Travel has the power to change a person’s life. It teaches us to see beyond our own routines, to understand different cultures, and to return home with a wider sense of responsibility. However, I also recognise that international travel has an environmental cost. For my semester abroad, I want my journey to be more than an academic opportunity; I want it to reflect the kind of future I believe in: one where education, global exchange and sustainability work together.
To make my placement as sustainable as possible, I intend to begin with the choices I can control. I will pack lightly and responsibly, taking reusable items such as a water bottle, shopping bag, cutlery and containers to reduce single-use plastics. I will avoid unnecessary purchases and support local, ethical businesses where possible, especially those that prioritise low-waste products and sustainable practices. Small habits, repeated daily, can become meaningful action.
Transport will be one of my biggest considerations. While flying may be unavoidable for the main journey, I will reduce my impact once abroad by using public transport, walking, cycling and shared travel rather than relying on taxis or private cars. I will also explore nearby destinations slowly and thoughtfully instead of taking frequent short flights. To me, sustainable travel is not about seeing the most places; it is about understanding places properly and leaving them respected.
My approach aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. As a student of Geography and Urban Planning, I am especially interested in how cities manage transport, housing, green space and waste. During my placement, I hope to learn from the local environment around me and reflect on how sustainable planning can shape cleaner, healthier communities.
I also believe sustainability has a social dimension. Respecting local cultures, learning basic language skills, following community norms and avoiding exploitative tourism are all part of responsible travel. I want to be a visitor who listens before judging, contributes rather than consumes, and represents my university with care.
This scholarship would help me make choices that are not only cheaper, but better: choosing sustainable transport, supporting local services and participating fully in the educational experience without relying on the most convenient but least eco-friendly options. My goal is to return from my semester abroad not only with new knowledge, but with stronger values and practical habits I can carry into my future career.
For me, sustainable travel means recognising that the world is not just a destination. It is a shared home. My responsibility is to travel through it with curiosity, gratitude and care.
