There’s something transformative about watching the sunrise in a new city, whether it’s over the cobbled alleys of Palma de Mallorca or the shaded banks of the Manzanares in Madrid. These are moments that make you pause and remember that travel, at its best, is both a privilege and a responsibility.
As a student currently studying abroad through USC’s Maymester program in Spain and Italy, and soon heading to the University of Manchester this fall, I’ve become increasingly aware of the environmental cost of mobility. From flights to food, our footprints stretch far beyond the photos we bring home. And yet, I believe we can travel consciously, choosing to learn not just from the world, but for it.
To reduce my environmental impact, I’ve taken small but intentional steps: traveling by train between cities when possible, carrying a reusable water bottle and tote bag, and choosing locally sourced meals over imported goods. During our time in Madrid, our class walked or used public transit daily, even in the June heat, to explore sustainability efforts like Madrid Río and CartujaQanat, projects that prioritize green infrastructure and equitable access to urban space. These field experiences not only deepened my academic understanding but also reinforced the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action.
I’ve also become more mindful about the story my money tells when I spend it. Supporting businesses that prioritize fair labor and environmental standards, like local shops over fast fashion chains, is another way I try to align my values with my actions abroad.
But sustainability isn’t just about behavior, it’s also about mindset. Travel has taught me that environmental justice looks different in every place, but that empathy and collaboration are always central. In Seville, I learned about cooling strategies using natural aqueducts. In Palma, I saw firsthand how coastal tourism pressures fragile ecosystems. These lessons challenge me to keep asking: How can I contribute, not just consume?
Looking ahead to Manchester, I plan to continue advocating for eco-conscious choices through student organizations and research projects. I hope to explore how cities can integrate green space into urban planning, just as Madrid has done, and share these lessons back home in Los Angeles, another city battling sprawl, pollution, and heat islands.
In short, I’m not just studying abroad to gain new perspectives. I’m also here to sharpen my sense of stewardship, because the future of travel must not only connect cultures, but also protect the planet that makes those connections possible.
