There is no educational experience more valuable than travelling.
I stated in a recent Facebook post that there is no educational experience more valuable than travelling; and I stand by that, passionately.
When I was in graduate school at New York University, I spent a Summer in Europe. The first three weeks were spent in London; then there was a five-day break, which I chose to spend in Amsterdam. The second session took place in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, also for three weeks. It was an experience that will be with me for the rest of my life. I remember more about being immersed in the culture, getting to know some of the locals, and exploring the cities, than I do about the curriculum we were studying.
Study abroad opportunities vary. Most are available for college students, either for a term or a year, and can be just about anywhere. If you want to study art history, what better place than Florence, Italy? Maybe you’d be interested in studying culinary arts in Paris. And if you’re trying to learn a foreign language, there’s certainly no better way than to spend time in that country.
There are even study abroad opportunities available to high school students. For example, one of College Edge’s Freshmen was recently working on an application for a chance to spend three weeks in Japan. The trip will take place right after school lets out for the Summer and it is sponsored by his local Rotary (https://www.njrotary.org/SitePage/japan-youth-exchange).
Travelling abroad for long periods of time isn’t for everybody, but any travel opportunity is a learning experience. It also helps you understand nuances of different cultures, which makes you well-rounded and an asset in the workplace.