When we think about travelling, the first thing we imagine is something like discovering new places, cultures, experiences or even people. For me, travelling is not only about discovering new places; it is also about taking responsibility.
As a Biology student I have learned many things during my degree, but for me the most important one is that nothing in nature exists in isolation. During my studies, I realised that biodiversity is more fragile than I had imagined, and that even the smallest human actions can have consequences for entire ecosystems. For example, if we think about a forest, we imagine trees, but forests are much more than groups of trees; they regulate the climate. Moreover, a river does not just carry water; it can support complex ecosystems. That is why I believe that travelling is never just about moving from one place to another.
In this context, I believe that my international exchange at Keele University can be an opportunity not only to learn academically, but also to become more environmentally conscious. I have learned that small changes in human behaviour can have significant effects on ecosystems. This perspective has led me to ask myself a simple but important question: “How can I make my trip responsible?”
Before travelling there are also some important things I am going to do. Firstly, it is my intention to make thoughtful choices about what I take with me, because I want to avoid packing unnecessary items that I may never use. During my stay in Keele, I will use public transport or even walk whenever possible. Moreover, I will use a reusable water bottle and a reusable shopping bag to minimise plastic waste. Finally, I will try to reduce food waste by planning my meals for the week and buying only what I need.
These everyday choices also contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For example, by reducing waste and consuming more responsibly, I will contribute to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By adopting sustainable daily habits, I will support SDG 13: Climate Action, as well as when using lower-carbon forms of transport. Finally, as a biology student, I want to mention SDG 15: Life on Land because I am passionate about biology and conservation.
However, one of the reasons I am especially excited about Keele University is its beautiful natural campus, which will remind me every day why protecting the environment is so important. While I am there, I hope to take part in environmental initiatives on campus and exchange ideas with students from different countries.
When I return home, I do not want to remember my Erasmus only by the places I visited or the photographs I took. I want to remember it as the experience that made me a more responsible scientist. If every student abroad returned with the same point of view, international education would have an enormous impact, and everyone would contribute to a more sustainable future.
