Sustainability and study abroad
Studying or working abroad can help you grow personally and academically.
You should also think about the environmental impact of your placement, including how you travel, what you buy and how you reduce waste. Making informed choices can help you lower your carbon footprint while you study or work abroad.
Read the Global Office blog post: .
Think about your carbon footprint
Air travel can significantly add to your carbon footprint.
When choosing a study abroad programme, think about the distance you need to travel and the transport options available. Programmes closer to home or with shorter flights may have a smaller environmental impact.
For placements in Europe, you may also be able to travel by train.
Choose lower-impact travel where possible
You may be able to use lower-impact transport during your placement.
Consider travelling by train or bus, especially if your host country or region has good public transport. Many universities and cities also have bike rental schemes. Walking can also help you explore a new city in a more sustainable way.
Consider sustainability when choosing a programme
Some study abroad programmes include sustainability and environmental responsibility in their teaching, services or campus operations.
When researching your options, look for programmes or universities that support sustainable practices.
Get involved locally
You can support the local community in an environmentally responsible way while you are abroad.
You could:
- take part in local sustainability initiatives
- volunteer with environmental organisations
- support local businesses that use sustainable practices
Reduce waste
Think about how much waste you create during your placement.
Choose reusable items where possible. Recycle when you can, and follow local recycling guidance. Many partner universities also have recycling schemes.
Bring essential items with you or buy second hand locally. At the end of your placement, donate items you no longer need instead of throwing them away.
Respect local environmental practices
Learn about local environmental customs and practices.
Understanding the local context can help you make more sustainable choices while you study or work abroad.
Make sustainable food and drink choices
Small everyday choices can help reduce your environmental impact.
Try to buy local and seasonal food where possible. Check whether the local tap water is safe to drink so you can avoid buying bottled water.
Apply for sustainable travel funding
The Global Office supports students who want to travel more sustainably.
More environmentally friendly travel can cost more. You may be able to apply for support through the Saints Abroad Scholarship portfolio.
Apply for the Sustainability Abroad Prize
You may be eligible for a Sustainability Abroad Prize if you make sustainability part of your time abroad.
Your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) transcript will show this prize. To be eligible, you must complete a blog post about your sustainability efforts during your study or work placement.
Contact globaloff-intern@st-andrews.ac.uk to ask about receiving the prize.