What Young People Gain from International Travel

I grew up fascinated by different cultures and languages. I read tons of books about traveling, even the SciFi/Fantasy ones! (A Wrinkle in Time series holds a huge place in my heart!) I wanted to see the world, but my military family wasn’t in a position to do much beyond LOTS of road trips around the USA (thank you for the 47 states by car!) and our little ventures into Canada when we lived nearby.

In high school, I saved up my own money and finally went on an international adventure ALONE! That’s all it took for me - I have definitely traveled! A lot! Even at a young age when I really didn’t have the money to do so, I found ways. I eventually even chose a career in the travel industry so that I would have more opportunities to explore the world. And…I have raised my bonus children to have that passion as well. When we traveled, they were encouraged to learn how to navigate the airports, catch a train between countries, discover new foods and learn the basics.

I am surprised and frustrated by the parents who are scared to “let” their students experience a Study Abroad opportunity, or keep their children close to home because they are afraid of foreign cultures. Here are my thoughts on why it is vitally important for young people to “think outside the box” – especially in today’s challenging economy:

1. At 17 or 18, you have your whole life ahead of you to work, marry, buy a house and have children – and with today’s economy you’ll basically be working until you die! No more retiring at 65 and living off a nice fat pension. Why not take some time now and travel? Discover more about yourself and maybe become an even better “you”!

2. There are plenty of overseas jobs out there…. get on the internet and look! Many young Americans find jobs teaching English or working in tourism and make enough to support themselves…and they come back home with skills and experience that can only make them more valuable in the US job market when they return!

3. As a traveler, you will learn to talk with people and make friends quickly – both great skills to have! The ability to form an instant rapport with someone you’ve never met will help you in both your professional and personal life.

4. If you can handle navigating foreign countries and talking to people you don’t share a language with, you can do anything! Figuring things out without any support system around you turns you into an independent problem solver – a fantastic skillset that many employers are looking for!

5. Foreign travel opens the mind and heart in ways that most young people can’t even imagine! Just to be able to see how real people live, play and work in other cultures can change a life forever – and who doesn’t think our world would be a better place if we all understood each other a little bit better?

So, let’s loosen up a little on our kids… Travel gives them a better appreciation for what they have, a better understanding of why they may not even need those things, and focuses their priorities on enjoying life before “real” life actually kicks in. Don’t stay home and have your kids spend their lives dreaming of doing something cool…take them. go out into the world. Explore, Learn and Grow!