Learn A New Culture, Find Yourself

When travelling abroad, it can sometimes be difficult to engage with the culture of the country you’re in. It could be completely new to you and a bit of a shock to the system. However, it would be a mistake to miss out on diving in and experiencing the culture.

Never be afraid of culture because getting to know a completely new society is a very stimulating and cathartic experience.

When you travel or live abroad, you will have the chance to see things you may not otherwise see. You can also do fun activities that you can’t do in your home country. See in your mind’s eye how exhilarating it would be to volunteer with elephants in Asia, travel through most reclusive parts of Japan, walk through the Red Square in Russia, immerse yourself in the luxe-culture on an Oregon getaway, or explore the Amazon jungle. Experiencing a new culture can be as simple as listening to music, trying new foods or learning about the history and customs of your destination.

Even after a month in Sweden, I only came back knowing pleasantries and a campfire song! Ha!

Experiencing culture shock by coming into contact with a new language will compel you to become accustomed to and learn the new language quickly.

Knowing a secondary language is becoming an inevitability. Learning a language in a classroom is totally different from immersing yourself in a new language. Speech and thought are associated, so by learning a new language, you will potentially a new way of thinking as well. Don’t be discouraged when this doesn’t come quickly. Learning a new language takes time, but even being able to communicate a little will feel great! 

New friends I made from Thailand, Wales + England! 

Who doesn’t want the opportunity to increase your circle of friends to include people from all over the world?

One of the best things about travelling and living abroad is meeting new people and developing friendships with others. Meeting people who have different backgrounds can be a great experience because it often forms you into a more accepting person. It also opens doors of opportunities for you in other parts of the world that would otherwise be unattainable.

Experiencing different cultures will teach you to trust your instincts, and endure during periods of solitude and unfamiliarity.

People experience incredible personal development when they are facing vulnerability. Yes, being in an unknown environment can be daunting, uncomfortable, and bewildering. However, those moments shape who you are as a person by helping you find out what you are made of. Demanding situations expose personality, and more often than not, help to build it too.

Experiencing different cultures will teach you that this world is a small place. Not to mention that, regardless of our differences, we are all alike.

In spite of difference in cultures, languages and religions, we all share similar ambition: to discover love, take pleasure in what we do, and look after our family and loved ones. Traveling abroad truly strengthens the idea that we all share the same human analogies.

These are just a handful of reasons that really jumping into the culture can truly enhance, not only your travels, but your life after travel as well! 

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