At first, I thought that the hardest thing about studying abroad would be packing everything I owned in one suitcase. As it turned out, the hardest thing was packing my values with me too.
This summer, I’ll be at Yonsei University in Seoul, armed with a reusable water bottle, a poor sense of direction and a firm belief that I should not turn into the tourist who buys five individually wrapped snacks at 2 a.m. In between taking classes, “Design in Korea” and my internship as a Marketing and Communications intern at the International Office, I will be learning how to think sustainably.
Although travelling may seem like an exciting and thrilling experience, its carbon footprint is quite significant and goes against what the idea of climate action represents. That’s why in this case, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), become quite applicable. It is no wonder that in the case of Seoul, which is famous for rapid urbanisation as well as for the implementation of green policies, these goals acquire even greater importance.
But how do I intend to achieve greater sustainability beyond repurposing hotel slippers? I am taking a low-carbon footprint approach. The public transport system in Seoul is known for its efficiency, so instead of hiring taxis, I shall rely on the subway and buses. Walking is also an alternative mode of transportation I can choose since Google Maps seems to have failed me in the past.
Secondly, I am embracing the mantra of “refuse before reduce.” It entails refusing unnecessary plastic use, carrying personal reusable items, and patronising local businesses that emphasise sustainability. In South Korea, great achievements have been attained in recycling and reducing food waste, and I am thrilled to learn from and contribute to such measures.
Finally, my experience can be captured through my internship projects by using storytelling to encourage responsible tourism. If marketing companies can sell me things I do not need at night, then it can motivate people to travel sustainably. My internship project aligns with SDG 4 and SDG 11.
Of course, I won’t be doing this alone. Apps like Too Good To Go (to reduce food waste), HappyCow (for sustainable dining), and Jikimi (for recycling guidance in Korea) will be my digital sidekicks. And when in doubt, I’ll follow the golden rule: leave places better than I found them—or at the very least, not covered in snack wrappers.
Sustainability isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being intentional. My goal isn’t to have a zero-impact trip (unless I learn how to teleport, which seems unlikely), but to make conscious choices that align with a cleaner, more responsible future.
Because if I can survive jet lag, I can definitely survive saying no to single-use plastic.
