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Sussex student Bruna with one the animals she helped to care for during her time in Peru

This summer, nine Sussex students took part in overseas volunteering projects across the globe, gaining invaluable experience whilst making a positive impact in local communities.

These projects were funded by the UK Government's Turing Scheme and were aimed primarily at students from low-income households, care-experienced students, carers, and refugees. The funding contributed towards the students’ programme fees, accommodation and travel costs.

As part of the application process, students were asked to choose projects that aligned with the Sussex 2035 strategy and its transformational themes of Environmental Sustainability and Human Flourishing. We collaborated with a range of non-profit volunteering organisations, including International Volunteer HQ, Plan My Gap Year, Travelteer and Think Pacific. The projects lasted between two and four weeks, with students travelling to destinations including Peru, Cambodia, Fiji, South Africa, Bali and Ghana. Volunteering activities ranged from wildlife conservation and working in an animal sanctuary to teaching children and supporting community projects.

Mia, a final-year BSc Medical Neuroscience student, took part in a Medical Programme in Accra, Ghana, through Plan My Gap Year. Keen to gain more clinical experience to support her ambition of going to medical school and becoming a neurologist, she said:

"The highlight of my trip was definitely getting to spend time at the children's shelter and getting to witness doctors working hard in medical emergencies. The doctors there taught me so much, so for that I am very grateful."

Bruna, a final-year BA International Relations and Development with a Year Abroad student, volunteered for four weeks at the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary in Cusco, Peru. She said:

"I decided to work with wildlife conservation not only because I am deeply and personally interested in environmental issues, but because I also thought it would be a nice way to finish my degree in international development with a more hands-on approach."

When asked how important the Turing Scheme funding was in enabling her to take part, she added:

"It was everything! I definitely would not have been able to do it on my own."

These experiences have provided students with valuable international and professional experience while contributing to projects that support local communities and the environment.

Building on the success of this year's programme, we are excited to expand these opportunities further, with plans to support up to 30 Sussex students on overseas volunteering projects in 2027 through the Turing Scheme.