Traveling: The most effective way to understand culture

As I am getting ready to graduate with my bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University in 6 weeks, I have started to get ready for my summer vacation that I will be taking to Istanbul, Turkey at the end of May. My parents informed me one day that they were gifting me airline tickets as a graduation present, which was honestly the best graduation present I could have asked for. The reason I feel so strongly is because I absolutely love to travel.  From the moment I walk into an airport, I am overly stimulated by the various people with endless travelling possibilities. What I mean by this is that the airport is symbolic of a gateway to escape to a distant land whenever and wherever you want.

            Anytime someone travels for leisure, it is very important to do research about the historical relevancy of the country. The languages they speak, the currency they use, the history of the creation of the country, and other superficial research will allow you to recognize and internalize the sites and smells that you will experience the minute you walk of the plane in a different country.

Once your trip is in motion, use it as an opportunity to learn. This is the approach that most people take when traveling to another country. They are intrigued by a place and culture, and then attempt to learn these things while touring in the country. This is one of the most effective tools a person can use to breakdown stereotypes and truly understand other peoples cultures and customs.

According to Under30ceo.com in an article in 2011,

“In conjunction with Brightspark Travel we are on a quest to find out how travel as a student affects business leaders today. Brightspark Travel plans unforgettable trips that are designed to create long lasting memories and create “a bigger world for every student.” Knowledge of this bigger world is one that is said can give people a step ahead in business and may allow people to:

               Discover their true independence

               Become more aware of cultural surroundings

               Feel comfortable with the unknown

               Develop leadership traits”

Therefore, not only will traveling help you understand culture, but it has the potential to positively affect skills you need for a successful career.  Nonetheless, I am excited to be going to a foreign country that I have never been to have new cultural experiences. Are you going anywhere exciting soon? Do you agree that traveling is important? Tell me what you think!