Benefits of Travelling, Both Personal and Professional

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain


Better words have not been written about this topic. I have developed a love for new places since going on early trips to Florida, visiting my grandparents. I like noting differences, whether it’s the salty spray from South Carolina or the warm wind from the Aegean Sea.

I also enjoy travelling for more selfish reasons. I don’t want to be stuck in one place, living there for the rest of my life. There is so much of the world to be seen, and I don’t want to miss out. Going on an adventure gives me more determination to discover the unknown and remember why we are on this planet: to experience and feel, to be citizens of the world. I believe that this idea of experiencing and feeling the world around us also takes the sheath from our eyes unconsciously. Since being here, I have had minute and large experiences that have helped me understand what international students at Ferris have been through. I know that through this I will be more helpful and empathetic.

A question that I was asked before I left was, “How will this experience help you personally and professionally in 10, 20 years?” Well, it’ll help me as soon as I get back, along with every job I have and personal experience. It will help me, as I said before, be more empathetic, encouraging, and adventurous. Travelling such a long distance by myself has not only stretched myself to my limits (it seems to me), but also helped me realize just how independent I am. I am proud of that fact. Not a smug pride. But that I trusted myself to do this revealed to me how much I can really accomplish as I go through life, and that realization makes me both happy and proud.

Professionally, this experience will look great on my resume (let’s be honest), and when employers ask about it I can go into detail about responsibilities, travels, and benefits of the trip that I can use for the rest of my life (there are a lot!). I am hoping that it will help me as soon as finding a job for next summer, and that this and other activities will also help me stand out from the many Business Administration majors when I graduate. Long term, I believe this will help me understand the differences of cultures and is only the start of a good career with lots of travelling. It will teach me to become even more independent, go outside of my comfort zone, and go out of the normal routine.

Really, there are so many benefits that travelling in general offers. Why wouldn’t you want to experience all that the world has to offer?