5 Tips to Make Your Study Abroad Experience More Green

Go (green) Overseas!

As with all human activities, studying abroad has large environmental impacts. While there are some aspects innate to traveling that you may never get around (taking a train to Europe is a nice idea in theory...), there are many ways to actively minimize the impact your actions will have overseas before you even set foot in your host country.

Making your study abroad experience more "green" can take many forms. Study abroad lends itself to many adventures - and even while you are out having fun, it is important to not forgot our dear friend planet Earth!

Deciding Where to Go

If you are not one to spin a globe and pick a country at random for study abroad, many elements will influence your decision. While the native language, the culture, or the accessibility of a place all make for important components, another potential factor is a country's commitment to human rights, environmental conservation, or peace-keeping initiatives.

A great resource to discover different countries' commitments to sustainable practices is Ethical Traveler, where you will get shorthand answers to most of your questions concerning a nation's allegiance to their natural environment.

On the flip side, you may prefer to experience a country who is newly instituting these aspects of their economy. To see change happening, either quickly or slowly, in a developing nation may inspire future projects or passions. Reflect on your interests in pursuing a specific country as a study abroad destination and how you can contribute positively to the place.

Choosing a Sustainable Program Provider

After you have decided where to go, the most critical decision you will make regarding the green factor of your study abroad experience is which program you will choose. You should take into account the implications of prospective programs on the host community, and try to find a program whose local alliances are both positive and mutually beneficial.

While it is true that all study abroad programs contribute to the host country's economy in some way, some programs will specifically support socially responsible projects, thus making themselves a more sustainable investment.

If a program includes weekend activities or excursions as part of the package, take note of their commitment to staying in local accommodations and restaurants or working with local tour guides. Examine any working relationships your program has with local businesses and institutions.

Participating in a Homestay

Besides the benefits of cultural immersion and language practice, sharing accommodation will also have positive environmental impacts. Sharing meals with families creates less waste (as you won't be ordering take out!), and it is more likely that you will be eating locally sourced foods that have traveled shorter distances to your plate. Homestays are a great way to contribute directly to the local economy.

You will more likely closely monitor your use of resources, such as water and electricity, so as not to trouble the family. Homestays will expose you to different perspectives concerning social justice and economic development, and you will actively participate in new ways of living.

Enjoy the green of community!

Flying Less

Generally speaking, flying is bad news for the environment. Airplanes' large emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases cause great air pollution, hurt the ozone layer, and contribute negatively to global warming. Short flights are more harmful to the climate per mile traveled than long haul flights - so outside of arriving and departing from home, its recommended to travel overland by train or bus.

If giving up on air travel altogether sounds too hard, consider which airlines you will use for flight. For instance, those uncomfortable budget airlines actually emit less pollution per person (because there are so many packed in!). Cheaper AND better for the environment? Yes please!

General Green Friendly Actions

Many small actions can have big impacts. For instance, when hiking, do not stray off the marked trail - and keep a safe distance from animals! While it may seem fun and exciting to explore off the beaten path, you may actually be harming the wildlife in irreversible ways. Avoid picking up and taking home any natural objects (including sea shells!) as it may disturb the natural scheme of things.

Always throw your garbage away in trash receptacles (even if you notice that the residents of your host country typically do not!). Carry reusable water bottles, and even invest in some tupperware if you eat often at street stands. Travel infinity-miles-to-the-gallon by buying your own bicycle.

Riding bikes, eating local - small changes can have big impacts!

Regardless of which country or program you select for studying abroad, there are many small practices you can adopt to ultimately minimize your environmental impact abroad. You may find that after returning, you enjoyed your more-green lifestyle and wish to carry those new habits into your life back home. This is great! By actively acknowledging the environmental consequences associated with a wasteful lifestyle and thus changing your actions, your study abroad experience will have a lasting impact that benefits yourself, others, and planet Earth.

If you are a North American, it is likely you will reduce your ecological footprint during your time abroad, given that students overseas typically live at a local level...live in shared accommodation, use public transportation, and consume significantly more fresh and locally grown food than they would at home.

Additional Resources

#1. Search our database for popular study abroad programs for environmentally friendly or other social justice oriented study abroad programs.
#2. Check out Abroad View's Green Passport program (applicable for any and all travel adventures!)
#3. Really wanting to adopt the green lifestyle while abroad? We recommend the School for Field Studies programs available in Costa Rica, Kenya, Turks and Caicos, Kenya, Mexico, and Australia.