EdVentures: The Travel Opportunities Which Can Literally Broaden Your Mind

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We hear all the time how travel can broaden your minds. If you’ve got wanderlust in your bones, the chances are that you already know this to be true. The mere act of touching down in a new country can teach you something; like new sites, sounds, and cultures. After a decent trip, you’ll probably never be the same again. Why else do you think so many people get the love for adventuring set deeply into their bones? Travel is, by far, the best classroom anyone could study in. 

But, it is possible to take this learning thing to the next level. After all, travel will help you grow, but it’s not exactly a skill you can use to sell yourself. The many skills you learn in the process are what make these adventures surprisingly educational. An EdVenture if you will.

You’ve probably been on many EdVentures without even realizing it. Any trip you learn a new skill or gain more knowledge from a tour is considered an EdVenture in my book.

Embrace new languages 

Most of us learn key phrases when we travel, but that’s about it. Being able to speak multiple languages is such an AMAZING skill that a lot of us may take for granted or not even consider. One of my new year's resolutions was to learn French this year. Various apps and websites have helped me do this.

Employers love the bilingual folks and it makes traveling SO much easier if you can keep up on the language. I use the app Duolingo to assist with basic phrasing but if you’re not interested in just brushing over the basics, then, get stuck in with language courses like those found at https://www.golearnto.com. 

Sign up to learn a skill

Most destinations also offer skills you wouldn’t be able to master back home. A lot of the tours and local crafts can really build a skill set for you or even demand a new hobby. Take a winemaking lesson or seek out local crafts. Farmers markets are great for these types of things. Sometimes you don’t even have to leave your hotel for these classes.  Europe has a fancy for guest class amenities on property. Stay in a hotel like acompte-hotel.com and they offer classes like how to make olive oil, right where you are staying! Or, in Spain, you could learn about the encrusting craft of Taracea. At the very least, you can impress your friends with your newly adopted skill but you never know when these might come in handy.

Volunteer as you go

If you haven’t volunteered abroad before, you need to. This is one of the best chances you have of learning while you’re away, and it looks great on a resume. There are so many groups that are in need of volunteers willing to travel. A lot of the times your travel expenses are paid for too! Amen to a free trip friends! Of course,e some work goes into this, but the reward makes the experience a win-win for you an the organization. 

I remember going with my youth group out of town and doing so many acts of service. I hold those experience near and dear to my heart even today.  You have a lot of options with this and can pick something that speaks to you. Some travel opportunities include teaching abroad in third world countries, immersion programs, rebuilding communities, or volunteering in African conservation. These experiences are typically life changing and could lead to a lot of opportunities in the future. Who knows, you might make a career out of giving back.

Vacations are always fun to plan but look at your itinerary as a learning curve every once in a while. You’d be surprised how many new skills you pick up trip by trip.

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