In high school and college, you might come across different opportunities to travel abroad. You might seem hesitant at first like I was. Why would you want to travel to unfamiliar territory, a place where you might not know the language or culture?
Despite those setbacks, you can break cultural barriers. We are so familiar with the same daily routine, going to school/work, hanging out with friends and family and then repeating the same thing the next day. We are so confined and sheltered in our lives and norms. My first time ever riding a plane was a 12-hour trip to China! Traveling to a different country allows you to step out of your comfort zone, and you get to experience the culture and people around you in a new environment.
You get to see different sites and landmarks, architecture, popular tourist attractions/spots, try exotic new foods (like fried scorpion in China) and even pick up new skills. While in China, the group I traveled with got to bargain with vendors selling souvenirs on the street and in different marketplace malls, and that's not something we really get to do in the States since everything already has a set price.
You should travel to a different country with an open mind and not have any pre-existing judgements about the country or its' people. Going in with an open mind will allow you to fully immerse in the culture. You learn a lot by yourself, and even in a full packed tour, you have a lot of down time. Use your free time to explore and reflect on the trip. When I traveled to Paris and Rome in 2014, I had a journal where I wrote everything down. Bring a journal and a camera; it's great to look back on all the great memories you had!
Traveling abroad truly is an incredible experience, and I encourage people who might be doubting it or have never traveled to just try it once. After I traveled to China, I absolutely fell in love with the idea of it, and I hope to travel the world some day. Whether it be by yourself, with a loved one, to do volunteer work abroad with your college or whatever it may be, get out there and experience all the world has to offer!
