Each summer, students in Georgia Tech’s Leadership for Social Good (LSG) Study Abroad Program work alongside nonprofit organizations in Budapest, Hungary, gaining hands-on experience addressing social and environmental challenges. Through these internships, students apply leadership skills to real-world projects while developing cross-cultural communication, research, and problem-solving skills.
This summer, LSG students Shalini Mehra (IE) and Nicole Johnson (BSBA) partnered with Tudatos Vásárlók Egyesülete (TVE), the Hungarian Association of Conscious Consumers, to explore Generation Z’s attitudes toward repairability and sustainable consumption.
While repairing a personal device is often a more sustainable choice than replacing it, consumers frequently choose to purchase something new. Shalini and Nicole sought to better understand why. Their research included literature reviews, a student poll, field research at stores and malls throughout Budapest, conversations with consumers and employees, and an examination of repairability trends on social media.
Through their work, the students discovered that sustainable intentions do not always translate into sustainable actions. Repairability, in particular, was something many consumers—including the students themselves—had not previously considered as part of sustainability.
It is so easy for people to say that they want to be more sustainable, but oftentimes their actions don't really reflect that, it is very difficult to leave the comfort of our habits, and especially when the impact is far from us, we have little motivation to change our actions.”
Shalini Medra
The project also gave the students a firsthand look at how sustainability policies and consumer behavior intersect. During field research in electronic stores throughout Hungary, they examined EU energy-labeling requirements and spoke with consumers and employees about their experiences with repairability and sustainable consumption.
Our field research in electronic stores in Hungary was the most influential part of our internship. We got to see EU policy in action while also talking with consumers and store employees about what repairability and sustainability mean to them. It was valuable to hear how people realistically take steps toward sustainability in their daily lives.”
Nicole Johnson
For Shalini and Nicole, the internship ultimately offered more than an opportunity to conduct research. It encouraged them to examine their own habits, listen to different perspectives, and consider how their future careers can contribute to meaningful social and environmental change.
The Institute for Leadership and Social Impact (ILSI) is an interdisciplinary institute at Georgia Tech dedicated to promoting servant leadership and advancing organizational practices that contribute to a more just, caring, and sustainable world. Through experiential learning, research, and community partnerships, we nurture leaders who drive meaningful social change—locally in Atlanta and globally. To learn more about our initiatives and programs, visit our website.