4-week MADRID Industry Experience
Solve real business challenges in Spain
Want to build cultural and professional experience?
On this programme, you’ll work under the guidance of experienced mentors to complete an industry project set by an international company in Madrid, Spain.
Phase 1 - Project Brief & Preparation
- 12 Hours of synchronous and asynchronous Carbon Literacy Training
- Orientations, seminars and local field trips
- Be equipped with the necessary skills needed to understand the local culture, business environment and sustainability in practice
- Icebreakers and teambuilding to establish a positive and productive group environment
- Kick-off event and meet your project supervisor
- Assign team member roles and responsibilities
- Knowledge sharing and information gathering about the brief
- Draft week-by-week project plan including objectives and deliverables to reach final goal
Phase 2 - Project Work
- Two weeks supervised project work
- Weekly check points with your project supervisor to gather feedback and clarity in any areas required
- Work collaboratively with your group to complete relevant research to support your final analysis and recommendations
- Complete your Carbon Literacy Certification by writing your pledge for review
- Develop your skills working through the Pagoda Online Skills courses applying your new knowledge to your tasks and work on the project.
- Develop your professional and cultural understanding through further workshops and activities
- Grow your international network further by connecting with locals and professionals
Phase 3 - Project Deliverables
- As a group finalise your research and recommendations within your playbook
- Prepare & practice to present your project outcomes with a mock online presentation and direct feedback
- Present your findings to your peers, company and other industry professionals
- Reflect on your 4-week programme, identifying areas of development, and how you can articulate this within your CV, future job applications and interviews
- Celebrate a successful programme and let your hair down in a final awards dinner and celebration.
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
Eligibility
There are 6 Turing-funded places available for students from University of Glasgow. 5 places are for those who meet Widening Participation criteria, whilst 1 place is open to all backgrounds.
If you are not eligible for the Turing funding you can also choose to self-fund the programme fee
Funding
You will have to pay a Programme Fee to participate in the programme; you will be sent further details on the programme fee by Pagoda. Please note that daily living costs, flights and visa costs are not covered by our programme fees.
Turing Funding is available as a contribution towards your time in Spain on the programme. For further details on how to apply for Turing funding and what it covers, please contact the Short-Term Mobility Team: short-term-mobility@glasgow.ac.uk
Students will be invoiced for a refundable £200 deposit. Deposits are refunded upon completion of the programme, minus any cleaning fees or additional charges
Application Process
- Register Interest: Fill in the form at the bottom of this page. Once submitted, our friendly team will be in touch to ask you to apply to your university for the funding and eligibility checks. We will also answer any questions you may have.
- Application Form: Once you understand the programme details, complete the full application form and short video interview, we will assess your application with your university.
- 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
19th June 2025: Arrival in Madrid
20th June 2025: Programme Start
18th July 2025: Programme End
19th July 2025: Departure from Madrid
Pre-Departure
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.
Orientation & Support
A Pagoda team member will greet you at the airport and accompany you to your accommodation. You’ll be provided with a welcome pack and detailed orientation to help you feel settled in your new country. Throughout the programme you will check-in weekly with the Pagoda team, who will also provide 24/7 emergency on-site assistance if required.
Industry Projects
In groups of 2-6, you’ll work collaboratively on sustainability themed industry project with a local company. You’ll learn about the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) policies as a metric for measuring the performance of a company’s environmental and social responsibilities and apply these concepts to the operations of a business you have been matched to.
You’ll have weekly checkpoints with your mentor who will check in on progress and be able to answer questions, provide information and guidance. At the end of the programme, you’ll present your research and an accompanying playbook of findings to your peers and a panel of industry professionals.
The project is aimed to build your transferable skills that can be applied across any role that you may go on to do in the future.
Group Activities
Throughout the programme, you’ll enjoy a range of activities including field trips, cultural tours, social events, networking opportunities—all aimed at fostering teamwork, cultural understanding, professional growth and your knowledge of sustainability in practice.
Example Activities:
- Skills Course: Building Intercultural Fluency
- Employability, Leadership and Career Development Workshops
- Climate Fresk Workshop
- Chamber of Commerce Networking Event
Accommodation
Our expert in-country teams will source and manage your accommodation, in line with our accommodation quality policy. Our furnished apartments are all located on good transport links and in a secure area of the cities where Pagoda delivers programmes, inclusive of all bills and wifi.
You will always be provided your own private bedroom.
Transport
- Flight: 1,711 km (flight): 0.16 tonnes of CO2e
- Train: 1719 km (train): 0.07 tonnes of CO2e
- Coach: 2371 km (coach): 0.57 tonnes of CO2e
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 Workplace Basics, Employability, Digital Competency and Intercultural Fluency which you’ll have chance to complete during your programme. They’ll provide you with the skills and agility needed for a global and ever-changing workplace as well as a certification upon completion.
Destination
Madrid - Spain
Known for being one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Madrid is the heart of the country. In the city you can find a range of cultural and historical treasures such as the Royal Palace. Also known for its renaissance and contemporary art museums, sunny blue skies and unique neighbourhoods. There is an endless amount of things to do in Madrid.
Pagoda Portal
All programmes are managed on the Pagoda Portal - a digital hub for our student community. This is where you can track your progress, register for events, access skills courses, network with other participants and request additional support.
