think Pacific project fees, including the required volunteering visa, and a Turing scheme grant which provides funding to contribute towards international flights and cost-of-living expenses.
Turing Funding
- The application process for the Turing grant is divided into three stages:
- Part A – Pre-Placement application
- Part B – Arrival Requirements. Once complete you become eligible for the first 80% of the grant.
- Part C – Departure Requirements. Once complete you become eligible for the remaining 20% of the grant.
- To view Turing grant rates please visit: General Grant Amounts – Durham University
- It is important to note that you will only become eligible for the first part of the Turing grant after you arrive in the country where your internship or volunteering opportunity is based. This means that you will have to pay for flights before you receive your Turing grant.
Help with the costs of flights
- If you need help with the costs of flights, you can apply for an interest-free loan provided by the University to the value of up to ÂŁ1360 for Fiji/ ÂŁ905 for Bali (this is the maximum that the Turing scheme permits for travel to each destination). The loan must be repaid to the University and will be subtracted from your Turing grant. Details of how to apply for the loan will be provided to you once you have a confirmed place with Think Pacific.
Help with the cost of travel vaccines
- If your GP practice (doctor) offers travel vaccines, you may be able to obtain vaccines without charge, but some GPs do charge for this service. If your GP practice does not offer vaccines, you will need to go to a provider such as Boots or Superdrug and pay for vaccines. If you need help with the cost of vaccines, the University can provide funding of up to ÂŁ250 for students on a one-month programme.
These session were recorded in Nov 2023 for Summer 2024 projects but the content is still relevant.
Projects in Fiji (Recording)
Projects in Bali
In today’s multicultural society, it’s hugely beneficial to travel and experience life in another country and culture before settling into a career. No amount of time in the classroom can replace hands-on, active learning. Our aim is for every student to complete their project with a set of experiences and transferable skills, which can profoundly improve their future:
- Gain 100 + hours of international work experience.
- Boost cultural IQ & enhance global perspectives.
- Activate global citizenship & broaden horizons.
- Contribute towards sustainable development, on behalf of our partners.
- Increase your leadership skills through collaborative work.
- Job references, certificate of completion, and LinkedIn endorsement.
- Potential employment opportunities via Think Pacific graduate scheme.
Collaboration + Culture + Challenge = Extraordinary Personal Development
Our projects in Fiji are a truly unique experience, far removed from the typical volunteer crowds and tourist destinations, offering an unparalleled experience in one of the world’s most beautiful and welcoming countries. Taking place in remote, rural villages that can only be accessed by invitation from the local chief, these opportunities allow you to immerse yourself in a way of life few people ever get to witness. You’ll become a valued member of a Fijian family, whilst working on initiatives that directly support the goals of the Fiji National Development Plan.
Our projects in Bali offer a unique opportunity to live within a traditional community and work with inspiring partners in the heart of Ubud. This vibrant area, known for its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage, provides an immersive experience like no other. As you engage with local families and participate in community activities, you’ll gain invaluable insights into Balinese culture while making a meaningful contribution to sustainable initiatives through your chosen project.
