Exploring the world, embracing its lessons: International journeys lead students and faculty to greater knowledge and cultural appreciation

May 20, 2025

By Alexandra Lourenço
Editor-in-Chief

This article is part of a three-part in-depth reporting project about travel.

Junior Juliana Gonzalez is no stranger to traveling. In fact, she flew on her first international flight to Mexico when she was just nine months old. 

In total, Gonzalez, who vacations at international destinations several times a year, has visited 18 countries in her lifetime. She said she loves every adventure she takes and cannot wait to explore even more countries.

Gonzalez said foreign travel has strengthened her appreciation and understanding of culture.

“Every single country I have been to [had] something… unique about their culture,” Gonzalez said. “I [have been] able to embrace the fact that everybody lives their lives differently.”

Gonzalez said she was pleasantly surprised by the lifestyles of people living in Spain, which she visited in July 2023.

“Traveling has made me see the similarities between cultures as well as differences, allowing me to have a sense of identity and heritage. Knowing how my nation’s identity developed makes me proud.”

“They work to live, which means they work hard but are big believers in living life to the fullest,” Gonzalez said. “Seeing kids run around on the beach and surfing while the parents were reading or talking to friends [is] something that I’ll never forget.”

Gonzalez said spending time in Costa Rica taught her the importance of gratitude.

“I have seen so many lifestyles and people struggling, but being able to stay happy and joyful is something that can never be taken away from them,” Gonzalez said. 

Sophomore George Shekiladze, who vacations with his family every year, has visited 13 countries in the past decade. He said some people unnecessarily avoid international travel because they believe it is dangerous.

 “A lot of countries are poorer than the U.S., but those nations do the best with what they have and are a lot safer than people think,” Shekiladze said. “Going outside and interacting with people will show you how kind the world actually is.”

Shekiladze said traveling has helped him communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.

“Traveling abroad gives the opportunity for kids to adapt to other cultures and [expand] their social bubble,” Shekiladze said. “I connect with a lot of my friends here because I understand what their home countries are like.” 

Shekiladze said exploring the world has given him an appreciation for his Georgian roots.

“Traveling has made me see the similarities between cultures as well as differences, allowing me to have a sense of identity and heritage. Knowing how my nation’s identity developed makes me proud,” Shekiladze said. 

He said travel also enables tourists to gain knowledge about the past. For instance, he said that when he visited Istanbul, Türkiye and Rome, Italy, he learned about the Ottoman and Roman empires.

“Not only is it a good way to meet different types of people, but traveling also teaches a lot about the history of a country, which, in turn, teaches you about the history of the world,” Shekiladze said.

Spanish teacher and International Culture Club advisor Ms. Veiga, who has been to 23 countries, said there is no substitute for travel. 

“It is very different to hear about [a place] or read about it in books than to be standing [there],” Veiga said.

Veiga, who keeps in touch with some of her former students, said she notices a change in them after they study abroad.

“They come back different,” Veiga said. “They come back more open to other cultures [and] more open to the foods.”

Veiga said she encourages her students to visit other countries if they have the opportunity.

“International travel could spark a new career path, new friendships and unforgettable experiences,” Veiga said. “It may help students understand others better and see places and things that they have studied throughout their lifetime.”