Abstract: There exists growing need for cultural diversity and the embeddedness of sustainable development into online work-based placements. Placements should also align learning outcomes with competency frameworks to support graduate employability. This brief paper explores the value proposition of private third-party organisations seeking to support universities in offering online work-based placements. It provides a case study of the Global Learning Collective, formed during the pandemic by an alliance of 4 large study abroad companies, who assemble student teams formed from a global pool of over 50 universities to address needs on sustainability-themed projects around the world. Discussion highlights how students can benefit from exposure to working within a culturally diverse group, the need for ongoing project support at the academic, professional and host company level, and offers comment regarding constraints within the approach taken.