Studying Abroad Sustainably
As a student, you have the potential to shape the future. The UvA wants to lead the way in promoting sustainability through education and research, and we also want to become more sustainable as an organization. It's good to be aware of your environmental footprint, also during your study abroad period. However, we know it can be tricky to make the right choices. Luckily, these tips are here to help you take climate-conscious decisions.
Things to consider when planning your trip
Have you researched the option of travelling to your study abroad destination in a sustainable way? There are plenty of cities located within 8 hours travel time from Amsterdam which makes travel by train or bus a great alternative. Ask yourself the following questions:
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How far away are my favorite destinations? If you want to travel in a sustainable way, choose a destination well-connected by public transport.
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Why fly to a destination that can be reached by train within 8 hours? If the train is not possible, then you could go by bus. Are you travelling with others? Consider carpooling.
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Even if your destination is more than 8 hours away, you can travel part of the way by train. Making multiple stops may just be the best way to kick off your exchange experience, and these extra days may be financed through the Erasmus+ Green Travel Top up grant (see below). The longer the journey, the more you reduce COâ‚‚ emissions when you travel by train.
Why take the train?
Did you know that you can save up to 90% of carbon emissions just by taking the train? Also:
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Buses and trains often have less luggage restrictions. Some railway operators even allow you to take your bike with you.
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Sometimes, travelling by train can be less expensive than flying to cities such as Berlin, Paris, Brussels or Prague.
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Less COâ‚‚ emission, a more energy-efficient way of travelling, more relaxing and beautiful scenery.
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Europe is ideal for train travel, as routes span the entire continent.
Financing your trip: Erasmus+ Green Travel Top-up grant
If you have already looked into ways to make your travel more sustainable, you might have seen the price difference between cheap flight tickets and more expensive train tickets, especially for destinations further away. Making a sustainable decision can be difficult, especially when you are on a budget.
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If you receive an Erasmus+ grant, a top-up is available if you use an environmentally friendly and sustainable mode of transport (train, bus, carpooling) to travel to the host country. The top-up is calculated per kilometer. Since traveling sustainably sometimes takes a little longer, you can also receive up to 2 extra grant days (individual Erasmus+ support), so that the grant will also cover part of your travel time. More information, also regarding the application procedure, is available on Canvas after you've been selected for an Erasmus+ exchange.
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There is an interrail pass for Erasmus+ Students, which allows you to travel for 4 or 6 days across Europe for a fixed price.
Once you
are there:
a sustainable
stay
Even when you have arrived at your exchange destination, you can still make sustainable choices:
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Inform yourself about recycling possibilities.
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Use public transport.
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Use a bicycle, if distances and landscape permit (e.g. bring your own, buy a used local one, or join a bike-sharing programme).
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Buy locally produced foods and secondhand items.
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Support local organizations.
For more inspiration, check the Green Erasmus+ Go Green E-zine
What if my study abroad is outside of Europe?
Are you going to study outside of Europe? Most of the times travelling by plane will be unavoidable. Sustainable flying does not exist, but at least consider the following:
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If you can, take a direct flight. This costs less COâ‚‚ emissions than an indirect flight. When this is difficult, try to travel (by train) to the airport you have to make your first layover. Airports such as Paris, Frankfurt or Brussels are easily reached by train and reduce your carbon footprint significantly, compared to flying with multiple layovers.
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Compensate your COâ‚‚ emissions with a reliable program and invest in carbon offset programs. By doing so, you financially support projects that reduce COâ‚‚ through methods such as reforestation and renewable energy.
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Pack lightly.
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Fly economy class on long-haul flights. Business class means more luxury and space. The more space you occupy, the larger the amount of COâ‚‚ you generate.