Hi, my name is Aliyah, and I am currently a Year 2 undergraduate Psychology student at Glasgow Caledonian University. I have been accepted to study abroad at the University of Massachusetts Boston for Trimester A of Year 3. Studying abroad is something I have wanted to do for a long time, because I want to experience living somewhere different and challenge myself outside my comfort zone.
Before applying for this scholarship, I honestly did not think deeply about how studying abroad and sustainability connect with each other. I knew travelling internationally has an environmental impact, but researching this application made me reflect more on the choices we make while travelling and how small decisions can make a difference over time. For me, sustainable travel is not about avoiding opportunities like studying abroad, but about being more conscious and responsible during the experience.
As a psychology student, I am interested in how people’s behaviour and attitudes influence wider issues in society, including climate action and sustainability. I think studying abroad gives students the chance to learn in a way that goes beyond the classroom. Experiencing another culture and environment can change how you see the world.
Although flying to Boston is unavoidable, I plan to make more environmentally conscious choices throughout my placement. One of the reasons I was drawn to Boston is that it is a walkable city with strong public transport links. Instead of relying on cars or taxis, I plan to mainly use the subway and buses and walk whenever possible. I also hope to live close enough to campus to avoid unnecessary travel during the semester. These are small but realistic ways I can support ideas behind the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly around sustainable cities and climate action.
I also want to continue small habits I already practise in my everyday life, such as using reusable water bottles and bags, reducing waste where possible, and being more mindful about purchases. I have done some research to plan how I can continue these habits, and during my time abroad, I aim to use apps such as the MBTA app (public transport) and Too Good to Go (reduces food waste) to help me travel more sustainably and reduce food waste. I know these are small actions, but I believe sustainability is most meaningful when it becomes part of everyday life.
I also think travelling becomes more meaningful when you take the time to properly experience a place rather than just passing through it. During my exchange, I hope to support local businesses, spend more time exploring the city on foot, and become part of the local community instead of treating the experience like a holiday.
Receiving this scholarship would mean a lot to me, not only financially, but personally as well. It would allow me to fully embrace this experience, grow in confidence and independence, and return home with a wider perspective that I can carry into both my future career and everyday life.
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
https://www.mbta.com
https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us
https://citymapper.com/boston
