On this page, you will find tips for a more environmentally friendly higher education study exchange. The guidance is intended for both students and staff participating in exchanges. Sustainable choices accompany you throughout your exchange – from planning to everyday actions.
Two people are walking on the train platform.
Photo: Ketut Subiyanto

Build your own path to exchange

International experiences can now be achieved in many ways – virtually, in a blended format (partly online and partly on site), or entirely in person. The key is to find the option that best suits your life situation and goals.

If travelling raises concerns, for example due to environmental impacts, you might consider a virtual or blended exchange. This can be not only a more ecological choice, but also a more accessible one – especially if family, work, or other everyday responsibilities make a longer stay abroad challenging.

Discuss the different exchange options with your institution’s exchange coordinator.

Plan your journey the green way

Finland’s geographical location can sometimes make green travel to other parts of Europe challenging. However, sustainable alternatives do exist – and more and more people are gaining experience of environmentally friendly ways to travel.

Even if you cannot make your entire journey in an environmentally friendly way, travelling one leg or part of the journey more sustainably still makes a difference – especially if your exchange destination is outside Europe.

The first thing to consider is whether your exchange could be arranged virtually or in a blended format – that is, partly online and partly on site. In that case, participation would be much more ecological. Ask your own institution’s exchange coordinator about such opportunities.

If you are taking part in a physical exchange, choosing your mode of travel is often one of the first practical decisions to make.

Travelling overland is not only more environmentally friendly, but also an experience in itself – a slower journey allows you to pause, follow changing landscapes, and see places you would never discover by flying. In this way, the journey becomes part of the exchange experience, not merely a transfer from one place to another.

Instead of flying, explore whether you could reach your destination using one or more greener modes of transport, such as train, bus, or carpooling. 

The train is usually the most environmentally friendly option, especially for medium- and long-distance journeys. Electrified rail transport produces significantly fewer emissions than flying or driving. Carpooling or travelling together by bus is also a good option – more passengers in one vehicle means fewer emissions per person.

Emissions from ships, on the other hand, vary widely. Newer vessels may use cleaner fuels, such as LNG, biodiesel, or hybrid-electric technology instead of heavy fuel oil, as well as more energy-efficient systems. Whenever possible, choose a route that is short and direct, and a vessel with an internationally recognised environmental certificate.

If you decide to fly, opt for direct flights without stopovers, as most emissions occur during take-off and landing. Whenever possible, choose a propeller plane instead of a jet, and pack light – the weight of your luggage also affects emissions. You can further reduce the climate impact of your trip by returning overland or combining parts of your journey with train or ferry travel.

Once you have reduced your travel-related carbon footprint as much as possible, you may wish to compensate for any remaining emissions.

Pack light and sustainably

What do you really need in your suitcase – and what could you leave behind? By packing only what’s essential, you save space, effort and energy.

Choose durable and versatile items such as a reusable water bottle, lunch box, small travel towel and cloth bag – things that will serve you well on many trips.

If you need something new, invest in quality and repairable items, or borrow what you can instead of buying new. Before packing, it’s also worth checking the weather, local dress culture and laundry facilities so that once you arrive, you can focus on experiences rather than belongings.

Keep your important documents in digital form. Electronic tickets, insurance details and study certificates are always within easy reach and make your journey smoother and more carefree.

Tips and peer support from social media

You do not have to figure everything out on your own! Look for social media groups and accounts focused on travel – especially those dedicated to overland journeys. For example, the Finnish Facebook group Maata pitkin matkustavat (Travelling overland) provides practical tips, route suggestions, and experiences from people who have already made similar trips.
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A responsible exchange does not end with the journey – you will encounter many opportunities to make choices once you arrive. Whether you travelled by air or overland, there are still many ways to reduce the environmental impact of your exchange through your daily actions.

Choose a green way to get around

During an exchange, it is common to live close to the university campus, which makes it easy to get around on foot, by bike, or by public transport. Check whether you can rent or share a bike – it is a good choice for both the environment and your own wellbeing.

For longer trips, such as visits to nearby cities or countries, travel by train or bus. Carpooling with a larger group is also a much more ecological alternative to flying – and often more enjoyable too!

Live more sustainably

Housing is one of the largest sources of emissions for Finnish consumers. Therefore, your accommodation choices during the exchange can have a surprisingly significant impact.

Living in a shared flat or student residence reduces emissions, saves money, and brings a sense of community. Sharing items with others also means you do not have to buy everything yourself – less consumption and more cooperation.

If you are staying only temporarily, remember that the environmental impact of accommodation options varies. Many places now offer lodgings that follow the principles of sustainable tourism. A good option is to stay in small, locally owned hostels or guesthouses.

When it comes to accommodation, ask your host university for advice if needed – they know the local housing situation and can direct you to more responsible options. In this way, you help to promote a sustainable and balanced housing situation in the area.

Living sustainably also includes small but meaningful everyday actions, such as saving electricity and water. It is easy to pay attention to your use of hot water – keep your showers short. 

You may already be used to switching off lights and appliances at home when they are not needed. Continuing these habits during your exchange is an easy way to reduce your own carbon footprint.

Choose local and plant-based food

Food production is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Depending on how it is calculated, meat and dairy products account for as much as 50–80% of food-related emissions.

A concrete way to reduce your carbon footprint is to replace animal-based products with plant-based alternatives, and to choose locally produced and seasonal foods.

When buying food or eating out, also pay attention to food waste – the average Finnish consumer throws away around 20–25 kilograms of food per year. Many restaurants and shops now offer surplus food at a reduced price through various apps, so responsible choices can also be good for your wallet.

Your food choices also have another benefit: they allow you to explore local food culture, support local producers, and promote your own wellbeing. Eating plant-based is often healthy, affordable, and delicious.

Consume with consideration

The consumption of goods and services accounts for roughly one third of Finnish households’ total carbon footprint. Even during your exchange, it is worth paying attention to what and how you consume – you do not need to own everything yourself.

Prefer borrowing, renting, and sharing whenever possible. For instance, buying new kitchenware for only a few months’ use is rarely sensible – try to acquire items second-hand and sell or donate them once your exchange ends.

Find out if your host university or its student community has local groups where exchange students sell or share their belongings. Such groups are often an excellent way to find what you need at a low cost.

Choosing local products supports the regional economy and reduces transport-related emissions. Whenever possible, opt for local alternatives rather than imported ones.

If you do buy new items, consider packaging waste – choose products with little or no plastic and recycle the packaging carefully. Also note that recycling practices vary between countries. 

In Finland, recycling systems are well established, but in other countries they may work differently. Find out about the local recycling options and follow them accordingly.

Share and bring back good practices

Sustainable travel also means respecting local culture, customs, and nature.

One way to do this is to participate in volunteer activities. Check whether your destination offers opportunities to get involved in sustainability initiatives, such as beach clean-ups, recycling events, invasive species removal, or tree planting. Often, these are the moments that create the most memorable experiences of an exchange – and at the same time, you contribute positively to the local community.

Nature-friendly hiking is an important part of a responsible exchange experience. Familiarise yourself with the rules of national parks, nature reserves, and local recreation areas in advance. Aim to use sustainable equipment, such as refillable water bottles and reusable containers. 

Visiting natural sites provides wonderful experiences, but every visitor is responsible for keeping nature just as beautiful for those who come after.

Intercultural learning is an essential part of the exchange experience. During your time abroad, you can adopt sustainable lifestyle habits from another country and bring them home with you – in many countries, sustainability is visible, for example, through a culture of cycling, shared meals, or the use of renewable energy.

At the same time, you can share knowledge about Finnish sustainable practices, such as the right to roam, Finland’s effective recycling system, the culture of repairing broken items, and the spirit of community volunteering. This creates mutual learning and new insights on both sides.

Have you calculated your own carbon footprint?

Sitra’s Lifestyle test helps you discover the size of your carbon footprint and how you can reduce it through everyday choices. The test offers personalised tips on travel, food, and housing – a perfect tool for anyone preparing for an exchange!
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Environmental responsibility does not end on the last day of your exchange – at best, it marks the beginning of lasting changes in the way you travel and live.

You can share your experiences of green travel on social media, write about your volunteer work in a blog, or tip future exchange students about a good recycling group in your host city. In this way, you pass valuable information forward.

After returning home, you can deepen your understanding by taking courses on sustainable development, climate change, environmental policy, or responsible business. 

You can also get involved in environmental organisations, student projects, or volunteer work where you can put what you’ve learnt into practice.

And when you embark on your next journey, continue along the green path: travel overland, stay in small locally owned hostels, eat plant-based, and carry your own water bottle and reusable bag!

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Environmentally responsible choices have become an increasingly important part of higher education exchanges. Information can be found on university websites, from exchange organisations, and from other travellers.

Below are a few stories showing how you can travel more sustainably to your exchange destination.

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