What happens when you leave everything you know and immerse yourself in a completely different world? The food changes, the language sounds strange and even everyday gestures take on a new meaning. But behind these differences lies one of life’s most enriching experiences.

One of the most significant aspects of cultural change is openness to diversity. In an increasingly connected world, people are exposed to different cultures that challenge their beliefs and ways of living. This exposure can lead to greater understanding and acceptance of differences, promoting empathy and tolerance. Interactions between different cultures can stimulate creativity and generate new ideas that can improve everyday life.

Exposing yourself to a completely different culture is one of the most formative experiences a teenager can do.

At first, everything will seem like a challenge, you won’t feel completely at home and everything will be different. But you’ll learn to welcome what is different.

The biggest lesson I learned is that there is no right or wrong way to live, but so many different ways to do it. Living in another culture has taught me to question my own certainties and to look at things from a more critical perspective. Now what I thought was strange has become normal, and I’ve learned to call Home a place that is on the other side of the world.

Change is never easy. It takes courage to immerse yourself in a new world, but the prize is priceless: a wider vision of the world, a more open heart and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Change does not always have to be scary, it can be extremely pleasant and change can help in the search for happiness.

One day you’ll look in the mirror and be forever grateful that you got on that plane that gave you more lessons than your entire life.

You never come back from a trip like this, and perhaps that is the greatest gift.