Responsible Study Abroad
International travel provides rewards beyond measure. However, many of us travel somewhat on autopilot (pun intended) and aren’t aware of how our travel might have negative effects--or even cause harm. This page presents some ideas for how we can all become more responsible travelers. A great place to start is to .
To be a responsible traveler, we recommend that you consider in your travel planning the 3 C’s: Community, Culture, and Climate.
Responsible Travel: Community
While tourism can be an important component of a community's financial success, responsible travelers should be aware of the negative effects tourists can have on local communities. Sometimes these impacts can be hidden and other times they are the result of thoughtlessness. It's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of traveling and forget to think about potential consequences. 91ɬÂþ encourages students to travel abroad but to do so in a way that thoughtfully supports and respects the communities that are visited.
What Risks Are There? How Can I Respect and Protect Communities as I Travel?
- Respect Local Citizens
- | Jamilla Chakar | TEDxKingsCollegeLondon
- Respect Local Businesses
- | Madara Žgutė | TEDxISM
- | TEDxMulgraveSchool
- Respect the Local Children
Responsible Travel: Culture
It's important for travelers to educate themselves about the culture and history of the countries they will be visiting. Students traveling abroad should take the chance to immerse themselves in cultural norms that may be new and seem bizarre or uncomfortable. True growth and open-mindedness develop when students are willing to embrace the uncomfortable and accept ideas outside of what they would consider "typical".
Respecting Cultures Abroad
- Respect Religious Practices
- | Kayley Gould | TEDxLAHS
- Respect Expressions of Gender Identity
- Respect Authority
- Be a “Conscious Travel”
- Learn a bit about the history of the region you are visiting
- Speak the language as much as possible
- Be respectful of others
- Make friends on campus
- Be respectful of others when taking pictures
- Ask first before doing something (hugs, handshakes, taking pictures, etc.)
- Look for commonalities
- Express gratitude and appreciation whenever a service is performed or a gift is given
- | Maliha Chishti | TEDxUTSC
Learn About Your Destination
- Get tips about visa requirements, local laws, potential health concerns, travel advisories, and more from the U.S. Department of State
- Find cultural information such as local recipes and recreational norms as well as general facts about the local geography, economy, and more.
- : Access detailed country profiles with notes about history, geography, and more
- Learn about cultural norms for general travel and for those traveling for school or business (Enter the host country in the "Get to Know Your World" section on the upper right of the page)
- : Read this article exploring how a few different cultures share stories
Responsible Travel: Climate
The value of study abroad can’t be denied, but neither can the harm international travel does to the environment. The Office of Learning Abroad acknowledges this problem and is adopting measures to do its part to help. We encourage you to consider the impact your travel has on the environment and, in whatever way you can, to do something to offset the carbon emissions resulting from your travel.
Carbon Offset
Consider this: One tree can offset nearly 0.2 metric tons of CO 2 over its lifetime (that’s roughly 1 ton of CO 2 per 6 trees).* It takes 15 trees, for example, to offset the CO 2 carbon emissions for one traveler on a round-trip flight from Las Vegas to London.**
A supporter of 91ɬÂþ’s study abroad programs has pledged to the Office of Learning Abroad that they will donate to have one tree planted for every 91ɬÂþ student, faculty, and staff member who travels internationally on an 91ɬÂþ-sponsored study abroad program in 2021-2022, provided that the Office of Learning Abroad encourages all 91ɬÂþ travelers to take measures to offset their own carbon emissions in some way.
An organization called , which works to halt deforestation and restore forests all over the world, plants a tree for every dollar donated. Other organizations planting trees in an effort to restore forests and help offset carbon emissions include , , and . We encourage you to consider the impact your travel has on the environment and, in whatever way you can, to do something to offset the carbon emissions resulting from your travel.
Planeterra Impact Report 2021:
** calculates that one round-trip economy passenger flying from Las Vegas (LAS) to London (LHR) is accountable for producing 2.48 metric tons of CO2 when accounting for radiative forcing (carbon emission at high altitude).
Be a Green and Sustainable Traveler
- Commit to climate-friendly travel practices
- Calculate your planned travel carbon footprint, then plan how to reduce it
- Offset your carbon footprint
- Turn off lights
- Take short showers
- Avoid single-use plastics
- Don't litter
- Don't disturb local wildlife
- Take only pictures
- Use public transportation when possible
Climate Action Websites
Find Sustainable Programming
When traveling, conserve the resources of your destination and be respectful of the culture and environment. Learn more from and websites.
Learn how to . Are they environmentally conscious? Do they contribute to the local community?
Green Passport Pledge
The Green Passport Pledge: As a Green Passport member, you acknowledge the interconnectedness of the world's people and the environment. You pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of studying, living, working, traveling, or volunteering abroad and will try to improve these aspects of your international experience. While overseas, and when you return home, you will do your best to: minimize your impact on the environment; act in culturally respectful ways; engage with locals and participate in the local community; give back to your host community(ies).
More Information
