Universities aim to offer learning experiences that create value, protect the environment, and respect the communities that welcome their students. As this approach gains importance, sustainability has become a priority in academic mobility. Still, many institutions remain unsure about how to incorporate sustainable practices without sacrificing flexibility, accessibility, or quality. The good news is that adopting this perspective improves program operations while also strengthening the program’s reputation, fostering stronger relationships with local partners, and encouraging students to develop a more responsible mindset.

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Understanding sustainability in international program design

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In international education, sustainability is not limited to lowering emissions or recycling materials. It also involves acting responsibly across three areas: environmental, social, and economic. When a program is structured with these dimensions in mind, the design considers aspects such as resource consumption, the relationship with the host community, inclusion, accessibility, and ethical supplier practices.

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On the environmental front, choices related to travel, transportation policies, housing, and materials can significantly shape a program’s impact. The social dimension focuses on how the institution engages with local communities, whether the experiences offered are respectful, and how safe conditions are ensured for students. The economic aspect relates to selecting responsible suppliers and building programs that provide real value without harming local residents.

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How to evaluate and redesign programs with sustainable criteria

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The first step is to examine how the program currently operates. Many universities discover that certain processes consume more resources than necessary or create impacts that often go unnoticed. It is helpful to review elements such as travel length, transportation choices, housing location, supplier selection, coordination with local partners, and the frequent use of printed materials.

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Once that evaluation is complete, the next step is to adapt the program’s design. This does not mean changing the entire structure, but rather introducing improvements that enhance coherence. For example, selecting destinations with efficient transportation systems reduces the need for long commutes. It is also beneficial to work with housing providers that follow responsible practices, from energy management to waste reduction. Another common adjustment is rethinking travel policies to support more efficient routes or compensate emissions through verified initiatives.

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Equity is another essential component of this redesign. A sustainable program offers equal opportunities to all students, regardless of their financial situation or specific needs. It also helps define clear criteria for choosing suppliers and collaborators, such as environmental certifications, ethical labor practices, strong community involvement, and internal policies that reduce negative impact.

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Engaging students and staff to build responsible programs

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Sustainability is not determined solely by program structure; group behavior influences the overall outcome. For that reason, many universities prepare students before departure through sessions that focus on responsible habits, cultural considerations, and ways to reduce their impact while abroad. To support this preparation, we offer the e-book “Your student’s first month abroad: what defines a successful experience” created to help institutions guide their students through the transition.

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Certain actions can make a meaningful difference: choosing to walk when distances are short, respecting local rules and schedules, limiting single-use materials, or supporting community-led initiatives. Encouraging activities that connect students with local projects, social initiatives, workshops with local organizations, or collaborations with cultural groups, helps generate positive impact.

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Internal teams also play an essential role. Advisors, coordinators, and academic staff need clear guidelines to communicate expectations and respond to student questions. Consistent messaging is crucial, and it becomes possible when the entire institution moves in the same direction.

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Technology and tools that support more sustainable management

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An often-overlooked aspect of program management is the number of administrative tasks that require significant time, paper, and ongoing coordination. Digitalization helps reduce this burden and supports more efficient, responsible operations. Specialized tools allow institutions to centralize documents, coordinate suppliers, store destination information, and improve communication across teams. They also make it easier to adapt programs when regulations change or when new sustainability criteria need to be incorporated.

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In addition, digital solutions make it possible to evaluate suppliers quickly, compare options, and select those that align best with environmental and social goals. One example is Abroad by Lodgerin, which centralizes processes and helps institutions coordinate mobility, suppliers, and documentation without relying on manual procedures, while also improving communication with students through its digital ecosystem.

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Measuring progress and strengthening programs over time

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Sustainability requires ongoing monitoring and regular review. Metrics are essential because they allow institutions to identify opportunities for improvement and demonstrate results transparently. Common indicators include estimated carbon footprint, energy use, participation in responsible activities, student satisfaction, and collaboration with local organizations.

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Once the information has been collected, it should be reviewed at the end of each program cycle so procedures can be updated based on the findings. This process supports better decision-making, encourages thoughtful adjustments, and reinforces the institution’s commitment to sustainability.

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Integrating sustainability into an international program creates opportunities for more thoughtful and meaningful experiences. When a university brings together planning, training, technology, and collaboration with local partners, the result reflects a genuine commitment to responsible practice.