A study abroad trip has numerous benefits, including the opportunity to learn a new language, explore a new country, eat amazing food, make lifelong friends, and have an incredible adventure.
But have you ever considered how the location will benefit from your visit? This is the question that regenerative travel aims to answer: how can visitors have a beneficial impact on the locations they visit?
In this essay, we will go over a few basic methods to give back during your study abroad vacation.
But first: What is sustainable travel?
Sustainable travel is a philosophy that encourages visitors to assist restore and revitalize the environment and local communities they visit. While sustainable and moderate travel are certainly encouraged, regenerative travel seeks to actively enhance the destination, leaving it slightly better than when you came. This could be accomplished through strategies including environmental restoration, cultural preservation, empowering underprivileged groups, and connecting with the community.
Let’s take a closer look at how to practice regenerative travel.
Stay with a host family
Staying with a host family while studying abroad is an excellent option to practice regenerative travel. You’ll have the opportunity to live like a local, learning about local traditions and customs while also sharing your own, resulting in a real cultural exchange. Immersion in local culture provides a better knowledge of their way of life.
Take part in community initiatives
Actively looking out opportunities to connect with your local community can allow you to form a stronger bond with the people of your host nation and make a good difference. For example, if you are studying in Australia, you can get involved in regenerative tourism by participating in Clean Up Australia Day, the country’s national event. The event, which takes place every year on the first Sunday in March, attracts thousands of locals who pick up trash in their local parks, beaches, or streets. Anyone is invited to donate their time, and it’s an excellent way to meet new people in your community.
Look after nature
The world is rich of stunning natural beauties to discover while traveling, and it is critical to preserve them for future generations. Many sites have created opportunities for visitors to appreciate nature while also safeguarding it.
Costa Rica is well-known for its leadership in environmental sustainability. The country is well-known for its rich fauna, jungles, and beaches, and it prioritizes the protection of natural resources.
Volunteer
Many community organizations rely on volunteers to function. If you have the opportunity, why not devote your time to a cause you are passionate about? It could be something as basic as teaching a student once a week in your native language, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or participating in a citizen science effort. Furthermore, getting out and meeting native speakers will help you learn the language more effectively.
Learn and respect local customs
Respecting the culture and customs of the people you visit is an essential component of regenerative travel. In practice, this could entail learning about the traditional owners of the land you are on in Australia or dressing appropriately when visiting places of worship.
It could also imply obeying tipping etiquette (e.g., tipping is expected in the United States but considered impolite in Japan) and always obtaining permission before photographing individuals, particularly in culturally sensitive or private situations.
Support local business
When studying abroad, where you spend your money can have a big impact on the community. Shopping at markets or secondhand stores, as well as dining at family-owned restaurants, ensures that your money stays within the community.
Consider timing your travels during the off-season. Not only will you be able to appreciate a place without the crowds, but it will also bring much-needed money into towns that only attract tourists for a few months of the year.