UTS Guide to Sustainable Global Adventures

Choose your experience wisely

At UTS, we want students to develop their global mindset through ‘Think Global’ program suite, you can choose or combine the following programs:

• One or two sessions Global Exchange
• Two – Six week Global Short Programs
• Beyond UTS International Leadership Development (BUILD)

Find a program that incorporates sustainable practices, such as:

• Global programs from Sydney      
  BUILD empowers students to deepen their understanding of personal values, global challenges, and their capacity to effect positive change worldwide. Centred on the UN sustainability goals, this program offers engaging workshops and features inspirational speakers—all conveniently hosted online or on campus. It is the ideal complement to any global initiative to supercharge your sustainability awareness. 
• Virtual programs      
  Eliminate your travel emissions completely by selecting a virtual Global Short program. You can easily identify these programs by searching for 'virtual' in the Global Short Program database
• Sustainable programs and destinations      
  Make your travel purposeful by choosing a destination that allows you to make a positive impact, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). When you explore the Global Short Program database you will see these tags on the program descriptions to help you easily identify the goals.

• Think Asia    
  Reduce your carbon footprint by opting for shorter flights and engaging in programs within the dynamic Asia-Pacific region, where we address common issues and embrace innovation. Unlock exciting opportunities with New Colombo Plan grants, providing eligible students and programs with $3000 for Global Short Programs or a generous $7000 for Global Exchanges in Asia.

Travel responsibly

Travelling abroad from Australia inevitably means flying. There are strategies to promote responsible travel and reduce your environmental footprint.  

1. Use Carbon Footprint Calculator to measure your carbon footprint and decide actions you could take to reduce this.
2. Use the Atmosfair Airline Index to help you choose the most direct flight with the most energy-efficient airline to reduce your carbon emissions. A light reading on sustainable airlines is highly recommended to enhance your knowledge.
3. Other ways to offset carbon footprint:     
   a.    Volunteering or supporting sustainability initiatives at home or in the country you are travelling to      
   b.    Offset your travel, you can pay to offset the amount of carbon emitted by your travel, although it may not be a perfect solution
4. Pack light and take reusable items. 

Check with your host university they may have useful tips about living and traveling sustainably, for example one of our partners Tilburg university has this great fact sheet.

Live close to your program and walk.

Ride a bike! Some countries have great cycle infrastructure and lots of people from all walks of life ride a bike. Lots of students have loved doing this in Europe. 

Take public transport It can make you feel like a local and also be fun.

Car share You might be in a country where most transport is done by car but can share car trips with fellow students in the city you are or when holidaying. 

Investigate sustainable eating Eat locally produced food, enjoy the cuisine of your local area, support local producers to immerse yourself in your location. Try local some vegetarian options.

Reduce your waste: follow the ‘r’s refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle to reduce your single use plastics.

Shop responsibly and mindfully Given your short stay in the country, think twice before making purchases. If you truly need something, explore second-hand options – you might even score what you need from fellow exchange students! When it's time to leave, think about donating these items to extend their lives.

Learn about local climate and environment issues and a conversation with your fellow students from around the world. 

Get involved! If on exchange, what sustainability activities are on offer at your host uni? How could you get involved and make a difference in your host country? e.g. beach cleaning, community garden. 

Experience your local environment and leave no trace Go to a national park, hike, swim and be respectful of the fauna and flora.  

Consider travelling by train and bus. This emits less C02 than driving or taking a plane and is an excellent way to see the country.

Explore locally - dive in to your local city and region with the friends you make.

Support Sustainable Tourism Plan ahead and support destinations and attractions that prioritise sustainability and responsible tourism practices

Continue your sustainable lifestyle once you return home by: 

Sharing what you have learned. Use your learning experience from another country and share it with others. Write a blog, podcast or social media content to raise awareness. 

Measuring your ecological footprint using UN carbon footprint calculator 

Making sustainable choices. Switching your power supply, bank and superannuation accounts to support renewables and making positive impact. 

Identifying your change making skills as a career boost. Engaging with climate issues and practicing ways to make positive impacts boost your skillset. Take a moment to reflect and unpack with UTS Careers and BUILD to advance your career prospects.