At EF, we know that travel changes lives. The experiences you have abroad have long-term benefits that positively affect you and your future in so many ways. If you have the opportunity to travel and see the world, take it! No matter what happens, it will be the adventure of a lifetime.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled the top 10 reasons that international travel is something every person should experience.

1 /  Introduces you to new,
enriching experiences.

The best way to learn about another culture is to be truly immersed in it. Trying new foods, practicing the local language, meeting new people and discovering cultural customs helps you become a true global citizen while also developing a perspective on the world that’s all your own.

2 /  Brings your textbooks to life.

Visiting the places you read about in school will connect you with your studies in a whole new way. Student travellers often find that seeing the places they learn about renews their interest in their education and school work. Travelling sets you up for increased academic success and gives you a competitive edge when applying to colleges and universities.

3 /  Builds confidence.

When on an educational student tour, you’ll learn to be resourceful, embrace change, and overcome any issues you face with confidence. When you return home, you’ll bring those skills back with you and apply them to your day-to-day activities.

4 /  Make new friends.

Experiencing a new destination with your school group is an incredible bonding experience, and you will find yourselves closer than ever. You’ll also meet plenty of interesting new people in your travels that may end up becoming great friends.

5 /  Become more responsible.

After having to budget your own money, keep track of your passport and belongings and master a busy metro system, you will become more independent, responsible and mature.

6 /  Develops important life skills.

The skills you develop while travelling look great on your resume or in an interview. You’ll have concrete examples of how you are adaptable, that you aren’t afraid to leave your comfort zone, and how you are able to recognize and overcome challenges. After experiencing international travel, you’ll have learned how to budget, navigate a new city and communicate in a foreign language. You will know how to work with a group, and your decision-making and problem-solving skills will have improved. All of these skills are highly beneficial to a person setting out on any career path.

7 /  Provides an opportunity for personal growth.

You’ll be exposed to so many new experiences that you’ll begin to think differently about your life. You may even discover new careers or areas of study that you hadn’t considered before. Travelling helps you think differently, and you’ll return home with entirely new interests. Who knows—you may even end up pursuing a career that offers international travel!

8 /  Teaches you new ways of communicating.

Along with learning about a culture’s traditions and foods, you’ll have the opportunity to break down the communication barrier by learning a new language. The best way to practice is to be immersed and to experience it firsthand. The ability to communicate across different cultures is an increasingly important skill to have in today’s world.

9 /  Makes you more interesting!

Inevitably, travelling provides you with great stories and unforgettable memories.

10 /  You will be addicted to travelling.

You will undoubtedly catch the travel bug after getting a taste of what the world has to offer; there is just so much to see! Travelling is one of the best decisions you will ever make.