When I received the opportunity to study at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, my first thought was excitement. I imagined exploring a new country, meeting people from across the world, and learning in one of Asia’s leading universities. But the more I thought about it, the more I realised that every journey leaves a mark. As much as I want to make unforgettable memories, I also want to ensure that my impact on the environment is as small as possible.
As a Politics, Philosophy and Economics student, I have spent the past year exploring how governments, businesses and individuals shape the world around us. Sustainability is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a global responsibility that influences economic growth, public policy and social wellbeing. Studying abroad gives me the chance to put these ideas into practice rather than simply reading about them in textbooks.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a clear guide for how I want to approach my exchange. Goals such as Climate Action (SDG 13), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) remind me that meaningful change often comes from everyday decisions. While one student cannot solve climate change, every responsible choice contributes towards a larger collective effort.
Singapore is recognised around the world for combining innovation with sustainability. From its efficient MRT network to its green spaces and commitment to sustainable urban planning, the city demonstrates that economic success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. During my placement, I plan to make sustainability part of my daily routine rather than an occasional effort. I intend to rely on Singapore’s excellent public transport system instead of taxis, walk whenever practical, and carry reusable items to reduce unnecessary waste.
These values are not new to me. Through my time as an Activities Coordinator with Shishukunj, I helped organise fundraising events that raised over £1,000 to improve access to education in India and Kenya. That experience taught me that lasting change rarely comes from one grand gesture. Instead, it comes from people consistently choosing to make a positive difference, no matter how small the action may seem. I want to carry that same mindset with me to Singapore by contributing positively to university life and taking part in any volunteering or sustainability initiatives available.
Ultimately, studying abroad is about far more than earning academic credits. It is an opportunity to grow as a person, experience different perspectives and understand how countries tackle global challenges in their own way. I hope to return from Nanyang Technological University not only with new knowledge and lifelong friendships, but also with a deeper understanding of sustainable living and the confidence to encourage others to make responsible choices.
The greatest souvenir I hope to bring home from Singapore will not be something I can fit into my suitcase. It will be a new perspective—one that reminds me that travelling the world and protecting it should always go hand in hand.
