The International Virtual Course starts with an online kick-off, where you will get to know your colleagues from Kenya, India and Brazil (ca. 2h in May). The intensive phase of the course takes place from 1st - 19th of July 2024.

Then, the International Virtual Course is split into four phases:

• During the first phase (June, international kick off meeting: 3rd of June 2024) – together with your ZHAW colleagues -  you will create a short video about the impacts of climate change in Switzerland, in order for your international colleagues to get a first idea.This consists of a half day (Saturday) of videoing instructions and additional time for your group to create the video (flexible). Additionally you will complete a selected part of an FAO e-learning course.
• The second phase (1st - 12th of July 2024) is called the study phase. It consist of daily virtual classroom sessions (14.00 - 16.00 GMT+1) and two field excursions (full-day on Wednesdays - 3rd & 10th of July). You will learn from experts about international cooperation, follow panel discussions during which international professionals discuss about how to tackle climate change, participate in a simulated climate change negotiation and exchange with your colleagues about the most pressing challenges in their respective countries. During the field trips you will get practical impressions of the challenges e.g. Swiss farmers are facing and the mitigation and adaptation measures being implemented.
• The third phase (15th - 19th of July 2024) consists of an international virtual teamwork in small Climate Action Groups (one member from each country). This group work starts with the first phase of the course and intensified through regular coachings in the second phase. The last week is used to finalize the project and present it at the end of the week.
• In the fourth phase (22nd - 31st July 2024) you give us feedback through an online questionnaire and reflect on your learnings – and that’s it! 

Note:

• Your active participation is expected at all virtual meetings, and physically at the video course (half-day) and the two full-day excursions. The virtual meetings in phase two will be during the early afternoon for Swiss participants.
• The course is in English (except for excursions and video course) with lots of different accents. So don’t worry about your level of English – and be patient with others!
• ZHAW students will receive 4 ECTS after successful completion of the course (creditable for BSc in Environmental Engineering & MSc in Environment and Natural Resources as module «Summer School»).