When I think about sustainable travel, I think of making careful choices before, during, and after a journey. Sustainability is not limited to large-scale environmental policies. It is also about people’s daily decisions and the habits they adopt. As I prepare for my exchange at National Chengchi University in Taiwan, I want to make sure that my experience is both academically rewarding and environmentally friendly.
I’ve developed numerous long-term habits that I intend to stick to throughout my exchange. I always have a reusable water bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles, and I bring reusable shopping bags instead of buying new ones from stores. These are minor actions, but I believe that consistent habits can have a significant impact over time.
When it came to accommodation options, I chose university dormitory housing that is close to the university. The university provides shuttle buses between the dormitories and campus, reducing the need for private transportation. I also intend to make considerable use of Taiwan’s public transport network for both daily travel and exploration of the country. Taking public transport will allow me to reduce my environmental impact while also getting a better understanding of local culture.
As a student of International Relations and Social Anthropology, I’m interested in how societies deal with common issues. Sustainability is one of the most pressing global concerns facing societies today, and I believe that studying abroad provides an opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives. Taiwan’s reputation for efficient public transportation, environmental consciousness, and community engagement makes it an excellent place to see how sustainability can be integrated into daily life.
My exchange is in line with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through learning, living, and connecting with students from other backgrounds, I want to gain a deeper understanding of sustainability while also contributing to cross-cultural exchange.
Growing up in Nigeria and then studying in the United Kingdom has given me an understanding of how different countries address social and environmental concerns. Throughout my stay in Taiwan, I intend to learn from a different perspective and consider how sustainable ideas might be applied in different contexts. I feel that sustainable travel involves more than just decreasing environmental impact. It is about studying responsibly, respecting local communities, and returning home with ideas that can help to create positive change.
I want to grow both academically and personally during my exchange at NCCU, while also ensuring that my experience represents sustainable thoughts. By making mindful decisions, using sustainable transportation, limiting waste, and interacting with global perspectives, I hope to make my time abroad as responsible and meaningful as possible.
