Your experience abroad is a chance to explore new ideas, actions and frameworks for global sustainability. Use the resources below to get the most out of your study abroad experience.
Suggested packing list:
Review the SDGs. Identify major sustainability issues for the country or community you will be visiting; seek to understand why they exist and how you can help.
Educate yourself on your host country’s sustainability practices. For example, do you know how your host country handles:
You can start your research by simply searching, “[Country]’s common sustainability practices.”
Get ready to get out of your comfort zone! Set attainable goals like shopping at a local market, riding a bicycle around town, or washing your clothes by hand. Can you come up with any other sustainability practices to try out?
Resources can be especially energy-consuming and expensive for your host country. You can lessen your impact as a visitor by conserving resources like energy, water, electricity and gas while abroad.
Consider keeping a journal while you’re abroad, noting all of the thoughts you have about your new environment. You won’t regret being able to look back at your first impressions of a new culture.
Adjust to the status quo when it comes to handling public transportation, shopping, dining, and waste. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Your return to campus will contextualize your experience abroad. Take the time to note the differences between cultures, attitudes and practices about sustainability, and discuss these differences with your classmates, friends, and family.
Chances are, you noticed several cultural and societal differences abroad when it comes to sustainability. How can you implement these changes at UGA and in Athens?
Now that you’re back, you can appreciate your campus and your city through a new lens and create new habits. Where do you see room for changes in your everyday life? Here are some practices you may have unknowingly done while you were abroad that you can try out at home:
Shop local at one of the many farmer’s or artist’s market in Athens, utilizing reusable bags.
Consider walking, biking, taking the bus, and carpooling as much as you possibly can. It’s a great way to save on gas, and your wallet and the environment will thank you.
Learn to slow your consumption down. When you need something, ask yourself if you see yourself holding on to it for years to come. If the answer is no, consider skipping the purchase or finding it second-hand.
Sell or give away your your gently-used items to others in the community instead of sending your items to the landfill.
The actions listed in the guide listed above are tied to the concept of global citizenship. Watch the video below to hear what global citizenship means to study abroad students at UGA.