Travel is one of the greatest blessings many young students have the opportunity to experience, but it also comes with great responsibilties. Not only does it expand perspective, but it increases carbon footprints and pressures local ecosystems. Globalisation connects the world but also impacts the environment far more than we realise. We need to take a step back and do our part in ensuring sustainable day-to-day practices.
My year abroad will be taking place in Brazil, which is widely recognised as the most biodiverse nation in the world. They are aiming to become a global sustainability leader by 2030 and are targeting zero illegal deforestation. The country has a big inequality issue which limits access to sustainable resources, putting immense pressure on ecosystems. This links directly to my course as I study International Business and we tackle sustainable supply chains and I often compare the UK to other countries across the globe in sustainability practices. I am genuinely interested in how businesses in Brazi approach sustainable practices with these constraints. I believe my year there will allow me to develop a more nuanced, global perspective on sustainability and with hopes to potentially live there in the future.
I already walk a lot in the UK and I doubt that will change during my time abroad. I want to limit public transportation only to essential circumstances. I currently walk over 10,000 steps everyday so I do not mind walking long distances as it also allows me to recognise the surrounding area at a faster pace, therefore relating to the Climate Action SDG. I also plan to eat more locally sourced food and really connect with the culture, being mindful of food waste and holding myself accountable for mistakes. This links to the Responsible Consumption and Production SDG and I aim to maintain my healthy eating habits, recycling at every opportunity and disregarding fast-food chains.
I also have plans to record my experience in Brazil, vlogging my experience and bringing up sustainable habits on camera, hopefully making its way back into the UK. I have been to Brazil before for a month in 2024 as my auntie is Brazilian and I experienced the culture and the environmental position, therefore I feel as though I have a better understanding than others on the measures I need to take to promote eco-friendly travel.
In conclusion, my year abroad in Brazil represents more than an academic opportunity; it is a chance to develop a responsible approach to travel. I already have ties and an emotional attachment to this destination and thus I want to actively contribute to my surrounding environment. By aligning my actions with the sustainable development goals, I aim to learn from the ecological context and apply my education when I return to the UK. This experience will not only shape my understanding of International Business, but also influence how I engage with future opportunities. Ultimately I hope to carry these values forward, contributing to a more sustainable approach to global mobility.
