A year ago, I associated sustainable travel with small personal choices: reusable bottles, public transport and reducing waste where possible. Then I spent part of last summer in Amsterdam on a Global Sustainability Experience with Pagoda Projects, and my perspective changed entirely. Cycling through a city designed around sustainability rather than convenience, I realised that environmental responsibility is not only shaped by individuals, but by the way societies, businesses and entire cities are built. It made sustainability feel less like a slogan and more like a lifestyle.
That experience sparked my interest in understanding how different countries approach sustainability, particularly through business and economic development. Now, as a Business Management student on the Accounting and Finance pathway at the University of Liverpool preparing to study abroad at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Chile, I am excited to continue exploring these ideas from a completely different global perspective.
Chile particularly fascinates me because it sits at the intersection of economic growth and environmental responsibility. As one of the world’s leading producers of lithium, a resource central to electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technology, Chile plays an increasingly important role in the global transition towards a more sustainable future. Studying in a country so closely connected to renewable energy and sustainable development will allow me to see how environmental challenges influence not only governments and communities, but also international business, investment and finance.
My host university’s strong commitment to sustainability and innovation makes this opportunity even more meaningful. I hope to gain insight into how sustainability is integrated into education, urban life and business culture in Chile, while also comparing these approaches with experiences from both the UK and the Netherlands. I believe this strongly connects to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Climate Action, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.
To ensure my placement is as sustainable as possible, I intend to rely heavily on public transport, walk whenever practical, minimise unnecessary consumption and support local businesses throughout my year abroad. I also hope to share my experiences with other students to encourage more thoughtful and environmentally conscious approaches to international travel. While travelling abroad inevitably creates an environmental impact, I believe sustainability also depends on the responsibility we show once we arrive.
For me, studying abroad is not simply about travelling to another country. It is about understanding how global challenges, cultures and industries connect. Amsterdam showed me how sustainability can shape a city. Chile will allow me to explore how it can shape economies, industries and the future of international business itself.
Resources:
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
https://pagodaprojects.com
https://www.uai.cl
