Whether it is studying, working, volunteering, or simply traveling abroad, I truly believe that time spent in a foreign country can be utterly life changing. This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern in the beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic. I was originally planning to go to London, but due to logistical problems, I was reassigned to Prague. At first, I was apprehensive because I had never been to Central or Eastern Europe. After spending a summer there, I would not have changed it for another city in the world. Here are a list of the reasons why I believe it is essential to live abroad at some point in your early adulthood.
1. There is a world beyond your own.
Living abroad can really put into perspective how small you actually are. It is a very humbling experience to see how vast the world is beyond yourself. Immerse yourself in the cultures of other people. The way you live does not mean that is the normal or only way to live. It is normal to you because you are accustomed to it. But there are billions of other people who roam this earth and hundreds of other cultures that are way different from your own. Explore these cultures, immerse yourself in them, and leave feeling humbled and well-rounded.
2. There is something beautiful about feeling completely vulnerable in a foreign place.
One of the first nights I was in Prague, I decided to go out and take a stroll by myself in this vast city with no agenda or anyone to call to (sorry Mom if this worries you). Although I did in fact get lost... a few times... it was extremely liberating to aimlessly wander. I had no Google Maps to direct me; I had to attempt to read off of street signs. If you have ever been exposed to the Czech language, you would know that this is merely impossible; there are no context clues to decipher. So yes, I explored the city without the slightest clue of knowing where I was going. Looking around and seeing other people speak in foreign tongue with there families and friends made me feel sad at some points; I wish I had someone to converse with and share the experience with. But I did not need anyone but myself. And this sense of individuality and freedom was truly empowering. The streets I wandered down, the Czech wine I sampled, the beautiful views of the Vltava River, these are all precious memories I have to share within my own mind. It is scary to venture out on your own with no plan or ability to understand others, but the things you will discover makes the vulnerability worth it.
3. You meet people from all over the world.
Whether it was through my internship or simple conversation on a train, I made so many friends while I was abroad. I have friends now that live all over the globe: Romania, Russia, Reunion Island, and more. Exchanging cultures with these people was the most invaluable and irreplaceable experience I could have ever had. It was so cool getting to learn what the college life was for a student in Dresden, Germany, and learning about the break dancing scene in Moscow, Russia. The internet these days is such a gift in this sense because I can easily keep in contact with all of my international friends. Knowing that whenever you travel again that you have a friend to visit across the globe is the warmest feeling.
4. You get to eat amazing food.
This was a no brainer for me. If anyone knows me well, they know I am a hardcore foodie. Food is my passion, and there is no greater way to experience great food then tasting it all over the world. I am very embarrassed to admit that there were a few occasions my friends and I would visit the McDonald's in Prague...(and for some reason McDonald's is a lot nicer in Europe). And for the record, we were in dire need of some McFlurries. However, do not expect Sweet Tea. They most likely do not have it! But my point was, beyond those few weak moments, my friends and I always ate adventurously. When else in your life will you get the chance to eat traditional Czech Pork Knuckle or slurp French Escargot? So take a risk: try new foods that you most likely will not get the chance to try elsewhere. PS: I crave these foreign delicacies now more than anything. Eat while you can!
5. Your passion for learning and exploring will grow.
With each trip I take, I grow more hungry to learn: to learn about other cultures, to learn about political affiliations between countries, to learn about historical events, to learn about what else is out there on this massive planet. This sense of adventure is essential in life; without it, we become stagnant. Traveling revitalizes the soul and allows us to expand our horizons beyond the threshold of what we were capable of seeing.
I challenge you to take an adventure. Whether it be across the globe, across the country, or down the street. Traveling in most cases is a luxury, and I wish all get the opportunity to experience a trip in some instance of their life. However, exploration in many cases is free. We can always explore a foreign place, and by foreign I truly mean an unfamiliar setting. Take a chance, be vulnerable and alone, make friends with a stranger, try new foods, get started on a journey... you never know what you might discover.
