How Traveling Shaped Me: Finding Connection Across Cultures

When I look back on my journey so far, one of the most defining experiences has been traveling across Europe and Asia, immersing myself in different cultures, and meeting people from all walks of life. These experiences have given me far more than just memories of beautiful places — they have shaped who I am, how I see the world, and how I connect with others.

Traveling has taught me lessons that no classroom ever could. With every trip, every conversation, and every unexpected moment, I have learned to see the world through multiple lenses — understanding not only how diverse human experiences are but also how deeply connected we all are beneath the surface.

As I walked through ancient streets in Lisbon or bustling markets in Hong Kong, I was not just observing culture — I was part of it, even if only for a fleeting moment. Sitting down to share a meal, trying to speak a new language, laughing over cultural misunderstandings, or simply exchanging a smile — these seemingly small moments became powerful lessons in empathy and communication. I realized that to truly connect with others, I had to listen with both my ears and my heart, to be open, and to step outside of my own perspective.

Through many conversations with strangers-turned-friends, I have learned how people think, what they value, how they express joy, and how they cope with struggles. Every story I heard added another piece to the puzzle of what it means to be human. I have spoken with people who live lives vastly different from mine — and yet, in every conversation, I have found pieces of myself reflected.

One thing that has struck me again and again is the beauty of cross-cultural communication. There is something profoundly moving about being able to share a moment, an idea, or a feeling with someone whose background is completely different from yours. Sometimes, it’s a shared laugh over a translation mishap; other times, it’s a deep conversation about life, dreams, and struggles. Whether through words or simple gestures, these connections go beyond language — they happen in the space between minds and hearts, in ways that are sometimes difficult to explain.

I often wonder if it is my brain that gets fascinated by cultural differences or if it is my heart that feels touched by these connections. Perhaps it’s both. What I do know is that every encounter has left a spark in me, a reminder of the shared humanity that binds us all. These sparks have built in me a strong sense of empathy for people from diverse backgrounds and a desire to always see the world from multiple perspectives.

Travel has also taught me humility — to realise how much I don’t know and how much there is still to learn. It’s easy to stay within the comfort of our own cultural frameworks, but stepping outside has shown me the richness of human experiences that I would have otherwise missed.

Today, as I continue to grow in my career and personal life, I carry these lessons with me. Intercultural communication is not just a skill — it’s a way of seeing the world and relating to others. It shapes how I work, how I teach, how I research, and how I dream about the future. I am constantly reminded of the power of connecting with others, and I know that this is something I want to keep doing — not just as a traveler but as a human being.

Looking ahead, I want to continue meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds, to keep having those conversations that leave me thinking, smiling, and sometimes questioning what I thought I knew. I want to keep learning from people whose lives are different from mine and sharing my own experiences in return.

Because in the end, what stays with me is not just the places I have been but the people I have met, the connections we have made, and the understanding that — no matter where we are from — we all share the same hopes, fears, and dreams.

So, as I move forward, I hope to keep building those bridges, to keep reaching out to others, and to keep letting myself be touched by the beauty of human connection. Whether by brain or by heart, I know this is what gives my journey meaning — and I hope the sparks will keep flying.