New Turing Scheme funding means you can go global with Essex

The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s global programme to provide funding for study and work abroad programmes.

These programmes offer a once in a lifetime opportunity for personal and professional development for students.

Essex students will be able to apply for funding for study or work opportunities around the world thanks to the University of Essex securing a grant from the Turing Scheme Higher Education Funding for the 2023-2024 academic year.

This is the third year running that we’ve been successful in securing the funding and we are proud to see what a positive impact it is having on our students.

The programmes, which can last from four weeks to one year, could include study abroad programmes, international work placements and summer abroad programmes such as volunteering, summer schools and internships.

As part of the exciting global scheme, USA, Korea, Spain and Japan are among more than 150 international destinations where UK students will be funded to take up opportunities – with a high percentage of places going to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

This year we’ve also secured extra funding for students with additional needs to give them support as needed to access these life changing opportunities.

At Essex we offer our students a growing portfolio of short-term international programmes for summer 2024 and the Turing Scheme funding can be used to support student cost of living expenses whilst they are abroad.

Welcoming the funding, Essex Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education Professor Madeline Eacott, said: “At Essex we are proud to offer our students a transformational education where they can develop both personally and academically, developing skills that will enable them to thrive in their future lives.

"We are delighted to have secured the Turing Scheme funding for the third year running as we know it provides vital financial support to students wishing to complete an international experience.

"Over the last two years, the Turing Scheme funding has supported nearly 200 Essex students to gain invaluable experiences from around the world and broaden their horizons. We look forward to being able to continue to offer these opportunities to students throughout 2023-2024”.

Essex Abroad Manager, Kristi Connell added: “For the third year in a row, we are incredibly happy and excited to have the opportunity to support Essex students through the Turing Scheme funding.

"This will continue to enhance our students’ experience abroad and open many more opportunities to them whilst they are in location.

"An international experience provides our students with the opportunity to immerse themselves into different cultures, situations and academic environments, and builds on important key life skills to heighten their future employability.

"The Turing funding provides us with the opportunity to support a broader range of international programmes with its flexibility, allowing us to support a wider range of students through different study opportunities, including our European Alliance YUFE, and encourage more students to take part in a short-term international programme.”

What happens next?

Essex Abroad will contact eligible students who are studying abroad in 2023-2024 regarding Turing funding and how they can apply.

For other students who are interested in finding out more, then they should visit the scholarships and funding webpages at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year.

We were delighted to be able to fund students using Turing Scheme funding during this academic year with around 130 students receiving funding for both their year abroad and summer programmes.

Here is what some of the students had to say….

An internship in Paris

Eniola, who studies Business Management with Modern Languages, took part in a one-month internship in Paris, with our preferred partner, Absolute Internship.

Eniola said: “The Turing Scheme helped to support my month in France, helping me with groceries, meals, and the activities I did in Paris.

"I am grateful that I received it as it made my experience in France a lot better."

A summer school in Mexico

Daniel, who studies Politics, took part in a one-month summer school during May.

He said: “I was granted the chance to attend one of the best universities in Mexico - ITESO. It was situated in the state of Jalisco, in the cultural capital of Guadalajara. From world class food to unmatched hospitality, it was incredibly difficult leaving such a paradise.

"I had befriended an art curator in the indigenous town of Tlaquepaque, otherwise known for its traditional ceramics and artisan streets.

"On the same day I met him, he showed me around town - displaying the ancient mosaics, trying cricket tacos and even meeting his brother. Regarding ITESO, it had a completely different approach to teaching, they cultivated group-led discussions, brainstorming sessions with NGO's and even volunteering to help refugees.

"Being a recipient of the Turing Scheme had made an immeasurable difference to my time abroad and my wider university experience. The extent of the scheme’s reach makes studying abroad wherever you like even more possible - with over 160 countries and regions available for funding."

A year abroad in Switzerland

Alex, who studies Law with Business spent his year abroad in Switzerland and studied at University of Bern.

Alex said: “The Turing Scheme Funding was an amazing opportunity that propelled my year abroad to extraordinary heights. The funding provided immense support, enabling me to explore the corners of Switzerland, its vibrant cities, and embrace inspiring experiences.

"Beyond covering my essential expenses, this grant enabled the creation of lifelong memories and enhanced the impact of my study abroad journey. I will forever be thankful for the invaluable life-changing opportunities it provided me with."

To find out more about Essex Abroad and our range of programmes, visit our dedicated webpages.