Sustainability isn’t just about what happens inside a school’s walls. International students experience an entire destination – its streets, transport, culture and communities. Understanding what makes a location feel genuinely sustainable helps schools contextualise their own efforts within the broader environment they’re offering.

Urban planning and green spaces

Cities designed with pedestrians in mind feel inherently more sustainable. Wide cycling lanes, walkable neighbourhoods and abundant parks signal environmental consciousness at a civic level. Green spaces, like public gardens, urban forests and waterways, directly enhance student wellbeing whilst demonstrating a city’s commitment to biodiversity and quality of life.

Getting around without a car

Reliable, affordable public transport is one of the most visible indicators of a sustainable destination. Students who can navigate a city comfortably by bus, train or bicycle feel empowered and environmentally responsible. Schools can enhance this by providing clear transport guidance to new students, promoting cycling schemes and highlighting their proximity to public transport links in marketing materials.

Safety and inclusivity

Sustainable destinations feel safe and welcoming for all. International students, who are often far from home for the first time, pay close attention to how included they feel. Schools can amplify this by building diverse, welcoming communities that reflect the city’s broader culture and values.

Local culture and environmental attitudes

Destinations with strong environmental cultures, such as visible recycling infrastructure, farmers’ markets and low-waste lifestyles, immerse students in sustainability naturally. Schools can connect students with local green initiatives, community gardens and environmental events to deepen this sense of belonging and purpose. This is particularly important given how schools communicate their green credentials to prospective students and families.

A sustainable study destination is not only one thing, but the sum of many parts. Schools that actively connect students with the green fabric of their city – transport, culture and community – enhance the overall experience and strengthen their own sustainability credentials in the process.

Written by Stephanie Clark