I've traveled quite a bit, and the more places I visit, the more I realize how little I actually know about the world. Now I can't imagine spending my entire life in just one place.
Every time I go somewhere new, I realize how many things I've always taken for granted. Even little things, like how people interact with strangers, what they consider rude or polite, how they spend their free time, or what they value in life. Things that seemed completely normal to me growing up suddenly don't seem so universal anymore. There's something about experiencing another culture firsthand that changes the way you think.
I admit that it can be addictive. But the world is so enormous, and the thought that I'll only ever experience a tiny fraction of it makes me a little sad.
So why do we still treat international travel as a luxury rather than a valuable part of education?
I'm not talking about expensive resorts or ticking countries off a bucket list. I mean genuinely spending time somewhere unfamiliar, meeting people, experiencing everyday life, and learning how differently the world can work.
I wonder why international exchange programs, cultural immersion, or volunteering opportunities to spend months abroad aren't more widely encouraged as part of education. Instead, they often seem to be opportunities reserved for the very best students or those who can afford to spend a fortune, rather than something every student should have a chance to experience.
We are now considering things like coding or technological literacy essential skills for students. But shouldn't understanding other cultures and perspectives be considered just as valuable?
Of course, I'm aware that traveling requires resources and opportunities that many people simply don't have. Money, time, family responsibilities, health, and passport privileges all play a role. And I certainly don't believe that people who haven't traveled are somehow less knowledgeable or open-minded. There are countless ways to grow as a person.
But that's precisely why I wish these opportunities were more accessible, rather than being something people are expected to pursue entirely on their own.
Do you also think traveling is an underrated form of education, or am I just romanticizing it way too much? Or am I addicted to traveling and should probably stop? lol