Travelling during international placement is often framed as an opportunity for self-discovery, but rarely as a responsibility. To me, sustainable travel begins with recognising that every journey leaves environmental, social and ethical footprint. Hence, as responsible traveler, I have to make deliberate choices to minimise harm while contributing positively to the communities we encounter. It is not about travelling less, but travelling with greater awareness and accountability.
My understanding of sustainability was shaped through my home university module on society, economy and environment, where I examined how rapid urbanisation and industrialisation disrupt ecological balance. Rather than approaching sustainability as an abstract idea, my team implemented a project targeting garment waste during dormitory transition periods. We collected unwanted clothing and repurposed them into practical items such as tote bags, cleaning rags and new shirts. This initiative aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, as it reduces waste and extends the lifecycle of resources. More importantly, it showed me sustainability is most effective when it is embedded in everyday habits and collective action.
As I prepare for semester exchange, I intend to apply these principles when I am abroad. Instead of contributing to textile waste abroad, I will continue to repurpose or donate clothing, adapting to local recycling systems where available. Beyond personal action, I hope to share these practices with peers, such as my roommate, encouraging small but meaningful behavioural shifts so that I can learn from and contribute to sustainability efforts within my host community.
I am equally conscious of the environmental cost of travel itself. While air travel is unavoidable, its impact can be mitigated through informed decision-making. After receiving my placement offer, I researched flight routes with lower emissions and considered alternative departure hubs. Although this requires additional time and planning, combining flights with train or bus travel where feasible supports SDG 13: Climate Action by reducing overall carbon emissions. My actions reflect my belief that convenience should not come at the expense of environmental responsibility.
However, sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to include social equity, During my semester exchange abroad, I hope to volunteer with local organisations supporting underprivileged communities so that I can contribute to efforts that address food insecurity and access to basic necessities. Apart from addressing SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger, as someone who has benefited from such community efforts, I feel a responsibility to give back to the society wherever I can.
Ultimately, sustainable travel is not defined by a single action, but by a mindset, It requires continuous reflection, adaptability, and a willingness to make less convenient but more responsible choices. Through this scholarship, i hope not only to deepen my understanding of sustainability across cultures, but also to embody it, so that my presence abroad leaves a positive, rather than extractive, impact.
