Education is often considered a process of acquiring knowledge, which usually takes place in a formal setting such as a school. The most common form of education is characterized by “brick and mortar” classrooms. Nonetheless, most students will agree that despite formal education being the most common type of learning today, it can also take place outside the classroom. An excellent example of learning outside a school is through traveling.
We have all traveled for different reasons at least once in our lives, be it for personal growth, self-discovery, or simply challenge yourself. It is surprising just how much you can learn from traveling to various locations worldwide. When you travel the world, you broaden your knowledge of intellectual, cultural, and spiritual aspects of various communities worldwide.
It might seem like a step in the wrong direction, especially with the lack of a formal assessment system or the need for a skilled paper writer to help with assignments. Traveling the world can help open up a world of opportunities for students. Here are some reasons traveling is considered to be educational. They include:
- You get the opportunity to learn a second language firsthand
When traveling to a foreign country, it is an added advantage to learn the local language regardless of whether people speak English or not. The experience of learning a new language if heightened when presented with the chance to practice your oral skills with locals.
- The opportunity to interact with different cultures
Traveling helps you relate to various cultures as well as identify where the common ground lies. You get to enjoy different cuisines, behaviors, lifestyles, etc. In the long run, traveling helps make the world a better and safer place for previously discriminated groups of people as you learn the history behind their social, political, and economic structures.
- You challenge yourself to learn new things
As you travel, you will undoubtedly do many things that you are not accustomed to in your daily schedule. Regardless of the challenge you face, you will be more motivated to overcome it when traveling than you would in a classroom setting. This mentality will help you adapt to the change in the environment.
- Learn about the current state of different countries
Traveling not only helps you learn about the historical events of a country. It can also provide students with the chance to learn about the current state of various countries worldwide. Traveling helps eliminate the bias of media houses as you get to experience these environments for yourself. With time you will begin to understand why there are unique qualities among various societies worldwide.
- Challenges you to self-improvement
Traveling to different places will make you more adaptable to new situations, making you self-reliant, confident, and responsible. In the long run, you will be better at solving problems and thinking on your feet.
- Improves your social skills
You might start out your journey, not willing to interact with others. However, you will soon realize that you will require to talk with complete strangers. For instance, asking for directions might not be an option, rather a necessity during travels. In no time, you will have developed communication and social skills that are useful in life.
- Gain a better understanding of historical events
Learning about past civilizations and significant historical events in a classroom setting does not really compare with visiting a historical site in person. Visiting museums, ruins, monuments, etc. creates a lasting image that students are more likely to remember. Besides, talking to locals of a specific area could offer a far better understanding of the area’s history than you could get in a textbook.
- You gain an appreciation for nature
When you travel, for example, to partake in a nature walk or game safari, you soon realize just how essential nature is. If more people traveled and enjoyed nature as you do, current global warming issues would be a thing of the past.
These are just a few of the reasons why traveling can be considered as an opportunity to learn. However, to enjoy the benefits of learning from traveling, you can start off by being a domestic tourist and going to places within your country that you have never visited before and see how much you can learn.
