Climate Action Virtual Internships (CAVI™)

Picture

​Overview
The Climate Action Virtual Internship (CAVI™) is an experiential learning program for students with a unique focus on climate action, supporting the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 13.

You are matched in pairs to a host company overseas - common destinations are Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, China and India but our extensive network is truly global and also covers Europe and the Americas.

You act as a consultant team and support the business to take real action on the climate emergency. The Program has been designed to challenge and empower you to take impactful climate action and equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to build your own climate literacy and prepare an effective Climate Action Plan or Climate Action Project for your host company. Check out this video overview of CAVI here!


​What type of businesses are participating?
The businesses are part of Virtual Internships’ active host company global network and have been fully vetted by Virtual Internships who have proven ability to support interns remotely. The companies range from small start-ups to large multinationals and operate in a wide range of different sectors. All are at different stages of climate action – some are advanced and others are taking the first steps on their eco-journey. The aim with this program is for you to help your host company to advance and accelerate their climate action no matter their starting point.

In the process, as a business consultant you get the chance to hone your skills in information collection and analysis, impact assessment, business planning, teamwork, intercultural communication and creative problem-solving as well as deepening your understanding of climate action.
Our host company responded well! They enjoyed our presentation and said it really 'opened their eyes' to climate change in general, but particularly in how, even as a small business, they can have impact.''

​S.J. CAVI participant, Jan-Feb, 2022.

​          What will you learn?
  • Understand the causes and effects of climate change and the scale of the climate challenge
  • Learn key concepts in climate action, including mitigation vs adaptation, changemaking skills and climate justice
  • Learn how climate change is affecting different parts of the world and business sectors and the critical role that companies can play in addressing the climate crisis
  • ​​
  • Hear case studies from sustainability professionals including from Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company.
  • Deepen your understanding of what climate solutions have maximum impact

​          What skills will you develop?
  • Develop climate literacy, employability and business consultancy skills
  • Online curriculum focuses on NACE core competencies of employability
  • Develop networking, teamwork, collaboration and intercultural skills essential to career success
  • How to research and prepare a Climate Action Plan or Climate Action Project  to improve your host company's environmental performance 
  • ​How businesses are responding to climate change globally, including a case study on Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company.
  • Increase your ability to synthesise and present complex information
  • How to communicate and deliver a compelling pitch in a real international work environment
​Benefits for students: action learning, employability and connections
Our ability to tackle complex social and environmental problems in future rests on developing the right skills and mindset in people today. This project guides you towards practical solutions and connections that empower you to make a difference and strengthen your capacity to advocate for climate action long-term. 

Climate change is a wicked problem that offers the perfect vehicle for experiential learning, and requires collaboration and multi-disciplinary skills to solve; it builds core skills that employers value, including complex problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity (the top three skills needed for a successful career by 2020 according to a recent World Economic Forum Future of Jobs survey). - 
​
- You also get the chance to complete the Virtual Internships CareerBridge international internship curriculum.  A global virtual internship helps students develop an understanding of the nuances of business communication and learn about international trends in their industry. Employers are also looking for fresh ways to keep businesses thriving in the current economy. They will be looking to recruit those who have intercultural communication skills to build and navigate a complicated web of global networks and who have the adaptability to thrive in ever-changing business contexts.

All interns have access to an online collaboration platform where they can share experiences and tips and connect with their mentors. This platform will remain open after your placement, giving you an opportunity to build your professional and social networks.
​
Picture
Climate Action Virtual Internships (CAVI™) are offered jointly by Pomegranate Global and Virtual Internships. 
Visit their website to learn more about their program inclusions.
2024 SHORT PROGRAM
​15 January to 9 February 2024
4 weeks/30 hours per week 
(Apply by ​12 November 2023)
​Apply here!​​
Picture
​
​​
Download the flyer➡️here.
         How does it work?
  • This is a virtual internship program where you work in pairs to prepare a (CAP) - Climate Action Plan or Climate Action Project for your host company.
  • CAVI has two formats available - you can choose from the short 1-month program or the longer semester-long program, whichever works best for you.
  • In the short program the placement is full-time (30 hours per week over 4 or 5 weeks/120 hours in total).
  • In the semester-long version the placement is part-time: 10 hours per week over 12 weeks/120 hours in total).
  • Host companies are located across Asia, for example in Vietnam, China, India, Singapore or Hong Kong plus a range of exciting locations around the world.
  • Program fee: Australia, New Zealand, Canada AU/NZ/CAN $2,800.
Full funding for your placement may be available through the New Colombo Plan or other funding program – check with your university to find out!
Thank you for providing such an amazing, relevant and needed internship programme!''

- D.T. CAVI participant, January-February, 2022.
Recognition
Participants receive a certificate and digital badge of completion.  Students and partners will also receive an end of program report which includes host supervisor evaluation, student assessment and CareerBridge completion report.

You may be able to receive academic credit for this program – check with your university to find out!