Traveling abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. We can’t stress the importance of travel enough, it can open your eyes to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of living, and can help you grow and develop in ways you never thought possible.
There are so many reasons why traveling is important, but above all, it is a valuable experience that can help you grow and develop as a person. Whether you’re looking to learn a new language, make valuable connections, or simply have an adventure, traveling abroad is an experience you will never forget.
Traveling abroad has become somewhat of a popular endeavor in the last couple of years. With more and more people purchasing passports, there has been an increase in the flow of tourism. As of 2018, there are over one hundred thirty-seven million valid passports in circulation in the United States.
Visiting a new city or country has more benefits than just picture-worthy content for your Instagram feed. On the surface traveling is an opportunity to visit new places, but underneath it’s about opening your horizons to new experiences, different cultures, and customs.
Traveling Abroad Become Aware of other Cultural Values
What foods are most popular, and how are they prepared? What unique holidays does this culture celebrate, and why? What sports are popular? All of these questions and more will be answered when you explore a new country. Sure, you could probably just Google the questions, but where’s the fun in that?
Understanding International Issues and Conflicts
We are living in a world that is becoming more and more globalized, meaning that different cultures and customs are influencing aspects of our life. You might have a job that requires you to travel for business or take international conference calls with global clients. With new technology and through the expansion of the Internet, our lives are inevitably becoming more globalized.
That being said, it’s essential to be aware of issues and conflicts that are affecting other countries. For example, if you were on a conference call with a business in France and didn’t mention anything about the recent tragedy with the Cathedral of Notre Dame, not only does it make you seem out-of-touch, but also a little insensitive as well.
Traveling helps you unlearn assumptions and stereotypes
Though we may not want to admit it, we all have biases. And no, I’m not talking about food and preferring french toast over pancakes. Instead, I refer to how we view each other based on our identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, etc. Or the biases we have based on cultural traditions that can lead to ethnocentrism.
Over time we receive messages about different countries’ people, politics, and practices without leaving our homes. Travel undoes all of that and allows us to unlearn these biases. We have to get past the culture shock to get there.
However, traveling helps us process that what we see or hear in the media about places is untrue. Most of it is rooted in blatant generalizations and stereotypes. Traveling helps intercultural understanding form. Then we learn that knowing another person’s way of life shows you alternative ways to living too.
Traveling opens your mind
To travel is to become more open-minded and conscious of the world around you. While this applies to unlearning assumptions and stereotypes, travel takes it a step further. Travel gives you a broader perspective on the world and how it works, from mundane tasks to larger issues.
It makes you question why your country drives on one side of the street, and another country does on the other. Or why mealtimes are later or earlier in particular countries. Traveling helps you realize there are customs from other countries you like more than yours. Each experience is opening your mind to a world that teaches you new things every day. It is our job as travelers to be willing to embrace it.
Career opportunities
Traveling abroad can also have many benefits for your career. It can help you develop new skills, make valuable connections, and gain a better understanding of international business and politics. Additionally, the experiences you gain abroad will make you stand out from other candidates and can be an asset in your future job search.
As the world becomes smaller and more globalized, top companies are always prioritizing candidates with valuable international experience. A meaningful trip abroad can be vital in making you stand out from the crowd when you start applying for your dream job.
