Sustainability and study abroad

Why sustainable study abroad matters

Every choice we make, from how we travel to what we eat, has an impact. When you're living in a new country, these impacts can be even more pronounced. Embracing sustainability during your time spent abroad means reducing your carbon footprint as much as possible. Travel, especially long-haul flights, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. You can offset this by making sustainable choices in other areas of your life abroad, such as:

• Supporting local economies: By choosing local businesses and products, you can help the economic well-being of your host community.
• Conserving resources: Being mindful of your energy and water consumption helps preserve precious resources in your new home.
• Respecting local culture and environment: Sustainable practices often go hand-in-hand with respecting the natural envronment and cultural norms of your host country.
• Becoming a global citizen: Practicing sustainability abroad helps you develop a deeper understanding of global challenges and fosters a sense of responsibility towards our shared planet.

Sustainability and study abroad

Making your study abroad year sustainable doesn't mean sacrificing fun or convenience. It simply means making thoughtful choices that benefit both you and your new community.

Choosing where to study abroad

Choosing where to go can be difficult and if you’re looking for a country that is considered sustainable and has good sustainability initiatives, we’d recommend that you do your research! This article can be a good starting point. Each university also has a sustainability QS ranking and you can compare the universities open to you on this webpage.

General tips for a sustainable year abroad

Here are some practical ways you can make your study abroad year more sustainable:

Travel and transportation

• Choose direct flights: If possible, opt for direct flights to reduce fuel consumption.
• Pack light: Lighter luggage means less fuel needed for transport.
• Embrace public transport: Buses, trains, and trams are often the most eco-friendly ways to get around your host city and explore surrounding areas. They also offer a great way to experience local life!
• Walk or cycle: For shorter distances, walking and cycling are excellent, healthy, and zero-emission options.
• Seek out car sharing opportunities: If the place that you will be living in doesn’t have a good public transport infrastructure or walkable city, then car sharing (either with friends or via a third party service).
• Try extending your trips in the vacation periods: Instead of flying out two weekends in a row to a similar area, try to do a longer period of travel which enables you to visit both locations over the duration of your trip. Also be aware of sustainable tourism accommodation options.

Accommodation and utilities

• Be mindful of energy use: Turn off lights and electronics when you leave a room, unplug chargers, and use natural light whenever possible.
• Conserve water: Take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and report any leaks.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: Familiarise yourself with the local recycling system and try to minimise your waste. Carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup to avoid single-use plastics.
• Use ‘swap shops’: Many universities have ‘swap shops’ where previous exchange students can leave items such as kitchen utensils that they no longer need. This can be an affordable and sustainable way of making sure you have the equipment you need and even decor to make your room feel like home.

Food and shopping

• Eat locally and seasonally: Explore local markets for fresh, seasonal produce. This supports local farmers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transport.
• Reduce food waste: Plan your meals, store food properly, and try to use up leftovers. Zero-waste apps like Olio and Too Good to Go help reduce food waste by connecting users with discounted or free surplus food from businesses.
• Reduce your intake of animal products: Animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy use a significant amount of the planet’s resources and are responsible for a great deal of carbon emissions.
• Bring your own bags: Use reusable shopping bags to avoid plastic bags.
• Shop second-hand: Explore thrift stores, charity shops and swap shops for clothes, books, and other necessities.
• Support ethical businesses: Look for products that are ethically sourced and produced, and support local artisans and businesses (for example B Corp certified or Fairtrade certified).
• Share: Whether it’s sharing food or other household essentials like washing up liquid or pots and pans, this can reduce your need to buy as many items and can also reduce food waste.

Engagement and community

• Learn the language: Even a few key phrases can help you connect more deeply with locals and understand their customs.
• Respect local customs and traditions: Be open-minded and adaptable to the cultural norms of your host country.
• Volunteer: Consider dedicating some of your time to a local environmental or social cause. This is a great way to give back and meet new people. Volunteer with local environmental groups or societies for activities like litter picking and habitat conservation. However make sure you research these opportunities as some initiatives can be considered ‘voluntourism’ and may do more harm than good.
• Share your experiences: Inspire others by sharing your sustainable choices and positive impact with friends, family, and fellow students. You can keep your study abroad experiences with you when you return home and continue the ones that work best!

Additional resources

Studying abroad

• How to act more sustainably while studying abroad
• Green Erasmus quiz

Short trips while you're abroad

• Sustainable travel tips
• How to travel better: a beginner's guide to sustainable travel
• Responsible travel tips

Incoming exchange students

• Sustainability at Sheffield