Global Leaders- WACE Global Challenge

WACE and Practera

WACE is an International professional organization dedicated to developing, expanding, branding and advocating for cooperative & work-integrated education programs within industry and educational institutions.

Edtech start-up Practera is the leading platform delivering high-quality experiential learning programs. 

What happens?

WACE Global Challenge is a sustainability strategy program that aims to advance initiatives alligned towards the UN Sustainability Goals.

In this 4-week virtual program, students from up to 38 Universities across 41 countries will be placed into groups of multidisciplinary, cross-cultural teams and will work collaboratively to solve a challenge or identify practical 'Shared Value' initiatives for an Industry Client - which could be a Start-Up, NGO (Non-Government Organisation) or Corporate Client.

You will undertake research to identify possible solutions such as competitor analysis, identifying funding models and implementing marketing tactics. After conducting research over several weeks, students will make recommendations for their client in the form of a report that might enhance their social or environmental impact. Check out the programme timeline below!

Using the diverse skills of the student team members, students take on different aspects of project tasks based on their skill sets while investigating the client’s problem and presenting a solution. Global Challenge replicates the multidisciplinary nature of current work environments and therefore provides students the chance to develop skills and an appreciation of the benefits of working with students from a range of disciplines.

When does it happen?

This programme will run between Monday 27th January- Friday 21st February . There is an expected minimum 30hr programme commitment across the 4 weeks. You will work to submit 2 project deliverables in teams of 6 students from different disciplines, year levels, countries, backgrounds and skillsets. 

The program will take place over 4 weeks with an expectation that students attend approx. 3 hours of WACE sessions including a mandatory induction, cultural intelligence and client briefing in the first week.

Past Global Challenge Industry Projects:

• Investigation of Employee Giving schemes and implementation plan
• Recommendations to enhance organization’s social impact strategies
• Design a learning dashboard for students
• Investigate and recommend strategies to enhance STEM education in rural areas

What are the eligibility criteria?

• You will be enrolled as an undergraduate or postgraduate student at the time of the programme.
•  UK and International students are eligible to apply. 
• We are particularly welcoming applications from students who meet one or more of the Widening Participation Criteria, and these will be prioritised. However, if you do not meet these you are more than welcome to apply and will be accepted dependant on places.
• Students must be available to take part in the whole length of the programme and will be expected to attend all sessions and participate actively in independent work to meet the project goals and learning outcome
• You must have a laptop or device with a working camera and microphone to take part in this online programme

Press here to check if you fit the Widening Participation criteria

Cost: 

There is no programme fee for successful applicants to this programme. 

How do I apply?

To apply for the programme please complete the Global Leaders Experience: WACE Challenge 2025 Application Form. Applications will close on the 6th December 2024 at 11:59pm.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to email the team at global-leaders@exeter.ac.uk