In one way or another, everyone needs adventure in their life. Taking that step outside your comfort zone, stepping on a plane, and traveling the world is the ultimate adventure. All aspects of traveling are beneficial, especially when paired with an academic program. There are so many curriculums to choose from when going abroad, such as submersion programs where you can test and improve your language skills and/or mobile abroad programs such as my personal favorite, Semester at Sea.
No matter the program, if you put yourself in a mindset to learn and yearn for adventure an Abroad experience is meant for you! With this mindset, you will gain a wealth of knowledge and experience new things which make up the very reasons why you should take that leap and go!
Cultural Experiences
Whether it is an arts showcase on a tour such as a dance or musicians or an encounter with local, cultural experiences are beneficial to broadening your mind to new things. Seek out performances, local events, festivals, and historical sites. With new cultural experiences, culture shock is not uncommon, but it is an obstacle that is exhilarating to overcome. When I was abroad, I went to Nuzaelu Water Village in Ghana. The school children danced as they lead my group to their schoolhouse. They performed for us and then showed us their village. We a glimpse of the personality of their culture through their dance yet, we were also shocked by their way of life. Both were so impactful and broadened my awareness.
New Perspectives
The world is not made of single stories. Every situation, story, is multifaceted. Stories defined by the biased interpretations of those who experience them. I had to push myself to see, get to know, and interact with different perspectives about situations, history, culture, etc. about the places I visited. I had the opportunity to get to know local people. I took that opportunity to listen to their point of view. I had no obligation to agree, but the goal was to be respectful of all perspectives to get a fuller understanding of the situation. I was curious, asked questions, and have taken my new found perspectives back into life at home. These new perspectives have been a significant benefit to me. I have become more accepting and am more willing to listen to other opinions.
Growth
There will be difficulties, but these will push you to grow in more ways than you expected you would — the opportunity to grow while abroad is so valuable. When I got lost on trains in Japan, I to stay calm and be flexible with my plans. Language barriers will give me the opportunity to practice patience. These traits have spilled over into your life at home.
New Tastes
foods featured: peanut butter rice, warthog meatballs, ostrich stew
Food is one of the best mediums through which to get to know a country’s culture. The way a culture prepares food can show off the personality of the culture, such as the spices used, color, denseness, convenience, etc. as well as how it is eaten, in a communal or individual setting. I tried so many new foods while I was abroad, like peanut butter rice, warthog meatballs, and ostrich stew in Zimbabwe.
Adventure
Adventure can be an array of things. It can be getting over a fear, to trying new things, to conquering an obstacle. It can be as simple as trying something new. I experienced adventure when I tried new foods, crossed the street in Vietnam for the first time (which is terrifying), and took a leap of faith and bungee jumped off of the Victoria Bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
People
I was surprised by how much the people I met affected me.
In submersion programs host families tend to become more than just your host. They become your in-country lifeline. Travelers can truly assimilate into the rhythm of their host family’s lives.
On mobile abroad programs such as Semester at Sea, your professors become like family and the friends you make will last a lifetime. Best of all the hearts of local people will shape your understanding of their home forever. Like Coco from Yangon, Myanmar who sells flowy pants from his motorcycle and delivers them straight to your bus window!
Sources
Adichie, Chimamanda. “The Dangers of a Single Story.” TED . London. July 2009. You Tube. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg>.
http://www.jmcpl.ca/atoz-world-food-new-data-product/
http://www2.furman.edu/academics/study-away-and-international-education/Pages/default.aspx
http://www2.furman.edu/academics/study-away-and-international-education/Pages/default.aspx
girlonthemove.travel.blog 