Award-winning initiative expands global opportunities for students
Support from the Newcastle University Student Fund helps increase access to international experiences.
13 November 2024
The Go Global Scholarship scheme breaks down financial barriers to international study, internships, volunteering, and work placements. Recognising that not all students can commit to a full semester or year abroad, the scheme offers various short-term opportunities, including internships, volunteer roles, and online experiences.
The scheme is partially funded by the Newcastle University Student Fund, which has helped increase the number of short-term participants significantly—from 22 in 2022 to 125 in 2023.
A global education for all
Our Global Opportunities team recently won the prestigious PIEoneer Awards 2024, recognising our commitment to widening access to global education, diversifying traditional mobility models, and expanding short-term placements to make global experiences accessible to all students.
This recognition underscores our dedication to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, can benefit from international experiences. We are proud of our efforts to widen access, with 72% of students participating in the short-term global offer coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A range of impactful experiences
Support from the Newcastle University Student Fund has helped broaden the scheme's offerings, providing more students with access to a wide variety of global opportunities across numerous international locations.
These opportunities include internships with the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC), a network of over 350 sites across 65 countries, where students contribute to human rights and social justice work. Watch our video to learn more about students' experiences with the ICSC.
Students have also taken part in maths teaching internships in Cyprus, providing prospective teachers with valuable international classroom experience. Additionally, embassy internships in Geneva have offered students direct exposure to diplomacy, trade policy, and global issues, working alongside civil servants and policymakers.
Creating global citizens
Research indicates that students participating in international mobility gain greater self-confidence and earn higher salaries within six months of graduation. These benefits are even more significant for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Research from Universities UK International (UUKi) demonstrates that, "Students who participate in global schemes perform better academically, develop essential intercultural skills, and are more likely to secure employment after graduation."
Students who participated in the scheme shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, noting the relevance of the experience to their degrees and future careers.
One student shared, "Going abroad really helped me push myself and gain confidence. Although I was nervous before the trip, I felt at home by the end of it."
Another highlighted the career benefits: "This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and promoted my independence. It taught me how to adapt, which I think is important for my future career."
Future growth
Looking ahead, the scheme aims to expand these opportunities further, pledging to provide every student with a global experience and provide life changing opportunities for students who might otherwise have been unable to participate. For more information on how to get involved, visit the Global Opportunities page on the University’s website.
The Newcastle University Student Fund
We have been able to extend the scheme to more students due to the positive impact of the Newcastle University Student Fund which works to ensure students thrive at university and not just survive.
We recently launched our winter appeal and secured match funding from the Newcastle University Development Trust—meaning every £1 donated is doubled, providing £2 for students in need.