"Travel: The Ultimate Learning Experience" by Kevin Zalinsky

Hi everyone! My name is Kevin, and I’m studying international relations at the great University of Colorado. Two of my greatest passions in life are travel and learning languages; I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but they’re both so enriching to the mind and spirit. If you think that sounds corny, you’re not wrong, but I firmly believe that everyone should learn a second language (or at least enough to not have to ask for the tourist menu) and get out of their hometown, their state, their country, their hemisphere… at least once! There’s so much to see out there in the world, and I was fortunate to see a good deal of it during my time in the Navy. Sure, I was working twelve hours a day, seven days a week while deployed, but hey – I was traveling! It still counts.

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Aside from snapping great pics for your Instagram feed or Tinder profile (see above), traveling allows you to experience cultures other than your own firsthand. This experience is invaluable in that it broadens your perspective in a way that TV, movies, books, magazine articles, and social media just can’t. Traveling is the ultimate learning experience. Photo credit: Zalinsky, 2021

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In Costa Rica, I learned about the importance of preserving and protecting our earth’s beautiful natural environment. Photo credit: Zalinsky, 2021

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In Fiji, I learned to embrace the spirit of “bula bula” – slow down, take in the scenery, and appreciate the beauty that exists all around us. Photo credit: Zalinsky, 2021

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In Dubai, I learned that man’s ingenuity and ambition know no bounds – and that heights really aren’t my thing. Photo credit: Zalinsky, 2021

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In Oman, I learned that the desert sun is brutal, but it’s no match for a well-made (and stylish!) kuma. Photo credit: Zalinsky, 2021

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In Bahrain, I learned that camels are intelligent, sensitive, affectionate, and will let you close enough to take a selfie if you’re not too annoying. Photo credit: Zalinsky, 2021

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And in Utah, I learned that you don’t have to travel much farther than your own backyard to see some incredible sights. Photo credit: Zalinsky, 2021

I’m very much looking forward to my summer abroad in Jordan – and I can’t wait to learn something new!

Kevin Zalinsky is a student from the University of Colorado studying in the summer Intensive Arabic Program in Amman, Jordan.