A backpack, a reusable water bottle, and a head full of dreams—that’s what I’m taking with me when I fly to Barcelona this September.
As an international student ,studying Criminology and Social Policy at the University of Stirling, I’ve always believed that justice goes beyond laws and policies. It’s about fairness—between people, communities, and the planet. That belief has shaped everything about how I’m preparing for my study abroad semester at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
Spain’s vibrant culture and beautiful cities like Barcelona come with challenges like tourism and urban growth. I’m really inspired by how the country is working to protect nature, encouraging green transport, and supporting local eco-friendly businesses—values that truly resonate with my own commitment to traveling responsibly.
I’m currently interning with a social value organization that supports local communities and businesses while promoting environmental awareness. This experience has opened my eyes to how small, intentional actions can create meaningful, far-reaching change .
I’m someone who’s still learning. I’m not perfect but I care deeply. And I know that how I travel, live, eat, and engage during my time abroad matters, not just to me but to the world I pass through. So I’ve come up with a simple plan I call my “Low-Carbon Postcard Project”—a promise to myself to live and travel more sustainably.
Here’s what it contains:-
Move Mindfully– I’ll choose trains and buses over short-haul flights whenever I can, and rely on bikes and public transport in Barcelona. It may take longer, but it’s more fulfilling and gives me the chance to be present in nature
Pack light, live simply – I’m bringing just the essentials:-clothes, reusable toiletries, and a few trusted tools (like my water bottle) to cut down on waste.
Eat with care – Being a vegetarian, I plan to eat mostly plant-based, buy from local markets, and use food-sharing apps like Too Good To Go to reduce food waste and discover new places at the same time.
Volunteer meaningfully– I’ve connected with WorldPackers and hope to volunteer on sustainability-focused projects while I’m abroad—urban farms, eco-hostels, anything that allows me to contribute meaningfully in Spain.
Share honestly – I’ll be documenting my experience online—not as someone who has it all figured out, but as a student figuring it out along the way. I want to show that trying matters.
All of this ties into the values of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption). But more than anything, it’s simply about doing what I can, with what I have and making it count.
Studying abroad is a privilege—but with that comes responsibility. My goal is to leave a lighter footprint, deeper roots, and a trail of ideas that others can follow.
I’m not just collecting memories this year. I’m hoping to leave something behind too: a little less waste, a little more thought, and a few new postcards written for a better world.
By,
Moesha Chhabria.
