International volunteering and other opportunities
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 - Experiential and Immersive Learning in Fiji, Indonesia and Thailand
All Think Pacific projects align with Experiential & Immersive Learning which enhances employability, personal development and global citizenship through:
• Learning directly from local leaders and communities, guided by our real-world GLOBAL Learning framework
• Exploring global challenges such as health, sustainability and social enterprise
• Building leadership skills in authentic & challenging environments
• Contributing to regenerative, community-led initiatives via our new CARE Impact Model
Each programme is co-created with local partners, designed around national priorities, and rooted in cultural respect and sustainable impact.
Watch the video below to find out more about Think Pacific:
Registration and programme fees are published on Think Pacific’s webpage, but they generally range from £1595 for 14 days - £2295 for 21 days. 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.
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:
Further information on Think Pacific can be found on their UCL-Think Pacific webpage. Students may also book onto their weekly online information sessions.
Caribbean Elective - Volunteering and Work Experience
Caribbean Elective enables students to spend 2 - 4 weeks in the Caribbean gaining career and life-changing hands-on work experience. Students build on their skills to contribute to growth in local communities. There are different programmes students can join:
- Island Law
- Mental Health and Psychology
- Business and Enterprise
- Politics in the Community
- Leadership, Influence and Negotiation: People Purpose, and Power in Practice
- Conservation
- Healthcare Electives (Medical Electives)
- Self-catered accommodation
- Support from our staff team in Saint Lucia
- Transport to and from placement
- Transport to and from the airport in Saint Lucia
- Once per week stop off at the supermarket for grocery shopping
- Safety induction
- Placement fees
- June Cohort: Arrival June 1st or 2nd | Departure June 29th or 30th
- July Cohort: Arrival July 2nd or 3rd | Departure July 30th or 31st
- August Cohort: Arrival August 2nd or 3rd | Departure August 30th or 31st
- June Cohort: Arrival June 1st or 2nd | Departure June 15th or 16th
- July Cohort: Arrival July 2nd or 3rd | Departure July 16th or 17th
- August Cohort: Arrival August 2nd 3rd | Departure August 16th or 17th
Students complete an online application and then are contacted with further guidance from a Caribbean Elective staff member. Students should submit their cohort preference: For more information please visit the Caribbean Elective website.
Raleigh International - Expeditions in Costa Rica, Kenya and Borneo
With Raleigh International you volunteer in Costa Rica, South Africa or Borneo on an expedition that last between 4-10 weeks Raleigh Expeditions are designed to challenge you personally and as a result develop a plethora of essential life skills that will stand out on your CV.
Voluntary work includes:
• A community project where you could be creating much needed additional classroom space, even teaching the odd lesson, or improving access to water and sanitation.
• An environmental project where you could be working with local rangers on reforestation initiatives helping to protect and restore delicate ecosystems.
All projects are set up in partnership with the local communities. Your support forms part of longer-term sustainable initiatives and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Raleigh has over 40 years’ experience. More than 5,000 people have taken part in an Expedition. You’re in safe hands.
There are also content creator and photographer roles for over 21s. So, if you have a stand-out portfolio this could be a great way to put your skills into practice and gain valuable experience!
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 ApplyStudents 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.Gotoco - TEFL Opportunities in Asia
Gotoco is committed to promoting cultural awareness and quality English education through a variety of projects across 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:
• accommodation and meals during the summer camp
• in-country support and post-programme references
• cultural activities.
Full information regarding costs is on the Gotoco website. 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.
International Volunteer HQ - Volunteering Worldwide
International Volunteer HQ is a New Zealand-based Certified B Corporation, which organizes global community engagement projects in 45+ countries for individuals and student groups. Volunteer projects include teaching, healthcare, environmental and wildlife conservation, sports development, refugee support, and more. Year-round start dates and flexible durations from 1 week to 6 months are available.
All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £240) in addition to the Program Fee, which varies by destination. A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
You can see our Program Fee breakdown by destination and duration on IVHQ’s Pricing page.
Our fees cover the cost of:
• Airport pickup
• Accommodation
• Meals (varies by destination)
• Pre-departure support
• In-country program orientation
• 24/7 in-country support
• Personalized preparation tools, guides and checklists
• Discounts on language lessons
• Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
• Certificate of International Volunteer Service.
It is important that you budget for these expenses separately: flights, travel insurance (mandatory), visas (if required), criminal background check, vaccinations (if needed), and personal spending money. IVHQ offers unlimited free changes and full refund options.
How to Apply
Students can complete a free online application directly on the IVHQ website. This should only take 5-10 minutes and will connect students to their dedicated Program Manager, who will outline next steps. Students should apply at least 2-3 months before their selected start date.
For more information, please visit the IVHQ website. You can also read the testimonials of past student volunteers by visiting their reviews page.
Other international opportunities
The Students’ Union Volunteering ServiceFor students considering other local and international volunteering opportunities, the Students’ Union Volunteering Service has useful advice and links to assist. Faculty of Engineering International Development Hub - Industry PlacementsThe UCL ID Hub has partnered with different organisations in the sector that are offering opportunities for students to engage in real world projects and challenges. Take a look at their Placement Page for further information and contact details. The European Forum AlpbachThe European Forum Alpbach hopes to bring together young people from Europe and from all over the world with the most innovative minds from politics, business, civil society, culture, and science to drive ideas for a strong and democratic Europe. The annual forum occurs in the summer and there are scholarhips that students can apply for via the European Forum Alpbach webpage. The British CouncilStudents can find out about different international opportunities such as English Language Assistantships through the British Council’s website.Contact Study Abroad
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