Travel Transitions

At Maryville College, it seems like almost everyone studies abroad. Whether during J-term, for a semester or for an entire year, faculty and students alike seem to consider travel an irreplaceable learning experience. Sure, time in the classroom is necessary, and hours of reading and writing are just part of being a student. Traveling, though, is where some of the real learning and cultural exposure take place.

The breathtaking Giant's Causeway on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland was one of the J-term group's favorite places. Photo courtesy of Caroline Redmond.

Having just studied abroad during J-term myself (to Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland), I have come to agree with the importance of travel to learning and living. The landscapes, historical sites and people I encountered abroad gave me a richer, deeper experience than any textbook could.

Having just returned home and now approaching the semester, though, I am instead pondering another aspect of travel: its transitions from home.

Some say that venturing to the destination abroad is the most difficult part of traveling. After all, departing from home involves letting go routines, saying goodbye to comforts and leaving loved ones, all in exchange for unfamiliarity and–at times–culture shock. Without a doubt, after the initial week or so of travel excitement wears off, this difficult period of adjustment can be quite painful and overwhelming. Of course, J-term travelers do not have to deal with much of this, at least not until the very end of their trips. It is really those who study abroad for longer periods of time that suffer.

In contrast, others argue that returning home is even more difficult than leaving in the first place. After time abroad, individuals and especially curious students often see with fresh eyes the negative aspects of their home culture as compared to the many cultures abroad. Mass consumption, unenlightening activities and harsh stereotypes can be but a few of the setbacks that greet returning travelers.

Each side of the dichotomy seems reasonable and probably appears differently to different people. Personally, I find myself pretty much in the middle, with a little difficulty leaving home and a little difficulty returning.

On the one hand, leaving home was hard for me, even for three weeks. I missed my relaxing winter break with its late mornings, my set routines with their comforting predictability, my reliable communication with instant phone or Internet discussions and my fiance with our general good times together.

On the other hand, coming home might yet prove to be a challenge. For the first few days after my return, being back in the United States was great; I slept in my own bed, saw my fiance and just generally relaxed. Now, though, a relentless wake-up call chimes: the semester. The few days when castles were my classes are over, and now I have to become accustomed–yet again–to hours of reading, writing, projects and assignments. Experiential learning can be emotionally taxing, but traditional learning is just as difficult in its own ways.

I know the college is full of travelers more experienced than me, people who have been to 20 countries instead of three, for months instead of weeks. Thus, I welcome your insights! Have you experienced more tension upon leaving home, or returning? Was the lack of comforts abroad or the stifling routine of home more treacherous?

Advertisement