As an Afghan female student, I see international education as something very meaningful and valuable. Coming from a background where many girls and women have faced challenges in accessing education, I do not take these opportunities for granted. For me, traveling for education is not only about personal growth, but also about learning how to become a more responsible and globally aware person.
When I think about sustainability, I think about being mindful of the choices we make every day. During my international placement, I hope to make small but intentional decisions that reduce my environmental impact. I plan to use public transportation as much as possible, walk when I can, avoid unnecessary waste, and be more conscious about what I consume. Growing up, I learned the importance of appreciating resources and not wasting things, and that mindset continues to shape how I live today.
I also believe sustainable travel means respecting local communities, cultures, and environments. I want to learn from the people around me, support local businesses when possible, and approach new places with curiosity and respect rather than just seeing them as tourist destinations.
This experience also connects to several UN Sustainable Development Goals that are important to me, especially Quality Education, Gender Equality, Responsible Consumption, and Climate Action. As someone whose life has been shaped by change, migration, and resilience, I understand how connected people and communities are across the world. I hope this opportunity will help me grow not only academically, but also as someone who thinks more carefully about how to contribute positively to both people and the environment.
