There’s something exhilarating about preparing to step onto a plane knowing your life is about to shift—new city, new culture, new perspectives. To soon be trading the grey skies of Scotland for the towering skyline of Hong Kong. A dream to travel that many have carried for years—but it comes with questions that can’t be ignored.
What does it mean to cross the world for education in a time when the planet is under pressure? How do we reconcile our wanderlust with our responsibility?
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword tucked into government policies—it’s a mindset I carry in my suitcase. As I plan for this journey, I find myself thinking beyond textbooks and timetables. I think about how I’ll move through a city of seven million without adding to its burden. I think about the meals I’ll eat, the waste I’ll produce, the small choices that shape a bigger picture.
That’s why I’ve committed to simple, intentional steps: lead, local, mindful [1]. Hong Kong has an extensive MTR system, one which I’ll utilise to its full potential as a sustainable stream of public transport to lead the exploration of my new home [2]. Local produce in markets should be of top priority not only for its fewer emissions – it’s fresh, it supports local economies and my soon-to-be neighbours livelihood [3]. Lastly, I will practice being mindful. Mindful of the activities I partake in, the people I engage with and the values I encourage [4]. Lead by example and have faith that others will follow.
I don’t have all the answers, but I believe awareness is where action begins. I want to arrive not as a visitor who takes, but as a student who learns—with humility, with curiosity, and with care for the world I move through. And when I return home, I hope to bring more than souvenirs—I want to bring stories, solutions, and a renewed sense of purpose.
[1]www.gov.hk/en/residents/environment/sustainable/greening/greening.htm#:~:text=The%20Government%20would%20also%20encourage,sector%20involvement%2C%20and%20tree%20preservation.
[2] www.mtr.com.hk/sustainability/en/
[3] www.villageinsurancedirect.com/living-sustainably-in-hong-kong-tips-for-the-eco-conscious-expat/
[4] www.cityu.edu.hk/media/press-release/2024/12/10/cityuhk-promotes-sustainability-initiatives-better-future-achieving-notable-performance-qs-world-university-rankings-sustainability-2025
