Why it is important to keep traveling after studying abroad.

Nothing is more exciting than the growing popularity of studying abroad.

Through various student-based travel companies and websites, people are becoming more and more aware of the benefits that accompany studying in a new country.

Everyone says studying abroad changed their perspective on life.

But the end of a college career shouldn’t be the end of international adventures!

No one should look back on their semester or year abroad and mourn over the termination of the “best time of their life”.

If anything, studying abroad should prepare college graduates to take their travel experiences to the next level.

Young people should continue to travel for work or for leisure, and continue developing their world view.

Here are 5 perks that come with post-graduate travel.

1. More Flexibility

After college, the burden of having classes and exams no longer lingers over your head as you travel.

If you fall in love with a certain city and decide to stay there longer than planned, that’s totally fine. You don’t have to be back on Monday at 8 am for class!

Post-college life gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want, as long as you have the means to support yourself.

2. Travel To More Secluded Destinations

Europe, Australia, China, and other highly developed regions host the majority of study abroad students.

These places have advanced universities and the education is outstanding in these areas.

But it also gives students a slightly narrow-minded view of what the world actually looks like.

After college, people can travel to any country they want regardless of the quality of their schools.

The world is full of underdeveloped nations, uninhabited islands, and indigenous communities that don’t necessarily fit into the itineraries of a semester abroad.

Continue your cultural education by exploring these lesser-known destinations and learning about their unique lifestyles.

3. Learn New Skills

It seems logical to look for a job based on your degree immediately after graduation. But there are no rules forcing you to do so!

This is the perfect time to try new things that have always intrigued you.

Try learning to surf, learning a new language, volunteering at a charity or social project, or working in unique places.

You may discover skills or passions you never knew you had. You may also learn what things you’re terrible at.

Either way, trying new things allows you to grow as a person. Every triumph or mistake will benefit you in some way.

4. Open-Mindedness

Studying abroad blesses students with insights and knowledge into new cultures and ways of life. This inevitably broadens the mind and enhances curiosity.

This newfound open-mindedness equips graduates with the perfect tools for exploring the world even further.

With every new country you visit, you may find yourself surprised, inspired, confused, worried, and enlightened in some way.

Walking into these situations with a positive and accepting attitude helps you understand and engage in a new culture.

This skill can really only be learned through experience, not textbooks.

5. International Connections 

Living in a new country for a semester or a year is likely to leave students with lasting friendships from countless different places.

Always keep in touch with friends you meet abroad. And never be afraid to reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.

International friends give you reasons to travel to visit their home countries. Local connections can always come in handy when visiting an unknown place.

Studying abroad may seem like the best time of your life that can never be topped.

But don’t let that stop you from seeking out new cultural adventures!

There are endless opportunities for traveling after college, whether it be for leisure, for volunteering, or for working abroad.

Here are my favorite resources for traveling:

Skyscanner is perfect for finding those last-minute, super cheap flights for a weekend trip. (Check out How To Find The Cheapest Flights Abroad for an in-depth guide of how to use Skyscanner!)

Rome2Rio is perfect to compare and book trains, buses, and flights all over the world.

Hostel World is perfect for finding affordable accommodation anywhere you go.

Also, Workaway and Worldpackers provide easy work exchanges where you can save money and learn new skills abroad. (Check out my Ultimate Guide to Work Exchanges for more details on that!)

NGOs and charities often look for volunteers to help with humanitarian projects in underdeveloped places. WWOOFing allows you to work on organic farms in different countries.

Squaremouth Insurance is my favorite website for buying travel insurance. They have a super helpful live chat to answer your questions, and they have affordable plans to cover you while traveling.

15 Must-Have Travel Essentialsis my ultimate list of all the things I like to pack for traveling.

If you truly desire to travel, put in the effort and you’ll find that studying abroad is only the first step in a lifetime of exploration.

Read my Ultimate Guide for traveling cheaply in your 20s for advice and tips on how to save money while traveling!

No matter where you travel, always double-check visa requirements before you go. Visit iVisa.com to research and apply for visas for all over the world.