To study across three continents in a single year means crossing oceans, and the environmental cost of a long-haul flight is unavoidable. As a surveying student, I see an international exchange as more than just a vacation. It’s about how I can make the most of my global experience while using fewer resources. I have found that the key is to pack light, move slowly, and connect with the local circular economy as soon as the plane lands.
The typical exchange student often arrives in a new country, buys cheap, disposable items from big-box stores, and then tosses them away four months later. When I started my exchange at National Taiwan University, I was determined to break that pattern. Instead of buying new, I sourced everything I needed for my semester in Taipei from the local circular economy. I used Facebook Marketplace and Carousell for daily necessities. I appreciated the benefit of saving money while being mindful of the planet. For example, by joining a local community group called ‘Buy and Sell Shareholder Gifts,’ I found everyday items like hand soap for just £0.50. To get around, I relied solely on share bikes and a public transit pass.
When I moved to Canada for my Mitacs research internship at Western University, I applied the same approach in London, Ontario. I bought a second-hand bike on Facebook Marketplace to commute to campus, searched local Goodwill stores for clothes and dishes, and used community networks like Xiaohongshu to buy second-hand items from peers. When it’s time to leave, I will resell these items at a lower price or donate them to local thrift stores, giving them a new life.
This philosophy influences how I live and travel. Before my exchange at Cardiff University in September, I am taking a month-long overland journey through Europe. I am making this trip with just a single backpack. Traveling light changes the environmental impact. A lighter load reduces flight emissions, but it also requires intentional choices.
To cut down the carbon cost of exploring Europe, I have limited my air travel to just three necessary flights. Most of my journey will rely on existing rails and buses. Additionally, I approach accommodation as a part of my travel plan: by carefully choosing central hostels and Airbnbs near cultural and historical sites, I eliminate the need for daily commuting.
True sustainability in global education means changing our habits. It involves accepting the upfront cost of a flight, but also committing to live, commute, and explore like a local once you arrive. When I get to Wales this autumn, I won’t be buying new dorm supplies, as I have already found second-hand essentials. Having experienced these three unique international situations, I have seen how much waste is often created when moving to a new country, and I am dedicated to avoiding it. I will take my second-hand, ground-transit, lightweight approach with me to show that a global perspective doesn’t have to harm the earth.
