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Durham 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. 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
- 14–21 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
- x15 Durham University scholarships available for project fees, flight costs & living expenses (See Details Below)
Funding for Global Internships & Volunteering 2026
Funding is available from the Global Opportunities team at Durham University. All of the Global Internships & Volunteering summer 2026 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 and Volunteering programme directly to Durham University, before 12 midday on Thursday 04 December.
- If shortlisted, attend an interview at Durham University early February 2026.
- 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.uk
More Funding Information
Help with the costs of flights
If you need help with the costs of flights, you can apply for a Bridging Loan, which is interest free, provided by the University up to the maximum value of the Turing amount for travel to the destination of your internship or volunteering provider. Turing travel amounts relevant to Think Pacific projects are:
• 8,000 to 12,000km: up to £905 ( Bali, Thailand)
The bridging loan functions as an advance payment of your Turing grant. If you receive a bridging loan, you are required to repay the full amount, which is done automatically by deducting the loan amount from your first Turing grant payment.
Details of how to apply for the bridging loan will be provided to you once you have a confirmed place on one of the Global Internships & Volunteering programmes.
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 £250 for students on a one-month programme.
Grant Examples
Specific grant examples for each destination are available from the GV&I Funding resource on Durham University’s GI&V SharePoint site.
Eligibility Details
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 (or an equivalent income level verified by the University if you are an international student), of below £47,200 per annum.
What Will You Gain?
A Think Pacific Immersive Experience – A Summer Like No Other. Here’s what you’ll take away:
- Graduate Employability – Gain skills & experiences that employers really value.
- Global Perspectives – Understand complex issues from the ground up.
- Clarity & Confidence – Discover your values, strengths, and future direction.
- Lifelong Friendships – Travel with strangers who become like family.
- Unforgettable Moments – 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.
Durham Student Testimonials
Projects Funded by Durham University
For Eligible Students Only
Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭 ⛰️
Mountains, Temples & Tradition
Chiang Mai is Northern Thailand’s cultural capital. Immerse yourself in the temples, night markets, and mountain views. It’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. Immerse yourself in Thai Culture, learn traditional skills, conservation, nature and sustainability.
Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩 🌺
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.
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.
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.