4 ms·

To take it even further I'd suggest moving abroad for at least a year. It doesn't have to be far in terms of distance, but ideally it's reasonably far in terms

by mstade 7y ago

To take it even further I'd suggest moving abroad for at least a year. It doesn't have to be far in terms of distance, but ideally it's reasonably far in terms of culture. For me personally this is what really broadened my horizons, much more so than traveling here or there for a few weeks. Moving sucks, and certainly moving abroad can be real hard work, but it's definitely a learning experience like few others I feel.

mgkimsal 7y ago
agreed, but it's a hard thing for many to do. I've been fortunate that I've had family in other parts of the world so I've been able to 'live like a local' in some places, even just for a few weeks at a time. By that I mean living with people who are carrying on regular lives - going to work, doing laundry, etc, and living in an average house/apartment (or.. sometimes above average). In essence, just the opposite of a package tour/hotel/sightseeing holiday trip. I know it's still not quite 'living' there - I'm not commuting to a job or going to school or whatnot over there, but it's different than living in a hotel just seeing tourist attractions.
- mstade 7y ago
  Right, that it's hard is actually my point – it builds character. Even if you might be fortunate enough to not have to deal with the practicalities it's still difficult to acclimatize in a new culture, but it's an incredible learning experience. Even if you end up hating it, you'll have learned so much, and that easily offsets the bad parts I think. For me, I lived in London for a few years. I hated most all about it. If I never live in London again it'll be too soon. But the experience – warts and all – taught me so much, that I don't think I'd ever learn "at home" so to speak. I grew as a person for it, and for that I'm ever grateful.
  - henryaj 7y ago
    What did you hate so much about London?
pards 7y ago
This. The 'working holiday' program offered by many countries is such a wonderful opportunity. It's a shame more don't take advantage of it. The British call it a Gap Year, but it's common in many cultures (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) to live abroad and travel for an extended period of time.
- ek750 7y ago
  Thank you, I had never heard of a working holiday before. Doing research now.

by mstade 7y ago

mgkimsal 7y ago

agreed, but it's a hard thing for many to do. I've been fortunate that I've had family in other parts of the world so I've been able to 'live like a local' in some places, even just for a few weeks at a time. By that I mean living with people who are carrying on regular lives - going to work, doing laundry, etc, and living in an average house/apartment (or.. sometimes above average). In essence, just the opposite of a package tour/hotel/sightseeing holiday trip. I know it's still not quite 'living' there - I'm not commuting to a job or going to school or whatnot over there, but it's different than living in a hotel just seeing tourist attractions.

mstade 7y ago
Right, that it's hard is actually my point – it builds character. Even if you might be fortunate enough to not have to deal with the practicalities it's still difficult to acclimatize in a new culture, but it's an incredible learning experience. Even if you end up hating it, you'll have learned so much, and that easily offsets the bad parts I think. For me, I lived in London for a few years. I hated most all about it. If I never live in London again it'll be too soon. But the experience – warts and all – taught me so much, that I don't think I'd ever learn "at home" so to speak. I grew as a person for it, and for that I'm ever grateful.
- henryaj 7y ago
  What did you hate so much about London?

pards 7y ago

This. The 'working holiday' program offered by many countries is such a wonderful opportunity. It's a shame more don't take advantage of it. The British call it a Gap Year, but it's common in many cultures (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) to live abroad and travel for an extended period of time.

ek750 7y ago
Thank you, I had never heard of a working holiday before. Doing research now.