Whenever overseas exchange programmes are mentioned, magnificent landmarks, delectable cuisines and a camera roll full of memories are often what comes to mind. Yet during my semester at Universidad Nebrija in Madrid between February and June 2026, I discovered that the most meaningful journey was not only about where I travelled, but also how responsibly I chose to travel.
As a student who had spent three semesters studying International Relations at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, discussing global challenges in lectures was the core of my academic life. However, moving from Norwich to Madrid made sustainability personal. Global citizenship, I realised, is not just about understanding international agreements; it also demands active changes in daily behaviour to support collective sustainability efforts (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).
Norwich taught me that sustainable travel is not always easy. With the bus fare rising to £3 per ride and train tickets fluctuating unpredictably, choosing greener transport often imposes financial challenges for students. I therefore walked whenever possible, discovering quiet streets and corners I might have missed from a bus window. Sustainability, I learnt, can begin simply by slowing down and navigating through cities by foot.
But Madrid offered an eye-opening experience. My abono joven (youth subscription) pass cost only €10 per month yet offered unlimited access to buses, the Metro, Cercanías trains and regional transport across all zones (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities). It felt like a golden ticket to museums, historic towns and mountain trails. Because Madrid’s public transport was affordable, extensive and supported by cleaner-energy buses, low-carbon travel became both responsible and hassle-free (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 13: Climate Action).
The pass also enabled deeper explorations beyond the city without taxis or private cars. I visited neighbouring towns and natural areas around Madrid, including hiking routes where I enjoyed a panoramic view of the city. In these spaces, I abided by the “Leave No Trace” principles: staying on marked paths, avoiding litter and respecting local ecosystems (SDG 15: Life on Land).
My habits simultaneously changed progressively. Madrid’s public drinking fountains made it easy to refill my reusable bottle, reducing unnecessary plastic waste. I also conserved water, supported local cafés, and placed extra caution about what I purchased (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).
Studying Relaciones Internacionales in Nebrija also connected sustainability with justice. In my International Human Rights Regime course, I learnt how legal conventions like CEDAW and the ICCPR, alongside institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the Human Rights Committee, can help protect women, ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged groups. This reminded me that a sustainable world must also be peaceful, rights-based and institutionally accountable (SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Overall, my overseas placement taught me that travel and sustainability are deeply interconnected. It can be a vehicle for shared responsibility—one metro ride, one refill, one legal principle and one thoughtful decision at a time—contributing to a better living environment for all.
Relevant photos:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17SsboTkOK_Fsao493-U9N9dE_jYPscSr/view?usp=sharing
