If you are fortunate enough to attend a college that offers cross-cultural trips, here are some reasons why you should GO and take advantage of this opportunity.
1. You Meet Some Pretty Amazing People
Trust me, the first handful of pre-departure meetings will be full of forced awkward introductions, ice breaker games, individually introducing yourself in front of 25+ sets of eyes, and constantly forgetting the names of your fellow students that you are supposed to live in close corners with during the weeks of your trip. You might even think to yourself that you don't want to leave the country with these people - other students who you do not feel comfortable around - but don't worry, your nerves will slowly settle down and the people in the room will quickly become some of the closest friends you will make during your college years.
While on your cross-cultural trip you may have the privilege of staying with a host family for some of your time. This is a great way to have a hands-on experience with their culture. This family will soon feel like your own and I guarantee you it will make you appreciate your family at home so much more.
2. You Get To Travel Abroad
As someone who had never left the United States let alone the eastern side of the country, this was something that was super exciting but also completely nerve wracking. As soon as I received my passport in the mail, I had this overwhelming sense of freedom, that I am now able to go anywhere in the world that I wanted. This could be the case for many students who sign up for a cross cultural trip - finally getting the chance to travel abroad. On the other hand, if you are someone who travels abroad all the time, you are able to travel to another part of the world that you have never been to. Whether you are a newbie to international travelling like myself (don't worry, Customs is not as scary as people make it sound), or a varsity member of the international travel team, you are able to place a new red tack over your intended destination spot.
3. You Are Challenged
Mentally, Physically, Spiritually, Emotionally, the whole nine yards. These challenges are able to shape and mold you into a stronger person and I can confirm that you will come back a different person. There may be nights that you are so homesick that you find yourself tearing up before you fall asleep or there may be times when tensions rise high because everyone is getting tired of being around each other all the time. These moments are able to make you a stronger person. Get ready to venture out of your comfort zone.
4. You Get To Experience Another Culture
While abroad, you are exposed to so many different aspects of the culture within the country. Whether this is through food, language, music, leisure activities, classes, walking through the city, homestays, or just sightseeing, you will be able to learn so much about what the native individuals are able to call home.
5. You Learn So Much, Even If You Do Not Sit In A Classroom Everyday
If your cross-cultural trip is a class, you will find that your days are planned out for you already. Additionally, you will find that you rarely spend time in a classroom. Yes, there will be some work - it's a class after all, but you are thrown into the culture and are able to experience it first hand. There are excursions and day trips planned and you just have to go along for a ride. That's about it. You get in the bus and go and it will most likely be the best moments of your life. The opportunities that you have while on these trips is remarkable. You are able to see so much, be exposed to so much, and do so many things that you may not ever be able to do when travelling individually. Through spending your days like this, you are able to learn so much about the culture, the country, and ultimately yourself.
*6. Don't Worry About The Money
This extra reason is incredibly important and one that I had to realize when thinking about the trip I was about to embark on. Take the opportunity to go on one of these trips. Don't think about the money because you will most likely already have student loans and be in debt when you graduate anyways. One day I woke up and decided to apply for a cross-cultural trip during the month of January, and it was the best decision that I ever made.
To Costa Rica and everyone I met while there, you have a special place in my heart.
