UTT Alumni's Green Initiative: Supporting UTT Students in EUt+ Programs with Interrail Passes

This initiative is focused on UTT students enrolled in EUt+ programs, which is an international alliance of leading technical universities. The goal is to make sustainable travel more accessible and reduce the carbon footprint of their journeys.

Interrail Passes, which provide discounted or free train travel, are being made available to students heading to EUt+ program destinations reachable by train. This initiative not only provides financial support but also offers guidance and resources to help students embrace sustainable travel practices.
 

Advantages of Sustainable Travel:

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Choosing train travel over flights significantly reduces carbon emissions, aligning with global environmental objectives.
• Exploration: Train journeys often involve multiple stops, allowing students to explore various cities, cultures, and languages along the way to their EUt+ program destination.
• Independence and Adaptability: Sustainable travel fosters essential skills such as independence, adaptability, and multicultural competence, which can enhance students' future career prospects.

How It Works:

This initiative creates a sustainable cycle of support. UTT students in EUt+ programs receive Interrail Passes based on their selected destinations and Pass availability. Graduates who want to give back can contribute by financing additional Interrail Passes through tax-deductible donations to the UTT Foundation (please specify "International Mobility" and include the comment "Interrail Pass" when donating).

Parents, individuals, and companies are also encouraged to participate by making contributions to the cause.
 

Pass Allocation:

Students indicate their preference for an Interrail Pass when applying for their EUt+ program. The UTT International Relations team compiles destination data and provides an anonymous list to UTT Alumni. The Foundation communicates the number of Passes that can be financed through donations.

A commission comprising UTT Alumni members, students, and UTT personnel then anonymously allocates the Passes based on various criteria:

• Carbon footprint reduction compared to air travel
• Financial savings from using the Interrail Pass
• Potential travel duration
• Number of different destinations financed
• UTT Alumni communicates the allocation to the respective students, who confirm their interest. UTT Alumni then purchases the Passes using funds from the Foundation.

Tracking Progress:

UTT Alumni periodically shares information on the carbon savings achieved through this initiative, illustrating how each contribution reduces the carbon impact of international departures. Students' experiences are also shared to inspire others to support these efforts.