As I prepare for my year abroad in Osaka from September 2025 to September 2026, I’ve been reflecting on the impact of international travel both on my personal growth, and on the planet. Travel is a privilege, and with that comes a level of responsibility. I want my experience in Japan to be more than a cultural exchange; I want it to be a model of how international placements can align with sustainability goals and contribute to a cleaner, more mindful world.
Osaka offers many opportunities to live in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Public transport is both efficient and extensive, and I plan to rely exclusively on trains, walking, and cycling for local travel. I’ve been researching local bike-sharing programs and reusable IC cards to reduce my environmental footprint from the start. For longer-distance travel within Japan, I’ll again prioritise the use of trains and buses over domestic flights.
In terms of daily life, I already avoid single-use plastics and intend to continue this habit abroad. Japan’s convenience culture can make this challenging with its individually packaged goods and plastic-wrapped produce, but I plan to shop at local markets where I can, allowing me to bring my own containers and bags. Cooking at home using locally sourced ingredients not only aligns with sustainable consumption but should also immerse me more deeply in Japanese culture.
I’m also conscious of the carbon cost of the international flight to Japan. While I recognise that flying has a significant environmental impact, I’ve been researching carbon offset programs that invest in renewable energy or reforestation projects. Though offsetting is not a perfect solution, its a small step toward acknowledging and mitigating the damage.
In line with SDG 12, I aim to adopt a ‘borrow-don’t-buy’ mindset. Many short-term exchange students purchase new items they’ll leave behind, contributing to waste. Instead, I plan to connect with local communities, second-hand shops, and student networks to rent or share those items. Similarly, when I leave, I’ll donate anything I can’t take home.
Finally, I hope to engage with local sustainability initiatives during my stay, be it through university programs, city clean-up events, or workshops focused on environmental awareness. To me, this isn’t just about reducing my own impact, but contributing to a broader culture of sustainability while abroad.
Personally, I don’t see sustainability as a box to tick, but a mindset. My year in Osaka is a chance to live out that mindset every day. By planning consciously, consuming responsibly, and travelling thoughtfully, I intend to make this incredible opportunity one that respects not just my host country, but the shared planet we all call home.
