Member Article

Smaller Earth teams up with the University of Liverpool in a New Foundation

Albert Dock-based work and travel specialist Smaller Earth has launched a pioneering new foundation – and its first partner is the University of Liverpool.

The new Smaller Earth Foundation will provide funding and support for students who might not otherwise have the means to travel, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the experience of working in summer camps abroad.

Eight students from the University of Liverpool will go on summer camp programmes in 2018, four to America and four to China, with Smaller Earth and the university sharing the cost of the placements.

The students, who were selected through interview, will each spend eight weeks abroad working as camp counsellors or activity specialists in either the US or Qingdao or Inner Mongolia.

UK Smaller Earth Director Mark Hodgson said: “We know from almost 20 years of working with young people what a rewarding and often life-changing experience travelling and working abroad can be.

“I’m absolutely delighted we have been able to create the new Smaller Earth Foundation to give even more students the chance to expand their horizons, and we look forward to working with supportive partners like the University of Liverpool, who I know share our ethos.”

Richard Finch from the University of Liverpool added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for some of our young people, and there has been a lot of enthusiasm from students for the project.

“Working abroad not only gives young people an unforgettable cultural experience but it also boosts their confidence, hones their leadership and problem-solving skills, and makes them a more rounded individual, all qualities future employers are looking for.”

There are plans to create further partnerships with universities across the UK to give even more students the chance of free summer placements.

Smaller Earth was founded in a bedroom in Liverpool in 1999, and now has a global operation with 15 offices worldwide and a staff of 150. A third of those work from the company’s headquarters at the Albert Dock.

In the last year the company has sent a record 10,000 young people on work and travel programmes around the globe, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and China.

Smaller Earth provides 24/7 emergency support for everyone who takes part in one of its programmes. And all partners and programmes are handpicked by the Smaller Earth team to ensure reliability, safety, and a valuable experience for its customers.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Maria Carr .