There’s no denying the educational benefit of traveling abroad. It can help students develop their language and communication skills, it can introduce them to new cultures, and it can make them more competitive in the job market.
Unfortunately, not everything about studying abroad is so rosy.
Studying abroad comes with a large environmental cost.
Everything from the flight to how you get around once you get there can have huge repercussions for the environment. Although studying abroad is an important aspect of the overall student experience, it shouldn’t come at the cost of our planet.
Many students feel very passionate about protecting the environment, which might mean making the choice to stay stateside. Don’t let global warming keep you from the study abroad experience of your dreams! Follow these tips to reduce your carbon footprint and you’ll feel better about your time spent overseas.
Choose a Short Program
The length of the program you choose can greatly increase your impact on the environment. It’s true that you have to take a plane either way, but it’s also true that you may find yourself contributing to the destruction of the environment the longer you stay somewhere new.
Students are more likely to go out of their way to be environmentally-friendly while they’re at home because it’s easy. You know where to go when it’s time to recycle, and you have a cupboard full of glass jars for leftovers. When studying abroad, you may throw paper away and use plastic bags because they are more convenient. Short term study abroad programs can reduce the number of choices you make out of convenience.
Offset the Impact of Your Flights
The flight is the biggest impact your trip is going to have on the environment. Unfortunately, until a better fuel or a better method of transportation is invented, it’s something that can’t be avoided if you want to study overseas.
Instead of avoiding the trip altogether, look for ways to offset the impact of your flights. That could mean making a commitment to purchasing goods and services from environmentally-conscious companies, but there is also plenty more you can do. Eating less meat, hanging your clothes outside to dry, and always using a reusable water bottle can help.
Get Around the Way the Locals Do
Other countries aren’t as fixated on the car as American’s are. That’s a good thing! The locals can show you more eco-friendly ways of getting around.
Taking the bus is a popular method of transportation in other countries, and it is better for the environment. You might discover that the city is a pedestrian-friendly place, which means you can walk everywhere you need to go, or you might decide to buy a second-hand bicycle while you’re studying abroad.
Be Mindful of Your Water Usage
Many people in the United States have become accustomed to using as much water as they want. Other countries, and even some areas of the US, aren’t so lucky.
No matter where you’re staying, you can make a big impact by being mindful of how much water you use. A few tips for reducing water consumption include:
- Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth
- Take shorter showers
- Use the proper setting on the washing machine
- Reuse water by rinsing vegetables, then using it to water plants
- Fill the sink before doing dishes instead of running the water
Give Back While You’re Abroad
Becoming a temporary member of the community is one of the many benefits of studying abroad. Volunteering is a great way to thank the community for being your home for a few short weeks or months, and the right volunteer opportunities can actually help you give back to the environment at the same time.
What you volunteer to do may be different depending on where you’re studying. Farm communities would love an extra hand, and you’ll learn tips to become a better steward of the land. You could help with a local river cleanup, you could volunteer to plant trees, or maybe you could help pass out reusable canvas bags at the local grocery store.
It’s true that studying abroad can increase your carbon footprint, but it’s also true that you can use your time abroad to help the environment. With the tips on this list, not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, and in turn, your impact on global warming, but you can also rest easy at night knowing you’re doing what you can to leave the world a better place for the next generation.
