How travelling to another country can help students overcome the challenges of adolescence
Travelling abroad is a life-changing experience for anyone, but especially for teenagers. Not only does it allow them to discover new cultures and places, but they can also learn about themselves and develop important skills for their future. In this article we will explain some benefits and tips for going abroad as a teenager. We will also discuss how going abroad can be a valuable investment in young people's personal development.
Discovering your identity
Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and travelling abroad is a great opportunity for this. By being away from home and their usual environment, students can explore different aspects of their identity, such as their tastes, preferences and interests. In addition, they learn to be more independent and to make decisions on their own, to have more initiative and judgement. This helps them to develop their own personality, and they can better assess and decide how they want to approach their studies and hobbies.
Gaining autonomy
Independence is an important aspect of youth, but it can be difficult to achieve. One of the greatest benefits of travelling at this age is that it gives young people the opportunity to gain autonomy. Being away from family and friends, students must learn to take care of themselves, create new social bonds, take responsibility for their actions and solve problems on their own. This does not mean that they do not feel supported by their host family, teachers, or host family, but rather that they will have the freedom to explore a little more closely, which means stepping out of their comfort zone and venturing into the unknown.
Coping with adolescence
Puberty is a difficult time for most of us, as we experience many changes in our lives and have no instruction manual to explain how to deal with certain situations. Travelling to Ireland or England can be a great way to cope with these challenges because it allows us to get away from the pressures and worries of our everyday lives. Also, by being exposed to different ways of life and cultures, we can learn to see things from different perspectives and be more understanding of ourselves and others.
Fears and uncertainties
It's normal to be afraid of change and feel uncertain about the future, especially when it comes to doing a course abroad. But there is no reason to worry, this feeling can be overcome. At English Summer we understand that doing a course abroad can be an overwhelming experience, which is why we offer the support and guidance participants need to feel confident and comfortable. Our team of professionals is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have before, during and after your trip.
Questioning everything
Students have many questions and often question everything around them. It is a time of deconstruction and belief building, so students are more receptive to learning about new cultures, languages and lifestyles. They are able to broaden their perspective and visualise new expectations, goals and plans for the future, both academically and personally. Our courses are designed to encourage dialogue and discussion, allowing them to share their ideas and learn from other international students.
Broadening horizons
Travelling to another country can be a way to broaden your horizons, goals and open your mind to new experiences. It is a way to expose ourselves to new ways of thinking, living and acting. By being exposed to different cultures, we can learn about diversity and tolerance, which helps us develop a more global perspective of the world. In addition, we can discover new passions and interests that we might never have discovered had we not taken that first flight.
Learning a new language
It goes without saying that travelling means leaving your mother tongue behind to immerse yourself in a different linguistic environment, but it also helps to improve your communication skills. In fact, learning a new language can be a great advantage for students' academic and professional futures, as it will give them the ability to communicate with people from all over the world.
Ultimately, travelling abroad is an enriching experience and can also be transformative for students. It allows them to discover new traditions, learn more about themselves, share experiences, and develop important skills for their future.