The sustainability of exchange studies can be viewed from several perspectives:
- Ecological sustainability: The environmental impact of your exchange, such as travel emissions and consumption.
- Social sustainability: Respecting local culture, people, and customs, and behaving responsibly.
- Financial sustainability: Spending in ways that benefit local communities as much as possible.
On this page, you will find tips on how to consider sustainability before, during, and after your exchange.
Before the exchange: travel choices
You can travel to some exchange destinations without flying – you can reach many European cities conveniently by ferry and train, and you will see interesting places along the way.
Tips for low-emission travel
- Prefer direct flights if flying is the only option.
- Plan overland travel: you can find routes and timetables on sites such as maatapitkin.net (new tab, in Finnish) and the Maata pitkin matkustavat Facebook group (new tab).
- From Kuopio and Joensuu, your journey abroad will likely continue via Helsinki or Turku – prefer overland travel within Finland as well.
- Reducing and avoiding emissions is often more effective than compensating for them.
Erasmus+ grant holders: You may be eligible for green travel support. Read more below under Erasmus+ green travel support.
During the exchange: everyday choices
Do not forget the responsible habits you already have at home – try to apply them in the host country as well!
Everyday ecological choices
- Find out whether the tap water is drinkable, and how to recycle empty water bottles.
- Learn about local recycling options and do your best to follow them.
- Bring several reusable bags with you – in some countries, plastic bags are free and purchases may be automatically packed in them.
- Prefer public transport, such as local buses and trains.
Travelling during the exchange
- From your exchange destination, you can usually reach nearby countries and cities easily. Prefer train and bus connections or carpooling instead of flying – the journey itself can be an adventure!
Social and financial sustainability
- Respect local culture, people, and nature – learn about local customs and rules.
- Support local businesses instead of international chains and avoid unnecessary spending.
- Buy second-hand when possible – you may find local student groups on Facebook where you can buy and recycle household items. Remember to sell or give away items you no longer need at the end of your exchange!
Sustainable studying
- Find out whether course materials are available electronically and whether assignments can be submitted digitally.
- Prefer library services and reuse of materials – collaborate with your fellow students!
Get to know local life
- Many host universities offer Buddy and Local Family programmes, through which you can get to know the local culture with the help of a local student or family.
After the exchange: sharing your experiences
- Tell your family, friends, and others about your exchange experiences – make the culture of your host country known to others!
- During the exchange, you will learn many new perspectives on sustainability. Keep the good habits going after you return home.
- Encourage others to go on exchange and to make responsible choices!
Supporting sustainable exchange in the Erasmus+ programme
Erasmus+ green travel support
If you receive an Erasmus+ grant and travel more than half of your round trip using low-emission transport (bicycle, train, bus, or carpool), you can apply for green travel support. Green travel support is applied for together with the standard Erasmus+ grant – you will receive instructions from International Mobility Services.
For more information about travel support amounts and conditions, see Funding your studies abroad.
Erasmus+ Interrail pass
As an Erasmus+ exchange student, you are entitled to the Interrail Global Pass, which allows you to travel by train in Europe for 4 or 6 days within six months during your exchange period. The pass enables responsible travel to and from your exchange destination, as well as during the exchange. Students under 28 receive a discount.
Read more and get your pass from the Interrail Pass for Erasmus+ website (new tab).