Traveling Abroad: A College Application Standout

does traveling look good for college

Traveling is a great way to broaden your perspective and grow as a person, but does it look good for college? Well, it depends. While traveling can be a fantastic topic for your college essay, it's not a guarantee of admission. Colleges are looking for students who stand out in a positive, memorable, and unique way. They want to see your passion, intellectual curiosity, willingness to challenge yourself, and academic accomplishments. Traveling can be a way to demonstrate these qualities, but it's not the only way. If you choose to write about your travels, be authentic, specific, and eloquent. Reflect on how your experiences have changed you and consider how your actions have impacted the places and people you visited. Remember, it's not just about where you've been but also about what you've learned and how you've grown. So, while traveling can enhance your college application, it's not the sole factor that will get you accepted.

Characteristics Values
Learning opportunities Exposure to new cultures, locations, and people
Socialising Bonding with friends and roommates
Academic opportunities Study abroad programs
Personal freedom Fewer responsibilities compared to post-graduation
Accommodation Youth hostels provide inexpensive housing for young travellers
Financial challenges High costs of travel
Academic challenges Difficult to maintain academic standards while travelling
Safety concerns Need to stay vigilant in unfamiliar areas
Planning Requires careful scheduling and budgeting

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Learning new things and about other cultures

Travelling while in college is an excellent opportunity to learn new things and about other cultures. College is a time for learning and growth, and by travelling to new places, you can gain valuable knowledge and experiences that will enrich your life and make you a more well-rounded individual.

Travelling allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the world. You can learn about the history, traditions, and customs of other countries, and broaden your perspective by interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. It is a chance to explore new places, try new foods, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether it's wandering through ancient ruins, admiring famous artworks, or simply getting lost in the charm of a foreign city, travelling offers endless opportunities for learning and personal growth.

College is also a time when many students are eager to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves. By travelling, you can push your boundaries and gain new skills, such as navigating unfamiliar places, communicating in different languages, and adapting to new environments. These experiences can foster independence, boost your confidence, and enhance your problem-solving abilities, all of which will benefit you both personally and professionally.

In addition to personal growth, travelling can also enhance your academic profile. Many colleges offer study abroad programs that allow you to continue your studies while exploring a new country. This provides a unique opportunity to combine academic pursuits with cultural immersion. You can take courses that may not be available at your home university, gain credits towards your degree, and develop valuable skills that will set you apart when applying for jobs.

Furthermore, travelling can provide a deeper understanding of the subjects you are studying. For example, if you are studying art history, visiting museums and galleries in Europe can bring the masterpieces you are learning about to life. Similarly, if you are studying anthropology or sociology, immersing yourself in different cultures can give you first-hand experience of the traditions and behaviours you are studying.

Lastly, travelling allows you to build new connections and form lasting friendships. Whether it's bonding with roommates on a spring break trip or meeting fellow adventurers in a foreign hostel, travelling brings people together and fosters a sense of community. These shared experiences can lead to lifelong friendships and a broader global network.

Mornings: Less Crowds, More Travel

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Making the most of free time and flexibility

Traveling as a college student can be an exciting yet challenging experience. To make the most of your free time and flexibility, here are some tips to consider:

Plan your trips efficiently

Use your weekends, holidays, and school breaks wisely. Adding a day of travel to a long weekend can give you a substantial amount of time for a short trip without missing many classes or work commitments. Take advantage of the long breaks, such as winter and summer vacations, as these extended periods provide more opportunities for exploration. Remember that your student schedule grants you more flexibility than a typical 9-5 job with a limited number of vacation days.

Travel during off-peak seasons

Take advantage of college breaks by traveling during off-peak times for your chosen destinations. For instance, instead of heading to popular beach locations during spring break, consider visiting Europe or opting for a ski trip. Off-season travel offers the benefits of lower prices and fewer crowds.

Be strategic with your budget

Create and stick to a budget for your travels. Student budgets can be tight, so plan ahead to estimate costs and determine how much you can afford to spend. Look for student discounts wherever you go—your student ID can unlock deals on everything from transportation to museum entries. Buying tickets in advance, traveling in groups to split costs, and choosing budget-friendly accommodations can also help stretch your funds further.

Stay safe and informed

Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, always prioritize your safety. Stay vigilant, especially when staying in hostels or unfamiliar areas. Research your destinations thoroughly, including local customs and culture, to ensure you're well-prepared. Understanding basic phrases in the local language can also be incredibly helpful.

Take advantage of study abroad opportunities

Studying abroad is an excellent way to immerse yourself in another country's culture while earning academic credits. Many universities and organizations offer study abroad programs, often with financial support, making it a cost-effective way to travel and gain valuable international experience.

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Budgeting and saving money

Assess Your Financial Situation

Start by logging into your bank account and reviewing your spending and earnings over the past month. This will give you an idea of your monthly income and expenses. Make a list of all your expenses, including both fixed and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are those with the same price each month, such as rent or subscription services. Variable expenses are those that fluctuate, such as groceries or entertainment. Categorize each expense as a "necessity" or a "want". This will help you identify areas where you can cut back if needed.

Calculate Your Monthly Budget

Add up all your monthly expenses and subtract that number from your monthly income. If you're spending more than you earn, you'll need to make adjustments. Identify the "wants" that you can reduce or cut from your budget. Many people use the 50/30/20 rule, allocating 50% of their income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.

Save on Textbooks and Food

Textbooks can be expensive, but you can save money by buying them second-hand from other students or renting them. You can also prioritize e-books, which are often cheaper than physical copies. Regarding food, college meal plans can be costly. Consider cooking for yourself and buying groceries instead. This can help you save money and improve your diet with healthy, home-cooked meals.

Choose Inexpensive Accommodations and Transportation

When travelling, consider staying in hostels, which provide inexpensive accommodations for young travellers. You can also save on transportation costs by using public transportation, riding-sharing, or walking. If you're flying, choose a smaller, regional airport that's closer to the city centre to save on ground transportation costs.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts and Free Amenities

Many businesses offer student discounts on a variety of products and services, including clothing, software, food, and airfare. Additionally, your college may offer free amenities such as public transportation, bike rentals, or even laptops. Make sure to consult your school's resources and take advantage of these money-saving opportunities.

By following these tips and creating a budget that works for you, you can save money during your college years and fund your travels.

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Staying safe

Travelling is a great way to learn about new cultures, locations, and people, and gain some incredible experiences. However, it is important to keep safety in mind, especially when travelling alone or in unfamiliar places. Here are some tips focused on staying safe while travelling during your college years:

Travel in Groups

There is safety in numbers, so try to avoid travelling alone, especially at night. If you are going out partying or studying, use a buddy system so that you always have someone with you. This way, you can look out for each other and ensure you both get back safely.

Keep People Informed

Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. With smartphones, it is easy to stay connected and quickly send a message to a friend or family member to inform them of your whereabouts. This way, if something unexpected happens, they can alert the authorities and get help.

Research the Area

Before you travel to a new place, take some time to learn about the area. Research the safety standards of the institutions and areas you will be visiting, and find out if there are any specific cultural norms you should be aware of and respect. Knowing what to expect and what to avoid can help you stay safe.

Keep Valuables Close

Always keep your valuables, such as your phone, wallet, and passport, close to you. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places or tourist hotspots, to reduce the risk of theft.

Stay in Well-Lit Areas

Avoid taking shortcuts through dark alleys or deserted areas. Stay on well-lit paths and common walkways, especially at night. These areas are usually safer and often have emergency call boxes or other security measures in place.

Use Safety Apps and Escort Services

Take advantage of technology to enhance your safety. There are apps available, such as Life360 or Guardian, that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts and set up alerts if you don't reach your destination on time. Additionally, many colleges offer escort services, where security personnel or fellow students can walk with you to your car or dorm at night.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can help ensure that your travels during college remain enjoyable and safe.

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Studying abroad

Enhanced Academic Experience

Career Benefits

The skills you develop while studying abroad, such as adaptability, independence, and resilience, are highly valued by employers. You will also gain international experience and language skills, making you a more attractive candidate for jobs, especially those with a global focus. Many students even decide to seek work in their host country, as a local education is highly valuable when searching for jobs in that country.

Additional Travel Opportunities

When studying abroad, you are not limited to travelling in just the nation in which you are studying. For example, if you are studying in France, you can easily travel through various parts of Europe, including London, Barcelona, and Rome. This allows you to explore multiple new cultures and gain an even broader perspective.

Building Lifelong Friendships

Challenges

While studying abroad offers numerous benefits, it can also be challenging at times. It requires navigating unfamiliar territory and adapting to new situations, which can be daunting. Additionally, maintaining academic standards while travelling can be difficult, and there may be concerns about safety when travelling to unfamiliar places. However, with proper planning and research, these challenges can be overcome.

Frequently asked questions

Travelling during college is not essential, but it can be beneficial. It can help you learn about other cultures and gain a more well-rounded perspective. It can also be a great opportunity to bond with your peers and take advantage of your freedom and flexibility.

There are several ways to make travelling more affordable as a college student:

- Take advantage of student discounts and travel during off-peak seasons.

- Stay in hostels or with friends to save on accommodation costs.

- Plan your trips during college breaks to minimise disruption to your studies.

- Travel with a group to split costs.

- Look for sponsored travel opportunities or scholarships through your school.

Travelling does not have to interfere with your studies if you plan carefully. You can take advantage of weekends, holidays, and school breaks for shorter trips, or plan longer trips between semesters. It is also important to stay organised and do your coursework while travelling.

Travelling is generally safe, but it is important to take certain precautions, especially when visiting unfamiliar areas. Stay in well-reviewed accommodations, be aware of your surroundings, and travel with a companion or group whenever possible. It is also a good idea to check in regularly with friends or family back home.

Travelling during college can be an enriching experience if you take advantage of the opportunities it offers. Consider studying abroad to combine academics and exploration. Embrace new cultures, try local foods, and learn about local customs and manners. Travelling can provide valuable lessons and memories that will stay with you long after your college years.

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