Sustainable Global Experience™

Sustainable Global Experience (SGE) is a short study tour with Carbon Literacy at its core. You’ll explore sustainable development in theory and practice, completing one week of online Carbon Literacy Training and one week on a short six-day field trip.

1 Week In Brussels And 1 Week Online

On this programme, you’ll delve into the UN Sustainable Development Goals to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. And there’s nowhere better to do it than in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking. You’ll be trained in Carbon Literacy to get a professional understanding of Climate Change theory and put it into practice in industry masterclasses, activities and group projects.

Phase 1 - Digital Components

  • 12 hours of Carbon Literacy Training
  • Access to Pagoda’s online skills courses
  • Join an online community through the Pagoda Portal
  • Live online events and networking opportunities
  • Digital certificates from Pagoda & Carbon Literacy Project
  • Lifetime access to the Pagoda alumni network

Phase 2 - 6 day Sustainable Field Trip

  • 6-day study tour in Brussels
  • Masterclasses, Q&As, tours & talks with local businesses
  • Network with public and private sector organisations
  • Orientations, scavenger hunts and organised group activities
  • Sustainable group travel and hostel accommodation
  • Group projects and presentation sessions
  • Full in-country support from the Pagoda team
  • Carbon emissions offset by 150%

About Pagoda Projects

Pagoda Projects is a leading provider of internships and sustainable global experiences. We work with universities and companies around the world to provide quality internships that enhance students’ international employability.

Programme Details

Funding

We’re hoping the University of Exeter confirms funding. In the meantime, please register your interest, and we’ll be in touch with details as soon as it is confirmed.

Programme participants are required to pay a £50 refundable deposit. Deposits are refunded upon completion of the programme, minus any cleaning fees or additional charges.

Please note that daily living costs and visa costs (if required) are not covered by our programme fees. Depending on when you can arrive in London, you may need to travel to London the day before the Eurostar departure and this cost will be covered by you. 

Application Process
  1. Register Interest: Fill in the form at the bottom of this page. Once submitted, our friendly team will be in touch and answer any questions you may have.
  2. Application Form: Once you understand the programme details, complete the full application form and short video interview, we will assess your application. 
  3. Agreement & Onboarding: If awarded a place and you’re happy to proceed, just sign our agreement and pay the refundable deposit to secure your place. Following this, our team will be in touch for onboarding and will support you through the necessary pre-departure steps. 
Programme Dates

2026 Programme Dates TBC

Pre-Departure Event

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 Project

Carbon Literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change. It’s a key educational element of SGE and necessary for you to understand and participate fully in this programme.

You’ll complete 12 hours of Carbon Literacy Training, developed by academics from Manchester Metropolitan University. This training includes two short courses and two live training sessions, delivered by Pagoda Projects’ staff who are certified Carbon Literacy Facilitators. During the Training, you’ll develop an understanding of humanity’s impact on the climate and discuss actions that can be taken in response to climate change.

Key themes

  • The Science of Climate Change
  • The Economy and Climate Change
  • The Impacts of Climate Change on Sustainability
  • Pathways to a Zero-Carbon World: Exploring Systemic Solutions
  • Climate Change Communications

After 8 hours of training, you’ll reflect on what you’ve learnt and submit two personal pledges to the project. These pledges represent your personal commitment to fighting climate change, denoting two actions you are willing to take to reduce your carbon footprint – individually, and as a member of society.

Field Trip

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. 

You’ll tour local businesses and visit tourist attractions relating to the programme’s SDGs, participating in group discussions, projects and reflections on key topics. Some example activities include:

  • Parlamentarium – European Parliament

  • The Climate Simulation Game – Interactive Workshop by Sustainable Brussels
  • BIGH Anderlecht – Europe’s Largest Aquaponics Farm

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.

Transport

Embracing low-carbon travel ensures the most sustainable travel experience possible. Travelling from London to Brussels via Eurostar emits 90% fewer greenhouse gases than a short-haul flight. You’ll travel to London from campus by coach and to Brussels by train and Eurostar. Eurostar is the most carbon-efficient option for travelling between London and neighbouring European cities.

In Brussels, we’ll walk or use public transport, so comfortable shoes are essential. Each trip’s residual emissions are offset by at least 150% through the purchase of carbon credits with CNaught. This makes SGE the first carbon-neutral study tour in the world

Accommodation

Reflecting our ethos of low-carbon living, we will stay in the most sustainable accommodation available: hostels. We work with providers of safe, conveniently located accommodation known for their sustainable operations. 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.

Tourism & Free Time

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.

Pagoda Portal

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

Destinations

Brussels - Belgium

Brussels is the one of greenest capital in Europe.


Just over 50% of the region is covered by green spaces such as public parks, gardens, rivers and forests.
A truly beautiful, vibrant and multicultural city. It’s the political, economic and cultural centre of Belgium.

It's also
the capital of the European Union and home to the European Parliament, Council and Commission. It’s where key policy decisions on climate change and the environment impacting Europe are made.

Programme Testimonials

Programme Testimonials

Register Your Interest

Details for the 2026 programme are yet to be confirmed. Register your interest and be the first to hear once the information is confirmed.