Voting starts on Monday. Who gets elected is up to you See who's standing

Connecting communities, cultures, and real-world learning!

The Paris–London Engaged Learning Exchange is now in its third year, bringing together UCL students and the Learning Planet Institute in Paris for a truly transformative experience. This isn’t just about travel—it’s about immersing yourself in a pioneering approach to education and research that puts the needs of future generations and the planet at its heart. Students step into Paris to explore new ways of learning, connect with international peers, and exchange ideas across cultures and disciplines. Back in London, they channel that energy into a dynamic hackathon, experimenting with bold, collaborative methods of doing research with communities rather than just about them. Through this journey, students sharpen their problem‑solving skills, grow their intercultural competence, and learn how to turn academic knowledge into real‑world impact. The exchange empowers participants not only to imagine a better future, but to actively build it—making this program a launchpad for world‑changing ideas and action.

What will happen during the exchange? 

Cross‑Cultural Connections: Your LPI Pen Pal

As part of the exchange, every UCL student is paired with a Learning Planet Institute pen pal—a fellow changemaker in Paris ready to swap ideas, share culture, and spark conversations about engaged research. This isn’t your average pen‑pal setup; it’s a student‑led, cross‑border collaboration where curiosity meets creativity. Through chats, debates, and shared reflections, students build friendships that stretch beyond geography, learning how different perspectives can fuel bold solutions to global challenges. 

LPI Travels to London to Co-Create for Community Change - 10 - 12 June 2026

Our LPI visitors will arrive first and you will be here to receive them! Join your international counterparts for a cultural exchange experience to make connections and share experiences. On day 2 you'll get those brain wheels turning at our all day mega hackathon at UCL East. Work with a group of 20 UCL and LPI students to support a local charity to answer questions and create solutions to their organisational needs. Share back during our competitive pitching session and finish the day off with a celebration at local river side brewery to mingle the night away with local voluntary sector experts, key student leaders, and the new friends you’ve made.

Read more about our co-creation sprint here

Our vibrant co-creation sprint brings together brilliant UCL minds to share their voice and perspectives to shape community solutions. These high‑energy events are all about co‑creation—students pool their knowledge, creativity, and expertise to design practical solutions that make a real difference with and for community. By working side‑by‑side with community partners, participants not only sharpen their problem‑solving skills but also experience the power of collaboration, proving that when students and communities join forces, bold ideas can spark lasting change.

UCL Travels to Exchange and Immerse in the Heart of Paris - 1 - 3 July 2026

Take in the sights and sounds of Paris through cultural immersion activities and site visits. You will be based at the Learning Planet Institute where you will take part in the LPI Sustainable Development Goals summer school. You will engage with a dynamic framework for engagement and training in sustainability issues through the prototyping of solutions to concrete problems. Finish your trip with a reflection dinner at a gorgeous French bistro to bring together all the insights and learnings from your experience.

What can I expect to gain from the exchange? 

  • A burst of international collaboration with Paris‑based changemakers
  • Fresh research skills rooted in creativity, community, and real‑world impact
  • A high‑energy hackathon experience solving live challenges for a London charity
  • Stronger intercultural confidence and global communication skills
  • New friends, new ideas, and a launchpad for future‑focused action

 

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility criteria for the exchange?

Current student actively participating in a community engaged dissertation or research volunteering project through the CRIS programme

  • Able to make all of the following dates both in London and Paris
    • 10 June 2026 in London
    • 1 - 3 July 2026 in Paris

  • Valid passport which will allow you to travel from the UK to France

     

 

What are the costs of the exchange?

While in London transport to events will be covered. Lunch will be provided during the hackathon.

Central costs will be covered while in Paris including Eurostar to and from Paris, in city metro, accommodation, breakfast and a farewell group dinner up to £20 pp. You will be responsible for costs for lunches and dinners during the trip.

Visa Information

Successful applicants will be responsible for checking the entry requirements for France for their passport and personal requirements. Entry requirements may include visa regulations, passport validity rules, and any additional conditions set by French authorities. If you’re unsure how these requirements apply to you, contact the French Embassy in the UK. If required for your passport, you will be responsible for organising and covering any associated costs before travelling.

About The UCL Community Research Initiative

The Community Research Initiative is a part of the Student Social Impact team at Students' Union UCL. We work to create ways for voluntary, community and non-profit organisations to collaborate with our top quality students. This is part UCL's commitment to working with and for its local community. We do this by empowering students to collaboratively carry out research with VCSE organisations. We offer students the opportunity to take on a co-produced dissertation or lend their research and study skills to make a social impact through research volunteering.

About Learning Planet Institute (LPI)

Since 2006, the Learning Planet Institute has been dedicated to reinventing learning for all ages (lifelong learning) through collective intelligence in order to build sustainable & inclusive learning societies able to rise to the complex challenges we face. The Institute’s mission is to explore, research and share new ways of learning and cooperating in order to respond to the needs of the youth and the planet. By encouraging and disseminating a culture, methods and tools for empowerment, it transforms organisations. Ultimately, it leads communities and supports “Learning Planetizens” to take care of themselves, the others and the planet. To achieve its goals, the Learning Planet Institute creates research and educational programmes based on interdisciplinarity, diversity and initiative. It encourages the development of learning ecosystems and communities, working together to find sustainable solutions and ways to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

 

Application

You can apply for the opportunity via the webform here, where we will ask you to submit a short video or written statement about why you think you would benefit from the opportunity, as well as some details about your previous experience.