Commerzbank environmental internship – committed to nature
How about an open-air semester? Off to the island or out and about in boundless forest wilderness: the Commerzbank environmental internship for students makes it possible. There is a lot to experience for students in one of 25 German national parks, nature parks and biosphere reserves - like for Raphael, who worked as an environmental intern in the Berchtesgaden National Park.
Raphael (26) is studying geography in Freiburg. As an environmental intern, he supported the environmental education team at the “Haus der Berge” national park center for three months in the summer. A look at his internship diary shows us what it can be like as an “organic eco nerd”:
“Today the plan is to carry water through the Wimbachtal. A sixth grade class from Bad Reichenhall is meeting with Severin and me today to find out more about the water habitat and the Berchtesgaden National Park. The class is really passionate about the topic in advance and has already collected questions during the bus ride that they now finally want to get rid of... .Joking aside. We are just a “boring interim program” until we finally go to Königssee, the salt mine or the go-kart track in the next few days. In nature you get dirty and only “organic eco-nerds” are interested in disgusting creepy crawlies. So much for the initial situation.
On the way to the gorge, the national park's mission statement and rules of conduct are clarified and explained. Then we go into the gorge in the form of a “blind caravan”. After the blindfolds are removed, exclamations of “Wow, awesome and amazing” can be heard across the bench. The remaining distance is covered without a blindfold and thus with all senses. Then comes the reflection. Luka’s conclusion: “It was really chilling!”.
After a short hike up the valley comes the most important point of the day: snack time. After refreshment, we take a closer look at the Wimbach's aquatic animals. Small animals are collected diligently. Caddisfly and stonefly larvae are abundant. The collected animals are proudly presented, discussed and then carefully released again. Each animal now has its own name and some students find it very difficult to separate them.
Another five minutes walk separates us from our next destination: Wimbachgries. Here we take a closer look at the formation of the gorge, geology and the water cycle. Finally, stone towers are built. Afterwards we quickly go back to the bus because the time has flown by faster than expected. When we arrive at the parking lot, we reflect on the day again and say goodbye with a “Hello”.
Insight of the day: Being an organic nerd isn't so bad! ☺“Raphael Böhm, environmental intern 2016 in the Berchtesgaden National Park
Get out of everyday university life
Get involved with nature and gain exciting insights into environmental education and public relations: Over the past 26 years, more than 1,500 students have taken advantage of the opportunities offered by the Commerzbank environmental internship. For many, this is a crucial step for their future career choice.
The award-winning project was launched in 1990 in the Bavarian Forest National Park. 13 national parks, 6 nature parks and 6 biosphere reserves are now partners in the initiative. Commerzbank's long-standing cooperation with German protected areas proves that ecology and economy can successfully go hand in hand.
Next year, up to 70 nature-loving students from all disciplines from Germany and the EU will be able to complete a Commerzbank environmental internship.
Interested?
Registration for the Commerzbank Environmental Internship 2017 is now starting. Applications are now possible online at www.umweltpraktikum.com . The application modalities and all job profiles are also stored here in detail. The application deadline ends on January 15, 2017.
How about an open-air semester? The Commerzbank environmental internship for students makes it possible. Raphael talks about his experiences.
