Hey. So your interested in studying abroad, a foreign volunteer opportunity, or anything just to get out of the country you are currently in?
Maybe the total amount of your dreams are more than all of that bank account has to offer at the moment? Or maybe you have some friends or family that discourage the idea due to the events that are constantly happening in the world?
Trust me. I get it. Because i have been in your shoes and actually, I still am.
You see, traveling sounds exhilarating doesn't it? I mean, the commercials make it look unbelievable.
"Travel all the way to Iceland for a round trip ticket of $400 and fall in love with scenery that will make you think you are in Heaven!"
I don't know about you but that makes me want to buy a plane ticket right now!
Which we would love to do but what holds us back? How do we push past the factors that somehow keep us locked in one place?
Well, let me tell you my story.
During my high school years, I had no intention of wanting to go abroad. Sure it looked fun but my mind always consisted of sports and my academics. Now when I got to college, I realized there were SO many options on what you could do with your life that honestly, it was very overwhelming. I juggled the possibilities of majors, universities, and future professions which is very mind bottling for an 18 year old who has rarely went out of her own State let alone has thought about her 10 year plan.
Skimming frantically across the pages of various degree plans I stumbled upon "International Business". Now this is something I would have never considered before.
I thought, "it sounds interesting so why not?"
Now five years later with a Bachelors in International Business and have traveled to around twenty five countries, I look back and wonder, what would have happened if I did not say yes?
You see, when I told my family and friends that I wanted to pursue this degree, many were skeptical. Safety, experience, age and many more factors were thrown at me which could be discouraging. But, do not let it be. When someone tells me I am incapable of doing something, I decide to pursue the very thing that they are telling me is impossible and make it my goal to achieve it.
And you can too.
Money
The very factor that many individuals say hold them back from going abroad. Listen, I worked two jobs in college in order to fund my study abroad experience. Of course I had parents who (after I explained to them that I was working two jobs in order to go abroad) decided to lend me a hand but let me tell you, it was not easily earned funds.
You can do so much if you are not only to work, but to save. Set aside a savings account and take out a certain percentage every month and put it into that account. Before you know it, you will look into that account and smile at your achievement.
Safety
A parents top concern when it comes to going anywhere out of the country you are currently residing in. Let me tell you, there are beautiful, ugly, scary, and loving parts of every country in the world. There is no perfect place! Wherever you go as long as you have your wits about you and really research beforehand, you are just giving yourself the opportunity to grow as a human being.
Now traveling is not always easy. I have been ripped off money, walked hours because I was dropped off at the wrong bus stop in Portugal, and have gotten the stomach virus in Dubai. But, if those experiences didn't happen to me, my knowledge would have never expanded on what to do if events like this ever occurred to me again. Luckily, the good moments outweigh the bad by far.
I have ridden camels across the Sahara Desert with individuals from all over the world, jammed out at a German rock concert when i have no idea how to speak German, and coasted down the Nile River of Uganda in a man made wooden boat. These adventures are only a snapshot of what the rest of my photo album has in store.
Not stop letting negativity and obstacles get in the way of your passion.
Your dreams are over those borders.
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