Blog

A Global Citizen’s Travel Mindset

}

Apr 10, 2017

“Distance and difference  are the secret tonic of creativity. When we get home, home is still the same. But something in our mind has been changed, and that changes everything” – Jonah Lehrer 

Finding the right mindset. 

I think we can all agree: Travel is powerful. Travel can profoundly impact your personal and professional development while challenging you to see the world differently. At the same time, your role as a traveler can leave an impact on the destinations you visit.  

At TGP, we believe an important part of becoming a global citizen is acting with intention and being responsible about the way that you explore the world. To make the most out of your experience with us, we’d like to share some points to get you thinking about the benefits of traveling, as well as tips on how to be a mindful traveler no matter where you go. 

The importance of a global education. 

cj8kl0uhv01exqui5s43ixh6f img 2712

Studying abroad provides a whole list of personal and professional benefits–many of which we’re sure led you here! Spending time in a new part of the world can be a launch point for immense personal growth and an opportunity to cultivate independence. Right now, more and more employers are recognizing the value of an international education. Brightpark Edu-Travel report cited that 94% of business leaders in America believe travel experience directly translates to a competitive advantage in the workplace. By being aware of the benefits of travelling and how the skills you develop during your journey will translate into your personal and professional life, you are learning how to maximize your GREEN experience. In order to get you thinking about the takeaways you’ll receive from your GREEN Program and how you can leverage them in your career, here is a list of the benefits of travelling by Forbes:

Ability to adapt. Travel, like business, involves changing plans and finding ways to adapt to new environments. Flights get delayed; destinations are hard to find; culture shock is hitting you; the list of problems continue. However, while these issues may seem like hindrances at first glance, they serve as real-life teaching moments. You’re learning how to turn obstacles into stepping stones and getting out of your comfort zone. What better way to test your problem-solving skills than in a completely new environment?

Better communication. Communication is an art form, believe it or not. It’s not just knowing how to string words together, but it’s also about being able to control your body language and verbal communication in a manner that will allow you to make solid impressions and lead with authority. When traveling, language barriers and cultural differences may be challenging to adjust to, but you find creative ways to work around them. 

Teamwork skills. One of the biggest advantages to traveling in a group is the ability to grow as a team. You’re forced to rely on others’ strengths and compromise your desires for the betterment of the group. By working in a collective group, you’re learning that selflessness breeds positive results.

Time management. Logistically, traveling is all about time management. From getting to the airport on time, to catching your flight, to making time out of your busy schedule so you ensure you’re experiencing all the things you want to see; Ambitious travelers don’t let their guard down. This skill obviously translates back to business and instills a better sense of time management in those who have extensive experience traveling.

Leadership. In the end, all these skills result in you becoming a better leader. Traveling teaches leadership every step of the way. Whether you’re on your own or with companions, you’re forced to make decisions and be autonomous as you grasp how to navigate a new environment. This ability to lead during your travels will transfer to leading in other settings as well.

Traveling globally, traveling responsibly 

cj1gjkhir18rkvfi5lwj5fivz peru

Another important part of travelling is thinking about the impact that you are making as a traveler. Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world and it’s not without its positive and negative effects on local communities and environments. Being mindful about how you travel starts with cultivating an attitude of purpose towards your journeys (i.e. Go in with the mindset of . We promise the results will yield more authentic and meaningful experiences. 

Here are some tips on mindfulness to consider before you plan your next itinerary or arrive at your next destination:

Avoid drive-by tourism. Checking off the Top 10 list may provide good photos for social media, but think about the empty feeling you are left with because you did not make a real connection to the places and people you visited. and to the delightful similarities and mysterious differences between us all. Reconsider pulling back on speed and superficiality, and you’ll reduce the threat of exhausting yourself and the physical and emotional resilience of the destination and the people in it.

Seek more to engage than to escape. We often look at travel as a getaway from the stresses, challenges, and constraints of our daily lives. Instead of this singular mindset to escape, also consider travel as a way to engage with something or someone in a new and different way. Take your out-of-comfort-zone-discoveries and see them as a new manner of escape. This approach can help build confidence and worldliness, enabling you to return to your everyday “normal” life with fresh perspective.

Consider every travel experience as a context for education and learning. If we look at travel the right way, every venture into our world underscores that travel is the classroom. However, as we seek more from our travel experiences, we can also see each hiatus as a potential context for active education and continual learning; be it a language lesson, cooking class, or exploration of one’s artistic skills.

Bring it home. Don’t risk an acquisition-oriented attitude and change your once-competitive acquisition of materials with a similarly-competitive attitude of acquiring expereinces. Be careful what you covet and consider doing more with your experiences in all its dimensions; Connect what you learned on the trip to your life and apply it to the place you call home.

In addition to these tips on a travel-positive mindset, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your negative impact as a tourist environmentally and culturally. From researching about the culture of your destination before you visit to offsetting the carbon emissions of your flight, you can make huge steps towards traveling responsibly. You can explore some more tips on sustainable tourism here.

Okay, we’ve talked so much about travel and its benefits, it’s time to go do it! If you have insight or tips on how to travel responsibly, we’d love to hear from you so don’t be afraid to reach out to us. Now, strap on that Global-Citizen-mindset because  we can’t wait to travel with you!

References:

Forbes: Entrepreneurs Think That Traveling Makes Them More Successful

20 Travel Mindsets Today that can Redefine Tourism Tomorrow

Read Another Article

Honoring Kate Slattery & Highlighting the Shine On Scholarship for Women’s History Month

Honoring Kate Slattery & Highlighting the Shine On Scholarship for Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, The GREEN Program is happy to highlight Kate Slattery – a mechanical engineer and photovoltaic designer for SolarCity who challenged herself and others to work toward a global mission of renewable energy and sustainability. We are honored to work with Kate’s family and GivePower to share Kate’s story and provide the Shine On Scholarship to TGP students in memory of Kate. 

read more
How an Online Sustainability Program Helped Jaedyn Medrano Become an Intersectional Sustainability Advocate

How an Online Sustainability Program Helped Jaedyn Medrano Become an Intersectional Sustainability Advocate

This blog features the virtual Nepal Ethics of Sustainable Development Alum, Jaedyn Medrano who says, “this program taught me how to think about a project holistically, and it has guided me along the path to being a better cultured and inclusive young professional.” She is set to graduate with a double major in Renewable Natural Resources & Ecological Restorations in December of 2022.

read more
Defending Reproductive Rights in the Battle for Climate Justice

Defending Reproductive Rights in the Battle for Climate Justice

Reproductive Justice is Climate Justice. The GREEN Program stands to defend the reproductive rights of all women and people who give birth to access safe reproductive health care. We must do more to educate others and understand the interconnection between Reproductive Justice and the Climate Crisis. It’s important to draw the connections between climate change, pollution, and reproductive rights.

read more
An International Graduate Student Embraces Nepali Culture by Studying Abroad through Shine On Scholarship

An International Graduate Student Embraces Nepali Culture by Studying Abroad through Shine On Scholarship

On one hand, I believe that every student should be given a chance to study abroad at least once in their life, because it teaches us things that textbooks cannot: adaptability, resilience, curiosity, empathy, just to name a few. Whether good or bad, bursting our bubble and learning about our world will inspire us and open our minds. On the other hand, the people we interact with benefit from the diversity, because all of us bring unique perspectives to the table. Perhaps we share an idea that no one has thought of but could be key to solving a problem; we fuel the aspirations of someone who is facing similar difficulties; or help take down stereotypes.  

read more
Remembering Juneteenth and the Fight for Environmental Justice

Remembering Juneteenth and the Fight for Environmental Justice

n June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. It is on this day every year since that we celebrate “Juneteenth” as the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day that we celebrate ancestors and leaders who fought to be liberated. We celebrate their power, resiliency, and tenacity. 

read more
LGBTQ+ Leaders and Organizations in Sustainability to Know About this Pride Month

LGBTQ+ Leaders and Organizations in Sustainability to Know About this Pride Month

The GREEN Program loves to celebrate love, and there is no better way to do that this month than by recognizing a few LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations that are making a difference not just in their own communities but for our planet altogether. Read below to learn more about some people and spaces that are working together to promote a better world that focuses on inclusion and equality.

read more
Meet 8 AAPI Leaders in Sustainability: Across the Globe and At Home

Meet 8 AAPI Leaders in Sustainability: Across the Globe and At Home

The month of May is known to many as the end of classes and the start of Summer, but May is also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Our team at TGP wanted to take a moment to recognize the contributions and influence of AAPI Americans throughout history, culture, and achievements both on a global scale, and from those who are a bit close to home. We also encourage you to learn more about AAPI Heritage Month and get involved through additional resources.

read more
From a Start Up to a Sustainability Study Abroad Program: How Patrick Applied his Passion for Renewable Energy in Iceland

From a Start Up to a Sustainability Study Abroad Program: How Patrick Applied his Passion for Renewable Energy in Iceland

When Fall 2021 rolled around and I saw the TGP scholarship opportunity, I thought I’d apply not expecting much. When I found out that I actually got it, I was like “I guess I’m actually doing this!”. I was a little nervous and anxious but also so excited for the opportunity! I was also grateful that the enrollment process was very smooth for me with no significant challenges along the way.

read more
Boston University Student Gains a Unique Perspective for Renewable Energy & Sustainability by Studying Abroad in Iceland

Boston University Student Gains a Unique Perspective for Renewable Energy & Sustainability by Studying Abroad in Iceland

Global experiences have definitely shaped me into the person I am today through increased cultural awareness and sensitivity. Getting to really know a great group of diverse individuals from all over the world has not only shaped my perspective on current world issues, but has also allowed me to take a glance at certain topics from another angle and point of view.

read more
A Construction Science Major Turns Lessons into Opportunity after a Sustainability Study Abroad Program 

A Construction Science Major Turns Lessons into Opportunity after a Sustainability Study Abroad Program 

AJ Ewing spent his past Winter Break a little bit differently than most students, by studying abroad on our GREEN Nepal program. As a Construction Science major, AJ notes that he was nervous coming into the study abroad program having no prior experience in sustainability or electrical/solar grids, but he was excited and eager to learn. As soon as he arrived, all his nerves were gone as he was welcomed by our team and ready to dive in. Now, he can honestly say that when he thinks of The GREEN Program, he thinks of “family away from home.”

read more
How a Geologist Made His Sustainability Dream in Iceland a Reality through a Study Abroad Scholarship

How a Geologist Made His Sustainability Dream in Iceland a Reality through a Study Abroad Scholarship

As someone who is in a field with a limited representation of ethnic minorities, TGP created a neutral ground where there was a range of diversity on different levels. My GREEN Program experience in Iceland wasn’t just about the adventures and cultural immersion, but about the education too. I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures because I saw how passionate the different lecturers were about their work and research which is truly inspiring. As a geologist, learning more about the wonder that is Iceland in Iceland was definitely a dream come true.

read more
Get to Know GREENie: Maryam Aida Tidjani

Get to Know GREENie: Maryam Aida Tidjani

Maryam Aida Tidjani got to experience a brand new kind of GREEN Program during the hard times the world was facing, a 100% Virtual and Online experience. Initially planning on traveling to Peru in 2021, the global pandemic continued to shift things around and we had to pivot all travel programs to Online experiences.

read more

Subscribe to The GREEN Program newsletter & updates

Loading...
Skip to content