While studying abroad offers the opportunity to immerse ourselves in another culture, I believe it should also challenge us to engage with the world responsibly. Sustainability is not something I switch on when I travel; it shapes my everyday decisions. As a final-year medical student at the University of Glasgow, I know that healthcare contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, and I aspire to become a clinician who balances environmental stewardship with excellent patient care. For me, studying abroad is an opportunity to develop academically, but also to learn how different societies approach sustainability and bring those lessons home.
This summer I will attend a Deutsch Intensiv Kompakt course at the Goethe-Institut in Berlin. Having studied German to Advanced Higher, I wish to rebuild my language skills while learning alongside students from around the world. I was drawn to the Goethe-Institut not only for its academic excellence but because its work is guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – I want to learn in an institution whose values mirror my own.
My accommodation reflects these values too. ‘The Social Hub’ achieved B Corp Certification in 2024 and has committed to diverting all waste from landfill by 2030. Choosing accommodation with transparent sustainability commitments, rather than the cheapest option, is one way I can support organisations that prioritise environmental responsibility.
Although flying is the least sustainable part of my trip, I have sought to minimise its impact by choosing a direct flight and travelling to and from both airports by public transport. Once in Berlin, I will solely rely on walking, cycling, and the city’s extensive public transport network. Beyond reducing my own emissions, I am excited to experience firsthand Berlin’s investment in sustainable transport, green spaces, and circular waste systems.
I also intend to keep my existing habits going abroad. As a lifelong vegetarian, I will prepare my meals using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to reduce unnecessary packaging and food waste. I will recycle according to Berlin’s waste separation system and carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. These choices are modest, but together they demonstrate that sustainability is built through consistent daily decisions rather than isolated gestures.
These actions align with several SDGs, particularly Quality Education, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Good Health and Well-being, and Partnerships for the Goals. As medicine increasingly embraces planetary health, understanding how sustainability is embedded within another cultural and educational context will help shape the kind of doctor I hope to become.
When I return to Glasgow, I hope to share what I have learned and encourage my peers to consider how small, thoughtful choices can make international study more sustainable. I also plan to continue developing my German through local conversation groups, maintaining the perspectives gained during my time in Berlin. Meaningful change begins with individual decisions, strengthened through shared learning, and collaboration across borders. I truly believe this placement will help me contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future, both locally and globally.
