Travel is important to a student because of the many learning opportunities it presents. For example, it is a great time to learn a new language. In some places, it is a part of the school curriculum and fulfils part of a student's academic assessment. This means some educational institutions make it a mandatory valuation before college graduation. According to statistics, 80% of students believe these targeted travels provide a wider platform to help link theoretical and practical lessons. Below are some of the top reasons student travel is essential.
Networking opportunities
After graduation, students will enter the job market to occupy roles related to their degrees. Others will become well-established entrepreneurs and employers. There will be a percentage who climb quickly up the C-Suite ladder. The crucial component connecting all these career paths is networking. Believe it or not, it starts at the student level. One place where networking starts is during student travels. Young students have the opportunity to meet like-minded people from different places worldwide.
A global network of contacts becomes a reliable reference point for a student's professional future. Networking can be refined through meeting new people as often as possible, striking up a conversation, and exchanging contacts. The most important part, however, is maintaining these established relationships over the years. Although networking is a major reason for student travel, it is also when students meet new friends and establish lifelong personal and professional relationships.
To connect school lessons with the outside world
As mentioned in the introduction, sometimes, student travel is a crucial part of the educational program. According to research, students who embark on frequent educational travels have an increased chance of connecting their lessons with practical experience. For example, a history or art student who travels to Rome will likely understand the subjects better. By being in Rome, a place considered the world's art gallery, they have the best opportunity to gain deeper insight into physical classical pieces.
In the same way, a history student gets to experience all the ancient landmarks that define Rome or any other similar destination. When you're young, travel is fun because you get to experience something different than you’re used to. It is a crucial investment in your future and contributes significantly to how you see the world. When you're a student, your perspective of the world is like that of an inexperienced young learner. Fortunately, student travel widens that perspective by connecting what is gathered in the classroom to the rest of the world.
To promote independence and personal development
Many young students around the country are under the care of primary parents and legal guardians. This is a vital regular support system that holds great benefits for students. Parents' and guardians' protection contributes to setting children on a secure future path. However, the true test of independence and personal development comes during student travels. For example, as a mid to late teen embarking on sixth form trips to New York, you are expected to learn to take care of yourself.
It is a mark of personal development and tests your confidence, maturity, and preparedness for adulthood. Most of these trips are carried out in groups, and in many cases, parents do not travel on such student travels. For a young student in the mid to late teens, it is healthy to want to try accomplishing things by yourself. This is when you will depend greatly on the training you gained from primary parents or legal guardians.
To develop a cultural sensitivity awareness
One vital key to harmonising with people is being aware of their cultural sensitivities. What might seem passable in your culture is often different from others worldwide. Culture is a sensitive topic; sometimes, people offend others when they don't mean to. Without this sensitivity awareness, there is a high risk of showing bias or disrespecting people when that may not have been your intention. For example, people in Spain have a culture of taking long siestas and lunch breaks during times others perceive as active work hours.
As an American or somebody from Eastern Europe, that can be hard to comprehend because of the vast differences in work culture. Thankfully, these are nuances and sensitivities to get exposed to early in life on student travels. Ultimately, you grow up with a sharp awareness. As the world continues to become a global village, it's important to learn the basics of healthy relations with other cultures. Student travel can provide that essential platform.