Travel has the power to educate, connect people, and broaden perspectives, but it also carries responsibility. Every journey leaves an environmental footprint, and as students fortunate enough to study internationally, we should think not only about what we gain from travel, but how we travel responsibly. My upcoming placement at Hansung University has encouraged me to reflect on how international opportunities can align with sustainability rather than work against it.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals remind us that progress should benefit both people and the planet. In particular, Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) are especially relevant to international travel. I believe meaningful travel should not simply involve visiting a new country, but learning from it while minimising harm.
Although flying is necessary for a journey from the UK to South Korea, I intend to make more conscious choices throughout the rest of my placement. I will travel light, reducing luggage weight and therefore fuel demand associated with transport. I will use public transport such as Seoul’s extensive subway and bus systems rather than relying on taxis or unnecessary private travel. South Korea is known for its efficient transport infrastructure, making it possible to move around sustainably while also experiencing local life more authentically.
I also plan to reduce waste through everyday habits. I will carry a reusable water bottle, reusable shopping bag, and avoid single-use plastics where possible. Small actions may seem insignificant, but when repeated daily and adopted collectively, they create meaningful change. I will be mindful of energy and water use in accommodation by switching off lights, limiting wasteful consumption, and respecting shared resources.
As a Business Management student at Glasgow Caledonian University, I am particularly interested in how sustainability is embedded into modern economies and urban systems. South Korea’s innovation and environmental initiatives offer a valuable opportunity to observe how businesses and cities respond to climate challenges. I hope to bring these lessons back with me and apply them in my future career, where sustainable decision-making will only become more important. Most importantly, sustainable travel is also about attitude. It means respecting local communities, supporting local businesses, and understanding that being a visitor comes with responsibility. I hope to contribute positively during my placement by being thoughtful in my choices and open to learning better habits from another culture.
My journey from Glasgow to Seoul will be more than an academic exchange. It will be an opportunity to prove that exploration and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. If students learn to travel with purpose now, we can help create a cleaner and more connected future for everyone.
