Working together for global impact

This autumn, we're hosting 50 students from Thailand as part of the Outstanding Development Opportunity Scholarship (ODOS) Summer Camp 2025, a six-week programme funded by the Thai Government under the One District One Scholarship (ODOS) initiative.

Administered through the Prime Minister’s Office of Thailand, ODOS is one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarship schemes, designed to provide exceptional students from every region of Thailand with international learning opportunities.

The Essex camp

In 2025, a total of 928 Thai students have been selected to participate in ODOS Summer Camps held across the world. Essex is one of only three universities in the UK and among 11 institutions worldwide chosen to host this prestigious programme. Other host countries include the USA, Finland, Estonia, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.

Being part of this global network places Essex in distinguished company and reflects our growing strength in innovation, collaboration, and international engagement.

At the heart of the programme, the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (SMSAS) is leading teaching in data science and artificial intelligence, areas where Essex has internationally recognised expertise. Academic staff from across the entire Faculty of Health and Science, along with colleagues from Essex Pathways and professional services, are contributing their specialist knowledge to design and deliver sessions and ensure the programme’s success.

An inspiring experience

What makes this initiative exceptional is the way it unites colleagues across the University to deliver an inspiring and seamless experience. Coordinated by the International Business Development team, the programme brings together academic expertise with the support of professional teams covering accommodation, catering, wellbeing, and student engagement.

Together, we have created a truly holistic experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Alongside their studies, the Thai students are taking part in guest talks, industry visits, and cultural activities, gaining valuable insights into the UK’s digital and innovation landscape while experiencing British culture and campus life at Essex.

Committed to young talent

The ODOS Summer Camp reflects the Thai Government’s commitment to nurturing talented young people from every region of the country. For Essex, it is an honour to be selected as a host institution and to play a role in this prestigious international initiative.

It demonstrates the power of global partnerships and the impact of education that transcends borders.

At its core, the ODOS Summer Camp 2025 showcases what we can achieve when we come together as one university, driven by collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to making a difference through education.