International traveling is an exciting privilege for most people, including me! It expands our knowledge of the world by opening our eyes to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. Accompanying it is the responsibility to ensure the eye-opening experiences do not cost Mother Earth or get threatened by climate change. I believe, as educated and responsible global citizens, exploring the world and protecting it can go hand in hand, and planning is crucial to make intentional, informed, and conscious choices that make it happen.
For Fall 2026, I will be studying abroad at Lancaster University in England. To promote eco-friendly travel, align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, and contribute to a cleaner environment to ensure my international placement is as sustainable as possible, I intend to choose cleaner transportation options (SDG 13: Climate Action), reduce utility and material consumption (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption), support local businesses and communities (SDG 2: Promote Sustainable Agriculture & 12: Responsible Consumption), limit waste (SDG 14: Life Below Water & 15: Life On Land), connect with the local area respectfully (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities), engage in ethical attractions (SDG 8: Decent Work), and share sustainability advice with others (SDG 17: Global Partnership). I will purchase direct flights to minimize fuel consumption and purchase verified carbon offsets to neutralize the unavoidable carbon footprint. After arrival, I will stay in Lancaster University’s dormitory. Lancaster University leads in renewable energy production within the UK higher education sector and is committed to campus-wide conservation efforts to achieve carbon net-zero for electricity and heating emissions by 2030 and for all emission scopes by 2035. I will utilize public transit, bike, and walk to further curtail my emissions and get more authentic local experiences! I will also take short showers, reduce/reuse/recycle items, and unplug outlets when not in use to conserve energy and resources. I will support local businesses and agricultural communities that sustain the region. I will refuse single-use plastics and bring reusable items, including a water bottle and bags, to reduce waste that pollutes marine and land ecosystems. As a guest, respect for the host country promotes sustainability. I seek to connect with the local area to make authentic exchanges through community experiences that benefit everyone involved. I will avoid exploitative low-welfare animal activities, including loud zoo events and animal performances. I will share sustainability advice with friends, classmates, and others to spread awareness and action. When I return to Binghamton University and fulfill my volunteer duties at the International Education and Global Initiatives Department, I will inspire prospective and confirmed study abroad applicants to embrace responsible travel!
All this planning does not make me a perfect traveler; however, it does make me a purposeful one. Each measure taken is a small victory that will compound into a meaningful impact for sustainability. I am very excited and privileged for my international placement and will honor it by traveling thoughtfully, engaging authentically, and contributing positively to every place I visit, whether that be environmentally, economically, or socially.
