Student’s Guide to Combine Traveling and Studying Being Environmentally Aware

Education and traveling can peacefully coexist with the right approach. Being an environmentally conscious student is not easy, especially when talking about traveling. Below, we want to share some insights on how to incorporate eco-friendly life while traveling and navigate you to an unforgettable journey.

Advocate sustainability in your academic life.

You can set a topic for discussion during your classes about environmental issues or recommendations to live sustainably. You can inspire others to make responsible choices in all aspects of life, such as studying, traveling, and daily activities. Relate your essay topics to eco-friendly experiences and research to strengthen ecological awareness. If you don’t know how to relate sustainable living to your essay topic, you can pay someone to write my essay at payforwriting.com, and a professional writer will create a unique paper and help you find a good topic for it.

Participate in eco-friendly projects abroad.

Seek green-initiative opportunities like volunteering, internships, eco-aware student exchange programs, and other related activities. Some colleges and universities provide on-campus sustainability clubs where students can get involved in various eco-aware activities. For example, the University of York holds a student sustainability opportunities hub where students can participate in multiple workshops, seek job and volunteering experience, go beyond degree programs with sustainability modules, and think about careers in sustainability. If you don’t have such clubs on campus, explore local environmental organizations or check websites and eco-friendly projects that offer opportunities for students.

Exploring new environments through studying abroad presents a unique chance to gain a more in-depth understanding of environmental issues and how different countries address them. By immersing oneself in a different culture, you can learn about different approaches to sustainability and develop a broader perspective on the global impact of environmental problems. Additionally, studying abroad can provide hands-on experience in environmental conservation efforts, allowing you to gain practical skills and insights into how to impact the environment positively.

Give preference to digital learning.

Whether you wish to improve your knowledge in a specific field, receive a certificate, or complete a master’s degree, choose online courses and degrees. While on-campus learning gives you an atmosphere of studying at college and developing interpersonal skills, digital resources minimize paper usage and create a more sustainable approach to academic studying.

Moreover, digital learning will help you travel whenever you like without the requirement to visit lectures and workshops on campus. You can work, enjoy your hobby, and travel anytime with your studying schedule. All your textbooks and materials will be available online anytime, and you will collaborate with professors and other students through digital platforms.

Choose sustainable transportation options.

Do you aim to minimize your carbon footprint? If yes, choose trains to get to your desired destination. According to statistics, trains emit 66% less carbon emission in comparison to traveling by plane or by car. Buses are the next carbon-emission-friendly option.

You can use a plane if your desired destination is far away from your current place. But make a “snail travel choice,” which means you need to think carefully about whether the travel is worth using such a way of transportation. For example, if you participate in an international conference or have entered a university overseas, taking a ticket will be a wise decision.

Also, consider sustainable transportation when coming to the final destination. Use a bike or take a walk to explore the surroundings and get to sightseeing.

Give preference to sustainable accommodations.

Today, many hotels and property owners share information about their efforts and investments towards sustainability. You can get information about their waste management, water efficient options, energy-saving actions, and their impact on the local community (like the organization of tours and activities by local guides). For example, the service Booking offers to filter out accommodations with different sustainable levels.

Participate in eco-friendly study programs.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the field of sustainable living, numerous colleges and universities offer programs and resources to help you achieve your goals. These institutions provide courses and internships that allow you to gain practical experience and knowledge in ecotourism, conservation, and sustainability.

Moreover, many colleges and universities offer internships that allow you to work on real-world projects related to sustainability and environmental conservation around the world. Such training can help you gain valuable hands-on experience, develop your network, and enhance your resume.

For example, Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) in Switzerland is one the greenest colleges in Europe and actively provides sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly practices. Consider participating in internships in such schools to enrich your student experience, immerse yourself in learning the best sustainability practices, and use the gained knowledge to contribute to your local community and environment.

Be a responsible tourist.

When you plan your trip, pick those destinations that promote and actively participate in sustainable tourism practices like ecotourism initiatives. For example, some places offer responsible wildlife watching and organic farming. Think about visiting such destinations like Costa Rica, as it’s one of those countries that actively support species conservation and animal habitats. Responsible wildlife tourism provides financial assistance for animal conservation and awareness of endangered species.

Also, give preference to destinations that use renewable energy systems (solar or wind) to produce power for their accommodations and activities.

As a responsible tourist, you must also make efforts to minimize your impact on the surroundings and the local community. One of the best ways is to support local businesses. Prefer local restaurants, shops, and guides instead of large multinational chains. Such actions will contribute to the local economy and preserve the area’s unique character and culture.

Also, be mindful of your consumption and waste while traveling. Be conscious of the amount of water and energy you use. Also, it will be wise to bring reusable water bottles, bags, and containers on your trip to avoid additional usage of plastic.

Closing

Choosing to travel sustainably can help have a positive influence on the environment and local communities. While you are a student, you can get used to living sustainably and studying while still enjoying a memorable and rewarding travel experience.