UWE – Sustainable Global Experience

This programme is fully funded for eligible students, although you will be invoiced for a refundable £50 deposit. You will need to pay a contribution towards the programme fees, however, will be eligible to receive a bursary to cover this cost. Deposits are refunded at the successful end of the programme, minus any cleaning fees or additional charges. Please note that daily spending money for food is not covered by our programme fees.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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