Newcastle University Students Complete Turing Scheme Supported Projects in Fiji

This summer, Newcastle University students joined Think Pacific on a variety of community development projects in Fiji.

The projects included; mental health initiatives, youth empowerment, sports development and a community build.

Funded by the university through the new Turing Scheme, this experience was a huge success at demonstrating the impact global mobility can have on both students and host communities.

In partnership with the Fiji Government, Ministry of Health and local partners, these projects have contributed to Fiji’s National Development Plan and the UN’s Sustainability Goals.

We caught up with Sam Taylor, Darren Irvine-Duffey and Nicole Pfeifer on their time on project, to shed some light on what life in Fiji was like.

Global Mobility and the Turing Scheme

Launched in 2021, the Turing Scheme has replaced the Erasmus+ programme in providing funding for participants in UK universities, colleges, and schools, to go on international study and work placements.

Newcastle University successfully applied for Turing Scheme funding to help their students embark on a unique 4 week global, work-based programme in the Fiji Islands led by Think Pacific, in partnership with the Fijian Government and other local partners.

Throughout the project, participating students expanded their cultural fluency and global citizenship, as well as accessing Think Pacific’s influential partners at an international level.