The sustainability of exchange studies can be viewed from several different perspectives. Ecological sustainability refers to the environmental effects of going on an exchange, such as emissions caused by travel and consumption related to the exchange. The social dimension, on the other hand, describes the effects of the exchange on local people, communities and, more broadly, on culture. Sustainability should also be considered in everyday life. Social responsibility is, for example behaving well while respecting local culture and customs. Financial responsibility encourages spending so that the locals benefit as much as possible and the money does not flow elsewhere.
The University of Eastern Finland is committed to promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals in all its activities. Ecological, social, economic and cultural sustainability as well as equality and equality guide the university’s activities. The university strives to promote sustainable development by means of science, but also on a practical level in everyday life. UEF aims to be carbon neutral by the end of 2025, and therefore responsibility must also be considered from the perspective of internationalization.
On this page, you will find tips on how to take the different dimensions of sustainability into account during exchange studies as well.
How to consider sustainability in exchange studies
Before the exchange
It is possible to travel to some exchange destinations in other ways than by flying – you can easily get to Europe by ferry and train connection, and you will see interesting places at the same time. However, there are not always alternatives to flying, but you can influence the environmental effects of air travel, for example by preferring direct flights and, if you wish, by compensating for emissions. However, reducing and avoiding emissions is often more effective than compensating for them. If you’re considering an alternative to flying, nowadays you can find a lot of information about routes and schedules, for example, on the Facebook group “Maata pitkin matkustavat” (new tab) and different websites. When you travel other than by flying, you already see other countries and travel destinations on the way.
From Kuopio and Joensuu, the journey will probably continue beyond Finland’s borders from either Helsinki or Turku. Even within Finland, you should prefer traveling by land instead of flying, which can often also be cheaper.
Students who receive an Erasmus+ grant can receive additional support for traveling with green travel means. Read more about this below in the section Erasmus+ support for green travel.
During the exchange
During the exchange, you should not forget the good responsible habits that you have already formed in your everyday life at home. Not all of them can necessarily be implemented in the same way in the host country but try to do the best you can.
Many everyday things that are self-evident in Finland may be different in the host country; find out, for example, whether tap water is drinkable, and if not, how to recycle empty water bottles. Recycling and waste management are important issues in terms of preserving nature, so find out the possibilities for recycling other materials as well and do your best to follow them. In some countries, for example, plastic bags may also be free, and purchases may be automatically packed in plastic bags. Hence, it is a good idea to keep a reusable bag with you, which you can use, for example, at the grocery store.
In the exchange destination, you should prefer public transport, such as local buses and trains. If you are traveling from the host destination to nearby countries or cities, also prefer train and bus connections or carpooling instead of flying. The exchange period often also includes traveling in your free time, and it is usually easy to get to know many countries and cities. Would it be possible to avoid flying and travel by land on these trips as well? In this way, the trip itself is an adventure and at the same time you get to know places you might not otherwise end up.
Respect local culture, people and nature by learning about local customs and rules. If possible, you should direct your own spending to support local companies instead of international chains. Also try to avoid unnecessary spending during the exchange and favor local companies in this case as well. If you need something new, buy the products used or find out what local (responsible) companies have to offer. For example, you may find local student groups on Facebook where you can buy and recycle, for example, kitchen utensils and other consumables when other exchange students leave the destination. Remember this also at the end of your exchange and sell or give away the things you no longer need.
It is also possible to make responsible and sustainable choices while studying. Consider, for example, the use of course materials: are the materials available and can the course assignments be returned electronically? Also favor library services and the possible reuse of materials – take advantage of the cooperation with your fellow students!
Exchange student culture can be very different from the everyday life of locals, so try to experience life outside of the ”exchange student bubble”. Many host universities offer Buddy and Local Family services, through which you can interact with local students and families and get to know your destination through their eyes.
After the exchange
Family, friends and other people are often very interested in hearing your exchange experiences. Tell them about your experiences and make the culture of the exchange destination known to others as well. During the exchange, you can learn a lot of new perspectives and ways of being responsible. If possible, stick to the habits that you find useful even after returning home. Share the good experiences of the exchange with others and encourage them to make responsible choices even outside their own home!
Supporting sustainable exchange in the Erasmus+ program
Erasmus+ support for green travel
Students receiving Erasmus+ grant who travel more than half of the round trip to the exchange destination with green travel means (bicycle, train, bus, carpool) can apply for additional support for green travel. The green travel grant is applied for together with the usual Erasmus+ grant, and you can get instructions for applying from UEF International Mobility Services.
Erasmus+ Interrail pass
Erasmus+ exchange students are entitled to the Interrail Global Pass, which allows you to travel green in Europe by train for 4 or 6 days within six months during the Erasmus exchange period.
The Erasmus interrail pass enables an even easier way to travel to and from the exchange destination responsibly, using the green form of travel. Like other Interrail passes, you can take advantage of the youth discount for students under 28 years.
Read more detailed instructions and get a pass from the Interrail Pass for Erasmus+ website (new tab).