In the first year of the Global Experience Bursary, the Student Mobility Team has awarded a total of £88,611.65 to 62 students, increasing the students’ participation in short term mobility by 68%.
The Global Experience Bursary, launched in the summer of 2022, was designed to support undergraduate and postgraduate students in undertaking short-term study, research, work, or volunteering opportunities abroad. It was developed to ensure that all students, regardless of their programme of study or personal situation, can receive support to embark on an international experience.
Talking about the Bursary, one of the recipients said: “[The Global Experience Bursary] allowed me to study a fantastic course which has inspired me regarding my degree topic, career path and future ambitions. Without the Bursary, I would not have been able to attend the course, which has taught me a lot and helped me to grow as person.”
Over the summer of 2022, students partook in a range of different opportunities including volunteering in Fiji, Nepal, and Ghana, as well as internships worldwide and virtually, clinical placements in Malta and summer schools across Europe, Asia, and South America. Of the 62 recipients, 69% were students who met the criteria of additional support and received further funding to take part in these opportunities.
“Short term mobilities are a more accessible way to access international experiences for students than the more traditional semester and year abroad. The Student Mobility Team are currently developing the Global Experience Bursary for 2023, while working on a range of other short-term initiatives. We hope to support greater numbers of students through short-term mobility over the Summer of 2023,” said Sarah Hiscock, Student Mobility Officer, who manages the scheme.
The 2023 Global Experience Bursary will launch in March, with students being able to apply from Monday 13 March. The Student Mobility Team will be providing further and final details on the Bursary in February.
Learn more about and apply to the 2023 Global Experience Bursary at the University of Westminster.