I think studying abroad is a great opportunity for me to learn new things, experience different cultures, and grow as a global citizen. However, I know that international travel, especially flying, releases carbon emissions and damages our environment. Although I will inevitably contribute to environmental pollution by flying to the UK, I will gain deeper knowledge and experiences that will more than compensate for this ecological footprint. My exchange programme at Northumbria University is a perfect chance for me to study international sociology, experience global environmental issues firsthand, and turn this environmental cost into a valuable foundation to contribute to our future world.
While I cannot avoid the long flight, I will reduce my environmental impact once I arrive through everyday actions. During my stay, I will use public transport, walk, and ride a bicycle instead of using cars. When I travel within the UK, I will choose trains or buses instead of domestic flights. To reduce single-use plastics, I will always carry a reusable water bottle, cup, and food container. I also plan to buy second-hand textbooks and support local shops by buying seasonal ingredients. These choices directly support SDG 12 .
As a student of international sociology, I believe that environmental issues and social responsibility are closely connected. Sociology teaches us how human behavior and social structures shape our world. Therefore, my actual contribution starts in the local community. I want to actively join sustainability events, volunteer activities, and discussions at the university to study how British society and local communities organize themselves to tackle climate change. I also want to share Japanese community-based recycling habits, creating a mutual learning experience that supports SDG 17 .
By studying these social systems in the UK, I will gain practical ideas on how to build sustainable societies. When I return to Japan, I want to continue researching global environmental issues from a sociological perspective and write deeper academic papers. My goal is to apply this knowledge to my future career and help design community projects that encourage people to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. If I am chosen for the BUTEX Scholarship, my time at Northumbria University will not just be a short study abroad trip. It will be the start of my lifelong academic and professional commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable society for future generations.
