Embarking on a study abroad journey is an incredible opportunity for personal growth, academic enrichment, and gaining a truly global perspective. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in new cultures, learn a new language, and see the world through a different lens.
But what if your adventure could be even more impactful? What if you could explore the world while also contributing positively to the planet and its people?
This webpage is your guide to doing just that. We believe that every study abroad experience has the potential to be a force for good. Here, you’ll discover how to integrate sustainable practices into every step of your international adventure – from choosing your program to your daily life abroad, and even after you return home.
Environmental Impact: Minimizing Your Footprint – Every journey, especially international travel, leaves an environmental footprint. By choosing to study abroad sustainably, you actively work to reduce this impact.
Social Responsibility: Engaging Ethically with Communities – Sustainable study abroad extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass how you interact with the people and cultures you encounter.
Economic Impact: Supporting Local Economies Responsibly – Your spending habits abroad can have a direct influence on the local economy. Sustainable choices ensure your money benefits the community you’re visiting.
Personal Growth and Skill Development: Becoming a Global Citizen – Embracing sustainability during your study abroad experience offers profound benefits for your personal development, like enhanced global citizenship, critical thinking/problem-solving, and increased awareness and advocacy.
Lightweight & Multi-purpose Items: Encourage minimalist packing to reduce luggage weight and emissions.
Reusable Items: Water bottles, coffee cups, shopping bags, utensils.
Reduce Carbon Emissions: Air travel is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable choices involve considering direct flights, opting for trains or buses when possible, and exploring carbon offsetting programs (though it’s important to research their effectiveness). When in your host city, consider walking, cycling, and using public transit.
Conserve Resources: From the water you use to the electricity in your accommodation, your daily habits abroad can have a noticeable effect. Sustainable practices encourage mindful consumption, such as taking shorter showers, turning off lights, and unplugging electronics.
Minimize Waste: Different countries have varying waste management systems. Learning to reduce, reuse, and recycle effectively in your host country, and avoiding single-use plastics, helps prevent pollution and supports local environmental efforts.
Engage Ethically: Be mindful of how your presence impacts local communities. This includes avoiding activities that exploit people or animals, such as certain forms of “voluntourism” that might do more harm than good, or supporting businesses that engage in unfair labor practices.
Support Local Businesses: Prioritize buying from local markets, family-owned restaurants, and independent shops rather than large international chains. This helps keep money within the community and supports local livelihoods.
Source Fair Trade and Ethical Products: When purchasing souvenirs or goods, look for products that are locally made and ethically sourced, ensuring that artisans and producers receive fair compensation for their work.
Selecting a study abroad program that aligns with your commitment to environmental and social responsibility is a powerful way to live your values while gaining invaluable international experience.
To help you make an informed choice, the Center for Global Education has curated a list of programs and destinations where the coursework and program focuses on sustainability:
Interested in selecting a study abroad program not on this list? Here are things to keep in mind:
Questions to Ask Programs: Inquire about their sustainability policies, partnerships with local organizations, responsible tourism practices, and community engagement.
Accreditation & Certifications: Request details on any relevant certifications for sustainable tourism or education.
