International Short Programmes with funding available to work or volunteer abroad 

You might think that as a graduate, you’ve missed your opportunity to have an international experience supported by Northumbria, but think again! If you don’t know, Northumbria offer a range of International Short Programmes, where you can work or volunteer for 4-8 weeks in an exciting new country! We’re delighted to be able to offer these to programmes to graduates within one year of finishing university, with funding available to support you on your programme. 

We spoke to Sam, who volunteered in Sri Lanka over summer, to learn about his experience of taking part in an International Short Programme as a recent graduate:

What made you want to do an International Short Programme as a recent graduate?

Upon graduating, I did not have a job waiting for me. This halt in academic momentum gave me time to consider my next steps, and really think about what I wanted my future to look like. I quickly came to the conclusion that before I began work, some travel was essential for me. I came across the International Short Programmes available to recent graduates of NU. Recognising the great variety of this programme, allowing students to work, volunteer or research, with available locations also being flexible, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me, as it allowed me to travel whilst building on skills essential to me for work, and potentially obtaining new skills. Of course, the funding from Northumbria made the programme more viable too!

Has doing an International Short Programme helped guide your future career plan in any way?

Yes. I did a volunteering programme. This, in itself, did not directly help guide my future career plan, as I took the opportunity to work in a field unrelated to my career plan. However, the programme has encouraged me massively to work and build my experience abroad. This is because during my time on my volunteering programme, I obtained an invaluable lesson, being that ‘success’ is massively due to those around you, i.e., who you work with. It was intriguing to see how the residents worked together, and seeing the results that we achieved by working as a team.

Has doing an International Short Programme benefited you personally?

Yes! I did my International Short Programme as an individual, in a country (and continent) I had never been to before. This forced me to be outgoing, and push myself out my comfort zone. As a person who does not usually thrive in social situations, having to staying in shared rooms, and being surrounded by others almost all the time allowed me to improve my social and communication skills. I can also comfortably say that the experience has made me more confident in myself and my abilities. It is fair to say I was nervous before going on my International Short Programme, but it was incredible rewarding and I have a great sense of satisfaction that I did go forward with my decision.

Has doing an International Short Programme benefited you professionally?

Doing an International Short Programme has helped me to build on many of my professional skills I picked up during university and my placement year, not only in number, but also variety. I have been able to improve my communication and networking skills massively, meeting people from all over the UK, outside of the UK, and of course the residents. Having a set structure to the volunteer work, with a morning and afternoon activity daily, and free time in between the two, I was able to improve my time management. Most noticeably, from the activities themselves, I was able to improve multiple professional skills, including teamwork, creativity, leadership and problem solving.

Would you recommend doing an International Short Programme to other recent graduates?

Yes, absolutely. There are so many reasons to recommend doing an International Short Programme to other recent graduates. These include the fantastic variety of programmes available, allowing suitability for all, the guaranteed development and potential addition of key employability skills, and finally, as mentioned previously, you receive funding for the programme! The International Short Programme is a truly great way to not only experience, but live in a new country, to meet new people, embrace the culture, and to educate yourself on the history of area/country. If you are wanting to partake in ‘productive travel’, this, in my opinion, is the perfect opportunity to do so.

If you’d like to have a partially funded experience abroad in the near future, keep your eyes on the Graduate Futures website for details of International Short Programmes available for 2024/25 coming soon! Or contact the team directly at nucareers@northumbria.ac.uk. As Sam has pointed out, ISPs are a great way to develop soft skills, enjoy new experiences and broaden your horizons.