City Research Internship

Green Tunnel Internship — Researching the Future of Urban Sustainability 

Dates: October 20 – November 20 
Duration: 4-week intensive mini internship 

The Green Tunnel Internship is a unique, short-term research opportunity designed for students passionate about urban planning, sustainability, and the future of cities. Over three weeks, participants will explore how cities around the world are rethinking urban green infrastructure through the concept of green tunnels and corridors. 

What You’ll Do 

This internship is designed to simulate a fast-paced, real-world research project that combines collaboration, analysis, and creative thinking. You will: 

Work in teams of two to research one of eight global cities, representing four continents. 

Collect and analyze urban data — demographics, environmental indicators, mobility, and land-use patterns — to understand the local context for green tunnel development. 

Study how and why each city is exploring green tunnels: what goals they have (environmental, social, or economic), and what outcomes they hope to achieve. 

Evaluate existing urban green infrastructure policies, sustainability frameworks, and city planning documents to identify how green tunnels fit within larger strategies. 

Examine examples of green corridors, green roofs, and ecological connectivity projects to compare approaches across regions. 

Conduct brief interviews or outreach (if feasible) to gain insights from planners, academics, or environmental groups. 

Collaborate with peers to create a concise analytical report summarizing your city’s approach, challenges, and lessons learned. 

Participate in weekly discussions to share progress, exchange ideas, and refine your analysis. 

Contribute to a final published global report, with full authorship credit for all contributors and recognition of your schools. 

This will be an interactive, teamwork-driven internship, where collaboration and shared learning are core to the experience. 

Who We’re Looking For 

Students and early professionals with interests in: 

Urban planning and design 

Environmental science and sustainability 

Architecture and landscape architecture 

Civil and environmental engineering 

Data science, GIS, or analytics 

Journalism, writing, or policy research 

If you are curious about how cities are evolving toward greener, more resilient futures, then this is for you. 

Outcome 

Publication credit on a global research report. 

Real-world experience in collaborative, data-based research. 

Exposure to international urban sustainability practices. 

Recognition for both you and your university across digital and professional platforms. 

Inspiration 

This project draws inspiration from the expanding role of green corridors in urban and regional planning. Networks of connected green spaces that enhance biodiversity, climate resilience, and human well-being. These systems serve as the ecological backbone of sustainable cities, linking natural, agricultural, and urban environments to support both nature and people. Green tunnels represent the next evolution of this idea, integrating infrastructure, ecology, and urban design to create cities that are cleaner, cooler, and more connected.