Cardiff University – Sustainable Global Experience

The university funding is open to all Undergraduate Students, with the following exceptions: 

• Students enrolled on a Preliminary Year (year 0)
• International students undertaking a programme in their home country
• Students who have previously received, or will receive, funding for another GO programme (i.e.  a year abroad). Students can usually only receive GO funding once. 

Widening Participation Criteria is outlined below:

• Students in receipt of the Cardiff Bursary
• Students receiving Universal Credit
• Care Leavers / Care Experienced Students
• Students who have caring responsibilities
• Estranged Students
• Refugees and asylum seekers

Brussels Field Trip Dates:

Limited places are available available on the below field trip dates:

• 14th June 2026 – 19th June 2026
• 28th June 2026 – 3rd July 2026
• 26th July 2026 – 31st July 2026 (This cohort is not open to Final Year students, since they will have already graduated)

Please note that depending on the time of the Eurostar departure on the first day of the programme and where you are travelling from, you may need to travel to London the day before the programme start. The cost of your travel to/from London and any accommodation required in London is not covered by the programme fee. 

You will also be required to attend two online Carbon Literacy training sessions; the dates of these will be confirmed before end of 2025.

1. Applicants will be required to register their interest with Cardiff University first through this link.
2. Cardiff University will confirm your eligibility for the funding and you’ll be directed to apply to Pagoda.
3. Once you’ve applied to Pagoda, the team will review your application and if offered a place on the programme Pagoda will confirm your preferred cohort dates. 
4. You’ll be asked to sign Pagoda’s programme agreement, and pay your refundable deposit to secure your place.   
5. Following signing their programme agreement, successful candidates will be informed of the next steps for programme onboarding, and supported through the necessary pre-departure steps. 

Pagoda will host a virtual pre-departure event where participants will have the chance to have their questions answered. A recording of the event will be provided to those unable to attend.

Carbon Literacy is “an awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.” More than 1,700 organisations across the UK and internationally have empowered their teams with Carbon Literacy Training including the NHS, the BBC, and Manchester City Council.

On this programme, you’ll complete 12 hours of Carbon Literacy Training and submit a pledge to gain certification from the Carbon Literacy Project. This is widely recognised as a personal and professional commitment to tackling climate change.

The field trip puts your carbon literacy training into practice, as you’ll explore the city of Brussels through a carbon-conscious lens. We’ll travel and live sustainably, with minimal impact on the environment and meet with local people and businesses that are adopting sustainable practices. 

Any carbon generated will be offset 150% through Gold Standard offsetting projects. Throughout the week, you’ll work on an Enquiry-Based Learning (EBL) group project, exploring the sustainability of local businesses and presenting your findings to the group.

According to the International Energy Alliance’s (IEA) 2020 Tracking Transport Report, ships, planes and road vehicles make up almost three-quarters of global transport emissions.

Urban and high-speed trains are one of the most sustainable, long-distance transport methods. 

Eurostar’s high-speed trains are the most carbon-efficient option when travelling between London and neighbouring European cities. On average, travelling on the Eurostar emits 10 times less carbon per passenger compared to a short-haul flight to the same destination.

Reflecting the programme’s core ethos of low-carbon living, the group will stay in high-quality hostels. This supports and demonstrates sustainable and environmental practices. The hostel will be situated in, or close to, the city centre with excellent public transport links.

Organised guided tours and visits to local attractions will welcome you to your city. All entrance fees are covered as part of the programme and the group will be fully supported and supervised throughout the activity by a friendly member of the Pagoda staff.

Participants will have their evenings free throughout the programme to explore the city and bond with their fellow teammates. A Digital Welcome Pack of the city’s (arguably) best sustainable attractions, shops and restaurants will also be provided.

The Pagoda Portal is a digital hub for our student community. You can use it to network with other interns, locate key information and register for online skills courses. 

Our online skills courses focus on Employability, Digital Competency and Intercultural Fluency. They’ll provide you with the skills and agility needed for a global and ever-changing workplace