Travel gives people the opportunity to experience new cultures, build meaningful connections, and develop skills that shape future ambitions. At the same time, travelling also comes with responsibilities. The choices people make while travelling affect the environment, local communities, and future generations. Sustainability is often associated with large projects and global policies, but I believe change also begins with small actions and everyday decisions. As I prepare for my one-month internship in Shanghai through Absolute Internship, I want my international experience to reflect responsible choices and a commitment to creating a positive impact.
I chose Shanghai because it is a city with a lot to offer and one that I find beautiful and inspiring. It combines culture, history, innovation, and global business opportunities in a way that creates an environment full of learning experiences. During my placement, I will complete an internship in the business field, which will allow me to develop professional skills while adapting to a different environment. I see this experience as more than an opportunity to gain work experience. I see it as a chance to grow personally and learn from a different culture.
As someone who enjoys learning new skills, especially learning languages, I believe international experiences create opportunities to become more open minded and adaptable. Learning from people with different backgrounds helps build communication skills and creates a greater understanding of the world around us. I want to use this opportunity to challenge myself and step outside my comfort zone while developing skills that will help me in my future studies and career.
During my placement, I plan to make sustainable choices that reduce my environmental impact. One of the main actions I will take is using public transport such as the metro and buses instead of relying on taxis whenever possible. Public transport helps reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions, making it a more environmentally responsible option. Shanghai has a large transport system, and using it will also help me experience the city from a local perspective.
I also plan to walk more when travelling shorter distances because walking creates no emissions and allows people to connect more closely with their surroundings. Alongside this, I plan to use reusable shopping bags and support local businesses by buying local food where possible. Supporting local businesses helps strengthen communities and reduces environmental impacts linked to transporting products over long distances.
These choices align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 13, Climate Action. This experience is not only about what I gain during my time abroad but also what I bring back with me. I want to return to the UK with stronger skills, work experience, new ideas, and sustainable habits that continue influencing my future decisions and everyday life.
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2025) Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Available at: UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Accessed: 4 July 2026). (Sustainable Development Goals)
