3 Lessons Learned From My First Trip Abroad

Summary

The author reflects on their first conscious trip abroad to China, sharing three key lessons: the importance of embracing the learning curve of new experiences, the greater value of experiences over possessions, and the recognition that learning is an ongoing, lifelong process.

Abstract

In an article titled "3 Lessons Learned From My First Trip Abroad," the author recounts their memorable journey to China, which marked several firsts, including being conscious of international travel, using a tour guide, and visiting a country with four seasons. The author humorously recalls an embarrassing moment of overdressing for the weather, which taught them that every expert starts as a beginner. This experience underscores the importance of starting new endeavors despite potential embarrassments. The second lesson learned is the superior value of experiences over material possessions. The author's perspective shifted from valuing tangible items to appreciating the intangible knowledge and memories gained from travel. Lastly, the author emphasizes that travel exposes one to the vast diversity of cultures and languages across the world, reinforcing the idea that learning never ceases and is a journey that spans a lifetime.

Opinions

The author believes that initial embarrassments or mistakes are a natural part of becoming proficient in any area and should not deter one from starting something new.
Experiences, particularly those gained from travel, are seen as more valuable than material possessions because they enrich one's understanding and create lasting memories.
The author holds the view that learning is a continuous process, and travel is a powerful means of gaining knowledge about the world's diverse cultures and practices.
The author suggests that the value of experiences increases over time, unlike possessions, which tend to depreciate.
They advocate for the idea that travel is an investment in learning, akin to learning how to fish rather than simply buying one, implying that the benefits of travel are enduring and practical.

3 Lessons Learned From My First Trip Abroad

You probably never expected

Approximately 10 years ago, I had my first vacation abroad in China. To be more precise, it wasn’t exactly my first time abroad, as I have been to a neighboring country before, but I just could not remember because I was too young. This trip to China is my first time abroad, where I was already conscious (you know what I mean, you can’t remember things from your childhood too clearly). This trip was also the first time I travelled with a tour guide, the first time I travelled on a more-than-2-hour flight, and the first time I travelled to a 4-season country. Surely, it was memorable.

Here are the lessons learned.

Every Expert Was Once A Beginner

Here is a funny story. I remember, half an hour before arriving, I changed into a thick sweater, I thought people in 4-season places wear this type of clothing a lot. But when I arrived, the weather was just windy, not cold enough that I would need to wear a thick sweater. I was super embarrassed because nobody was wearing any sweater. People were looking at me, especially the adults. Maybe they thought I was cute and naive, I mean I would laugh too if I saw a kid wearing something out of place like that. I looked super dumb and out of place. Later, I changed back to my normal clothes.

The lesson learned is that every expert was once a beginner. No matter what you are doing there is always a first time. That first time might be super embarrassing and all but if you never start, you will never be an expert. Also, look at all those experts, CEOs, etc. they did not become one overnight, they have had their beginner moments too.

By the way, now whenever I travel abroad, I checked the season and the temperature. Those dumb moments are funny now.

Experiences Are More Valuable Than Possessions

Before I get to travel, if you asked me to choose between a new phone or a travel ticket, I will pick the first. Simply because like many of you I thought that possession is something you can hold, it is like there is a result from exchanging your hard-earned money. Whereas, when you travel, your money disappears in a week.

But after going abroad, I see the world in a different light. I get to see things I never got to see. I saw how people from another part of the world live their lives. It created a feeling and memory I will never forget. In a way, I am exchanging money for knowledge and it is more important than possessions. The worth of a possession decreases with time, but the value of experiences remains constant, if not increases.

Exchanging money with possession is almost like buying a fish. But using your money for travelling is like paying a teacher to teach you how to fish instead of buying a fish. You can not see the product, but you know how to make it. I hope you understand what I mean.

Learning Is A Lifetime Journey

There are 195 countries in the world today, each comprises of hundreds or thousands of cities. In each city, different cultures exist. When you travel, you learn new things almost every second. You hear new languages, dialects, tones, etc. You see different things, signs, etc. You learn about their cultures, and there is always a value in each culture. There is always a reason why people in certain places do things the way they did. You might never be able to learn everything in the world, even if you spend a lifetime learning it.

The next time you think you know everything, try visiting a random city in a random country. You will be surprised at how many things you do not know. Learning is a lifetime journey.

3 Lessons Learned From My First Trip Abroad

Every Expert Was Once A Beginner

Experiences Are More Valuable Than Possessions

Learning Is A Lifetime Journey

So the three lessons learned are: