Despite their desire to travel abroad to “see the country,” people make a variety of excuses not to travel. Money worries, fears of loneliness, a lack of language skills or simply the choice of destination are all likely to put projects on hold, turning future language students and potential ex-pats into dissatisfied sedentary people. The good news is that even if the prospect of travelling abroad scares you, taking the plunge will enrich your life in ways you can’t imagine. To inspire you to book the famous ticket, here are some of our favourite reasons – among hundreds – why you will never regret travelling abroad:
You will broaden your cultural and emotional horizons.
One of the most exciting aspects of travelling is the chance to experience a world different from your own; lots of new foods, another language, a different social approach, changing rhythms, religions and customs. These distinctions may seem strange at first glance, but give them time to permeate. You’ll be surprised at how much your world expands after discovering another.
You will discover the meaning of the phrase “we’re all in the same boat.”
Personal problems in our home country can appear excruciatingly painful. Travelling, fortunately, is great for gaining a new perspective on life and helping us understand that everyone on the planet (except those who face extreme situations such as civil war) faces the same difficulties, sorrows, and joys that we do daily. Noticing this fact is far from boring; on the contrary, it is extremely refreshing!
You will receive excellent recommendations to include in your curriculum vitae.
Make the most of your international experience by including it on your resume. Whether it’s a short trip or a long-term stay, living abroad provides ex-pats and hard-working travellers with a few extra benefits, such as learning a foreign language, volunteering for a good cause, and working part-time. These opportunities will not only broaden your experience but will also improve your future employability.
You will practice your language skills
Have you always wanted to go to a French high school or secretly learn Japanese? If you channel this energy into a trip abroad, you will be able to raise your level by a notch. Any progress is important, and if you stay in a country long enough, you will quickly master the language!
You will learn how to communicate with people from different cultures.
Intercultural communication can be difficult, whether it’s buying fresh produce at the market, directing a taxi, or simply conversing over a cup of coffee! It is, however, extremely rewarding.
With practice, you will quickly learn to communicate complex ideas more effectively and to rely on the cues of others to keep you on track.
You will step out of your comfort zone
If there is a way to stay exactly as you are, never question yourself or try something completely new. But where would the excitement be? Sure, you might feel safe and comfortable at first, but too much comfort will drive you insane. What is the secret? Set goals for yourself and learn how to meet them. A “good challenge” has no rules; it could be a conversation with strangers, a solo trip, or a visit – or even a stay – in a country where you ignore everything. After you’ve completed this challenge, the next one will appear much easier!
Even the “difficult times” will teach you something.
Experimenting with things outside your comfort zone isn’t always easy. You may feel alone and confused at times, or you may face a more tangible problem, such as losing your passport or running out of money. These aren’t among the top ten experiences on your list but remember: once you’ve cicatrized the wound, you’ll have learned something valuable, such as trusting your instincts, conversing with other travellers from your youth hostel, or opening yourself up to new situations.
You will make memories that will last a lifetime
Making memories is something that has captivated travellers since the dawn of time. Your memories of trips abroad will stay with you long after the ink on your passport has dried up, whether it’s beautiful scenery, strange new foods, nature experiences, or the exact moment new friendships were formed.
