Coming Up: Academic Travel Gear Swap
Exploration, self-discovery, and experiential learning are fundamental values at Franklin University Switzerland. While the institution and its community actively embrace these principles in various ways, Academic Travel is a highlight for students and faculty alike. This unique experience encourages students to step beyond the confines of traditional classrooms, applying theories in practical settings and fostering new avenues for learning through personal connections. Despite the numerous advantages that Academic Travel brings to the Franklin community, we must ensure that our travels do not adversely impact our world.
Pursuing sustainable travel is a multifaceted challenge encompassing economic, cultural, and environmental considerations. Planning a trip that aligns with sustainability across these dimensions is a difficult task that can seem overwhelming and unattainable when approached as an individual. However, as a community that recognizes the value of such experiences, this undertaking becomes more manageable when we collaborate.
Each Academic Travel experience involves unique adventures that require specific equipment for students. Whether it's snorkel masks or business attire, it's reasonable to assume that only some students will be fully equipped at the beginning of the semester. This often leads to students creating shopping lists and making purchases downtown to prepare for their upcoming trips. However, many travel alums on campus have these items in their rooms, which will remain unused in the coming months or could be borrowed for a short period.
The student-initiated Academic Travel Gear Swap began with informal exchanges between peers each semester. By formalizing this gear swap, the entire student community is invited to participate in cultivating a circular economy on campus. These Gear Swaps reduce waste and avoid unnecessary consumption by repurposing items already on campus. They promote equity among students with diverse financial backgrounds, ensuring everyone can embark on their travels comfortably, regardless of financial means.
Meaningful transformations often begin with modest actions, and the Academic Travel Gear Swap is an example of this principle in action. While the benefits of these swaps may appear menial, they collectively instill a shared understanding within the Franklin community that we are committed to making small and significant changes to ensure that doing what we love does not inflict harm on others. We invite you to join us in making a positive impact by participating in these swaps, recognizing that even subtle changes can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future
By Skylar Tempel
Green Office Scholar