At some point during our post-secondary education, many of us have thought of (or maybe already have) travelling somewhere inside or outside the country.

As you embark on your journey as a future university student, there could be multiple reasons to incorporate travelling into the picture. For example, joining our university’s exchange program, experiencing education as an international student, learning a new language or simply gaining a new experience.

In this blog, I will be pointing out four lifetime skills you will gain and reasons why you should consider travelling in your future as a university student.

Self-discovery and confidence

Travelling by yourself will allow you to know yourself better and boost your confidence. Once you step out of your comfort zone and are all out there exploring a new place, you will be constantly making your own choices and decisions that will often lead you to overcome the most minimal fear you may have.

I think that traveling alone is such a life-changing experience because you will not only know and start appreciating things within and around you, but you will also be surprised by all the things you’re capable of doing. Because of this I even think that you will eventually find yourself trusting your instincts even more.

Independence

Besides post-secondary education, travelling can also make us more independent individuals. By embarking on your own journey, you will find yourself planning your own way everywhere you go.

Not only that, in fact, you will decide how and when you want to do certain things. You will also realize that you will be having control of most of the activities you want to do while you stay in another country or city.

I’ve always felt that independence plays a huge role in my journey as an international student. My first step towards independence was when I moved to Canada a few months after I graduated from high school.

I started planning different activities so that I had enough time to do everything I wanted to do. Over the years, I have realized that I have been able to develop my own schedule that works according to my own pace.

Learning opportunity

Besides post-secondary education, travelling can also be a learning curve. Travelling to an unknown place can bring us multiple hands-on learning experiences such as getting to know new people, cultures and languages.

We might not realize this, but in order to learn, we adopt different skills that shape us as the individuals we want to be.

It’s interesting to learn things about people, cultures or religions that we maybe didn’t know much about. The best part is when we are able to pick up some words or maybe even learn a new language.

Memories

Taking pictures, buying souvenirs and keeping a journal are a few things that may help ensure that your memories last even longer.

The best part is to look back at the different pictures or souvenirs and remember all the things you did and experienced during your time away. In my opinion, it is almost like a #throwback to your trip. 

Another great thing about the memories you make during your adventures, are the people you met along the way. Sometimes you meet great friends on your trip that will stay with you for a long time. Other times you meet people who helped you make the most of your travels and will always be a fond memory.

No matter how much you learn and experience out of a travel journey, you have to keep in mind that different aspects have to be taken into consideration if you’re planning a trip. 

As university students, you might be interested in a more educational trip. If this is the case, remember to plan a budget, check the requirements, apply for visas, etc.

My advice to you is to start your planning by visiting our International Services Office—our advisors will be able to walk you through the travelling process.

You can also consider an exchange program through our university. You will be surprised to see how many different educational partners our university has around the world.

Are there any things you think you might learn during a journey in another country or city? Let us know in the comment section down below!

Thinking of studying at our university and want to learn more about our programs and faculties?