Funded experiences
Each year we offer a number of global experiences that are partially or fully funded.
The Waikato Global Experiences Programme offers a number of experiences each year that are partially or fully funded. These programmes are either run directly by our team or run through partners and providers that we have close relationships with.
Prime Minister's Scholarship Programmes
If you’re looking for a “taster” of a global experience in Asia or Latin America, a group programme may be for you! Discover new cultures, explore your academic interests, and make new friends while travelling as part of a group.
In partnership with The University of Auckland, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, and IndoGenius, we are proud to bring you the 3rd edition of the PMSA Reimagining India Study Tour in 2024!
About the Programme
Reimagining India is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to engage with India. Alumni from this programme describe it as a life-changing highlight of their University experience.
This carefully curated programme introduces New Zealanders to India's extraordinary diversity and showcases New Zealand culture and education to the people of India.
Following in the footsteps of previous PMSA cohorts, 24 students from across New Zealand (5 from Waikato) will make their way across the Indian subcontinent from Tamil Nadu to the Himalayas, visiting key cities along the way, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
The 6-week experiential learning program includes visits to dozens of Indian institutions, companies, NGOs and government bodies, including strategic interactions designed to enhance the NZ-India bilateral relationship as well as the personal development of the students themselves.
Students participating in the six-week intensive course will be expected to gain:
- On-the-ground experience helping you to conceptualize how India fits into your studies and careers.
- A network of Indian mentors and peers helping you to develop relationships and deepen your understanding of the Indian dimensions of your work or study.
- An immersive cultural experience to familiarize you with various customs, norms, celebrations, foods, performing arts, etc.
- An introduction to India's past, present and future from an interdisciplinary standpoint, with a focus on growth and opportunity.
- Introduction to the Hindi language.
Read student stories written by the 2023 cohort.
Programme Itinerary
Before travelling, the group will be introduced to India through a six-week online course combining live sessions and recordings. The 2023 cohort found this very beneficial as it prepared them for the in-country visit and gave them an opportunity to connect with other students on the programme, the IndoGenius team, and various guest experts.
Upon arrival in India, the group will follow an intense schedule that includes expert talks, language/yoga/dance classes, group reflection sessions, and visits to sites of historical and cultural relevance, factories, NGOs, and companies.
Upon return, participants are invited to participate in debriefing sessions that will prompt you to reflect and process your experiences through this journey, bringing the program to a closure.
Travel Itinerary
Students selected for participation in this PMSA-funded group programme will depart from Auckland as a group at 3:15pm on 6 January 2024, with one night spent in the Aerotel in Singapore, before arriving in Chennai at 8:50am for the start of the programme on 7 January 2024. The group will return together, landing in Auckland at approximately 1:20pm on 17 February 2024.
It is important to note that flights have already been reserved and journey alterations will not be possible, so all applicants must be available between these dates.
The detailed programme itinerary for activities in India will be available closer to the start of the programme.
Eligibility
All applicants must be currently enrolled and in good academic standing at the University of Waikato. Applications are open to students from all disciplines and faculties.
In order to travel overseas, applicants must have a valid passport, that is valid until September 2024 or later. Accepted students will be required to provide passport photocopies to the 360 International team at the University of Auckland on or before 15 October 2023. There are currently delays in passport processing times. More information on how to apply for a passport and current processing delays can be found here: Identity and Passport's.
To be eligible to participate in this group programme, applicants must also meet the eligibility requirements for the Prime Minister's Scholarship for Asia, and be:
- At least 18 years old at the date of applying
- Either a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand
- Have been a resident in New Zealand for at least 12 of the previous 24 months
- Not an immediate relative of an Education New Zealand staff member or selection panel member;
- Medically fit to travel (successful applicants will need to agree to complete any routine medical tests performed at the border, such as COVID-19 tests.)
- Able to attend all scheduled pre-departure activities, including completion of the 6-week self-paced virtual programme made available by IndoGenius prior to departure and the full duration of the programme in-country.
- Have not previously received a Prime Minister's Scholarship for group travel, and
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
In addition to good academic standing, applicants need to demonstrate that they are:
- Community-minded
- Culturally aware
- Able to demonstrate how they will apply this experience to their wider community
- Ambassadorial
- Adaptable
- Able to explain how participating in this programme will benefit them on an individual and personal level.
Where equally qualified applicants exceed the number of scholarships available, further consideration may be given to:
- Students who have not previously had learning abroad experience (at university or otherwise)
- High-academic achieving students
How to Apply
Applications have now closed.
Global Internships
With a global internship, you'll build valuable job skills, such as language proficiency, cultural training, adaptability, and communication. Whatever setting you find yourself in after graduation, you'll be grateful for the variety of hard and soft skills you gained while interning abroad.
The following internships are unpaid unless otherwise stated.
Location: Singapore & Peru
The Asia New Zealand Foundation invites final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students with an interest in multilateral trade and international diplomacy to apply for an internship in Singapore with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat. The internship will also include an opportunity to attend an APEC meeting in Peru.
You will have the opportunity to:
- see multilateral trade up close through the lens of APEC senior leadership
- attend official APEC meetings and support engagement through research and report writing
- work with a close-knit office at the centre of the APEC operations
- Attend an APEC meeting in Peru.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation will cover:
- return airfares to Singapore
- accommodation
- travel insurance
- a stipend to cover living expenses.
You will be required to contribute NZ$500 towards your living expenses.
For full eligibility criteria, FAQs, and how to apply, visit the Asia New Zealand Foundation website.
Applications have now closed.
Location: Seoul, South Korea
This is a unique opportunity for a New Zealand student or recent graduate majoring in business, marketing, media and communications, music, or film to gain valuable industry experience.
The internship will be four weeks online and four weeks in Seoul. The four weeks online portion of the internship will be paid up to 20 hours. The four weeks in South Korea will be unpaid.
You will have the opportunity to:
- conduct market research on film and music industry relevant to the company’s work
- monitor English media reporting
- monitor Social Media trends.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation and CJ Cultural Foundation will cover:
- airfares
- accommodation
- living stipend while in Korea
- travel insurance
You will be required to contribute NZ$500 towards your living expenses.
For full eligibility criteria, FAQs, and how to apply, visit the Asia New Zealand Foundation website.
Applications have now closed.
Virtual Opportunities
If travelling overseas isn't on the cards for you, try one of our Virtual Opportunities instead.
Do you want to make a difference whilst gaining valuable work experience? Think Pacific is offering University of Waikato students the chance to join their remote internship programme! Contribute to international sustainable development and gain unique practical experience, all while working from home.
Working on behalf of a Fijian organisation, interns complete a ‘Social Action Project’ that tackles real problems in the South Pacific, while learning about the fascinating Fijian culture and developing global citizenship. Internship opportunities are available in these sectors:
- Business & Enterprise
- Engineering
- Environment and Conservation
- Global Education
- Global Health
- International Development
- Marketing
- Mental health (Global psychology)
- NGO management
- Sports development
These in-demand internships are hugely beneficial, flexible, and fully customised to meet your career goals and academic requirements.
Watch student testimonials here.
To find out more or to Apply, visit the Think Pacific website.
Are you looking for an opportunity to collaborate with a team of international peers? The University of Calgary International would like to invite you to join them for their virtual Global Community Challenge YYC!
The Global Community Challenge YYC creates opportunities for you to work in cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary teams to identify solutions to real-world issues. By being a part of this challenge, you will have the opportunity to develop skills in teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and communication while building your intercultural capacity and positioning yourself to become an innovation catalyst for meaningful change.
During this challenge, student teams from different disciplines and countries will work together to develop a solution for a real-life problem identified by one of our community partners, which are local organizations in Calgary that have an international focus or scope of work. The challenge also includes workshops on entrepreneurial thinking and solution development, working in cross-cultural teams, how to market your skills in the job market and more.
To find out more or to Apply, visit the Think Pacific website.
Key Details
Cost: FREE
Dates: This challenge will take place between September 25 and November 23, 2023.
Location: All meetings and discussions will be held virtually on Zoom or other relevant platforms. Some synchronous (live) participation is required.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to Undergraduate and Masters-level students.
How to Apply
- Read through the challenges and identify your top two.
- Submit an online application.
Applications have now closed.
Questions?
If you have questions about this opportunity, visit the official challenge website or email global.challenge@ucalgary.ca