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Why Travel

It happens every time; young people take a trip abroad and come back feeling more confident, more independent, and more knowledgeable about their world. They build their resumes—international experience is more important than ever—and they have a whole lot of fun, making new friends, seeing amazing sights, and creating memories they'll carry with them forever. But don't just take our word for it! Learn about the benefits of travel from the viewpoint of a fellow parent, an EF College Break tour director, and two career-minded former travelers.

A PARENT'S PERSPECTIVE

BETH MARBURY // Traveler's Mom

BETH MARBURY Beth spent two years in Europe when she was younger, and she still cherishes those memories every day. She always dreamed her children would have a similar experience, and it came true with her son Alex's unforgettable Grand Tour of Europe trip.

Beth Marbury Beth Marbury
 

Beth's TOP 3 reasons to travel
during the college years:

1. Fun and friends

"Kids should travel for the sheer pleasure and adventure! Traveling leads to friendships lasting lifetimes, and the vivid memories of places they've experienced will forever provide countless happy little daydreams. It'll enrich their lives forever!"

2. Personal growth and
global awareness

"When our kids travel they can become a temporary local in a new country and learn there might be better alternatives to situations in their daily lives. It gives them different perspectives and keeps

them open-minded. They learn about history, geography and cultures hands-on, not by just sitting in a classroom. Travel gives kids self-confidence, maturity and practical independence. And current events will mean much more to them after traveling the world!"

3. A stronger resume

"A good travel experience can help determine career choices and build their resume. Employers place high value on applicants who've had an international education experience, so kids' travel experiences will open doors in the future."

"It gives them different perspectives and keeps them open-minded."
BETH MARBURY

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Travel as a career springboard:

JEANETTE GATINS // Teacher in Lima, Peru

CULLY CAVNESS // Business Development Manager

 

JEANETTE GATINS Jeanette Gatins traveled on two EF College Break trips: European Panorama and The Greek Isles. She graduated from the College of Charleston in 2010, and now she's a teacher in Peru!

What are you doing now?

I'm living in Lima, Peru teaching at a British all-girls school. I really enjoy it. I'm finishing my first year teaching, and planning on staying another. It's different than what I'm used to in terms of teaching and schools, and it has been a great learning experience.

JEANETTE GATINS
 
JEANETTE GATINS

In what ways did your EF College Break trip
impact your decision to move to Peru?

EF College Break was the first experience I had traveling on my own abroad. It gave me experience in exploring different countries with new friends, and embracing and respecting different cultures. I had just gotten back from the Greece trip when I decided to move to Peru. I think I must've had the travel bug. EF College Break definitely gave me the urge to explore.

 

What personal and life skills do you think you gained from your trip?

I really learned to be more outgoing and adventurous on the EF College Break trips. Like I said, it was my first time traveling without family or friends. I was out of my comfort zone the first days, but everyone on the trips is so nice and welcoming. You end up traveling with complete strangers, and by the end of the trip, you've shared so many great experiences with these people that you're like family.



How do your EF College Break experiences help you in your current job?

I work at an international school with an international staff, and my travel experiences really helped me adapt to the job. EF College Break was my first experience in dealing with different cultures, from language to their traditions. With the knowledge and respect I learned from the trips, adjusting to the school and working with teachers from all over the world was an easy transition.

JEANETTE GATINS
 

CULLY CAVNESS Cully Cavness traveled on The Greek Isles. As a Watson Fellow after graduating from Middlebury College in 2010, Cully spent extended time in a number of countries, including Iceland, China and Spain. He currently works for an international tech company in New York City.

What are you doing now?

I'm a Business Development Manager at an international clean technology firm in New York. I travel extensively, and I find that my EF College Break experience has really helped me bridge and understand cultural differences.



Was your travel experience an important asset during your job hunt after graduation?

Travel helped me realize that I wanted to work internationally and find a job that involved travel. And yes, it was a critical element of my candidacy. I could not do my job without significant international experience and the ability to travel confidently alone. Thanks to traveling, I'm more outgoing and social in foreign cultures, and I'm not afraid to explore the unknown and connect with different kinds of people. This is often so rewarding!

further READING
A blog post from vagabondish.com
JEANETTE GATINS JEANETTE GATINS JEANETTE GATINS
 
 

THE TOUR DIRECTOR POINT OF VIEW

JOEL REID // EF College Break Tour Director

Joel Reid Joel grew up in London, has lived in France, Italy and Greece, and has led more than 10 EF College Break tours. Since tour directors are with our travelers every day during the trip, they get a unique first-hand view of the rewarding experience in action.

Joel Reid Joel Reid
 
Joel says:

"Foreign travel awakens curiosity and equips young people to ask constructive questions about themselves and their world. They get an increased sense of self-awareness and direction as they gain in confidence negotiating life in a new country. Immersion in a new cultural setting offers students an opportunity both to develop those skills they already possess and to discover new strengths. They learn to take responsibility, and they figure out that doing so is fun and tremendously rewarding."

 
Let's be friends
Contact Us // Phone:800­-766-2645 // E-Mail: info@efcollegebreak.com