Encouraging International Students to Local Travel, Using Sustainable Transport

Lighthouse and sea. Photo.

Written by:
Llewellyne Delelis, Lund University Global Engagement

Doing a mobility to another country is an opportunity to travel and discover new places, and as a part of our sustainable commitment, we wanted to help and encourage newcomer students to find a sustainable way to travel from Lund.  That’s why we, the LU Global Engagement department, launched the project: “Local Sustainable Travel – Share your story”.

As we wanted to encourage Lund University students to do local travels, it seemed important to give them some good recommendations from other students. We all know how difficult it is to find a good place to go and to plan a trip. What often makes people hesitant about local travel is the lack of information regarding the good places to visit or the transport, so we wanted to help the newcomer students by collecting some tips and advice for them.

For this, we made a call in the International Newsletter, asking students to:

  • Do a brief introduction of themselves.
  • Write a short account (around 300 words) of their favorite local travel experience in the Skåne region, which includes the name of the place, and the means of transport used with as many details as possible.
  • Optional but recommended, include a photo that captures their travel experience to be used alongside the story.

The three “best writers” were asked to participate to a podcast on Sustainable Local Travel, for Lund University International Podcast, which will be published during next fall semester.  The different stories were then published in the International Newsletter and posted on the university’s social media during June-July.

Here are extracts from our winning stories:

Bosjökloster

“After unpacking my suitcase in my new student accommodation in Lund, visiting Bosjökloster was one of the first excursions I had. A direct bus ride and a little walk away, you find this old monastery; originally, I was slightly skeptical, as I have seen many beautiful old buildings in my life. I came to find that Bosjökloster, however, imbues the spirit of Skåne.”

Anna Charlotte, from Denmark, master’s degree student in Tourism, Development and Culture under Service Management in Helsingborg.

Österlen

“I’ve hiked plenty throughout Skåne but my favourite place is Österlen. I’ve always heard that it was special, and last summer I set out to find out why. How? By walking Österlenleden (SL4)! The official start and endpoint is in Ystad, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lund by train. The 160km trail loops around the entirety of Österlen, so, last summer, I set out to walk the entire thing. I managed to do so in five days, camping along the way. Walking Österlenleden was one of the best experiences of my entire life.”

Isak Hasselberg, from Stockholm, bachelor’s degree student in English, studying self-contained courses in practical philosophy and the history of ideas.

Kullaberg

“One of my favorite local travel destinations in Skåne is Kullaberg, a stunning coastal nature reserve located in the northwestern corner of the region. Just a 1.5-hour trip from Helsingborg by public transport – and easily accessible from Lund via train and bus – Kullaberg is the perfect spot for a day trip filled with nature and tranquility. What makes Kullaberg special is the combination of wild nature and peaceful charm: lush forests, dramatic coastal cliffs, a cozy café perched above the sea, and even a seaside golf course. Nearby, the small town of Mölle adds to the charm with its calm atmosphere and picturesque harbor.”

Xin Sui, from China, master’s degree student in Sustainable Service Management.

Recommendations from other students

  • Hanö Island (not in Skåne but still easily reachable in sustainable transport)
  • Lomma beach
  • Kullaberg
  • Mölle
  • Torekov
  • Stenshuvud
  • Söderåsen
  • Ystad
  • Ale’s stones
  • Torups Slott
  • Bokskogen
  • Skåneleden
  • Österlenden
  • Bosjökloster Slott

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