Travelling abroad offers more than the opportunity to discover a new country; it also provides the chance to reflect on what we can learn and discover while abroad. Experiencing the recent heatwaves across Europe, particularly in the UK, reinforced the reality of climate change and reminded me that sustainable travel is no longer simply a personal choice but a shared responsibility. Throughout my placement at the University of Mannheim, I made a conscious effort to reduce my environmental impact while embracing the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in Germany was studying alongside students from across the world. Meeting people from countries including Australia, India and France showed me how education can bring together diverse perspectives to tackle shared global challenges. This experience reflected UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, demonstrating that learning extends far beyond the classroom and that international collaboration is essential in creating a more sustainable future.
Living in Mannheim also encouraged me to adopt more environmentally conscious habits. The city’s vibrant vegetarian and vegan food culture inspired me to eat far more plant-based meals than I normally would. Combined with the warm weather, fresh salads and vegetable-based dishes became both enjoyable and practical. This experience changed my perception of sustainable eating, proving that environmentally friendly choices can also be healthy, affordable and satisfying. Since returning home, I have continued incorporating more salads while chilling in the sun.
Sustainable travel was perhaps the easiest change to embrace. Germany’s
Deutschlandticket provided unlimited travel by bus, tram and regional train, allowing me to explore destinations including Stuttgart and Frankfurt without relying on private cars or taxis. Throughout my stay, I travelled exclusively by public transport. Not only did this reduce my environmental impact, but it was also convenient, reliable and affordable, demonstrating that sustainable travel can often be the best option when supported by good infrastructure.
I was equally impressed by Germany’s commitment to recycling. The wide range of recycling bins made separating waste a normal part of everyday life, while the bottle deposit scheme encouraged people to return plastic bottles for reuse by offering a small refund. Recycling my bottles before leaving was surprisingly satisfying and highlighted how simple incentives can encourage environmentally responsible behaviour. These initiatives have inspired me to be more mindful of recycling and reducing waste in my daily life.
My Summer School showed me that sustainability is not achieved through one significant action but through many small, consistent choices. Whether choosing public transport, reducing waste or adopting a more plant-based diet, each decision contributes towards the wider ambitions of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This experience has changed the way I think about travelling, and in future I intend to continue making environmentally conscious choices next time I travel abroad and how I can use my new found experience to be more sustainable when I am next adventuring into new lands.
