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<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>I have always wanted to experience living in another country while developing skills that would help me in my future career. South Korea stood out to me because of its culture and global influence, especially in beauty.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I believed that going abroad would allow me to step outside my comfort zone, gain international experience, and learn from professionals in one of the world's leading beauty markets. I was also excited to meet people from different backgrounds, improve my communication skills, and experience everyday life in Korea beyond what I had seen online.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Overall, I saw this as an opportunity for both personal and professional growth, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding decisions I have made.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/korea-gapyear rel="" target="_self" class="link">Korea Gapyear</a>?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1788137683/images2/interviews/U6OEI5xhgellLWTc7Tq7bVRcoQz0JsLMp4EMD8xY.jpg" alt="Seoul N tower"><div class="caption"><p>Seoul N tower</p></div></div>
<p>I chose the <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/korea-gapyear/programs/beauty-skincare-internship-in-seoul-196955 rel="" target="_self" class="link">Beauty/SkinCare Internship</a> because this internship perfectly matched my goals. I also chose Korea GapYear because they provided personalized support and have a local team in Korea who understand the needs of international participants.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They took the time to understand my interests and preferences, and matched me with an internship that suited my goals. Knowing that I had reliable support before and during my stay made the transition to living in a new country much smoother.</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part about Seoul?</h3>
<p>My favorite part about Seoul was that there was always something new to do. I loved exploring different neighborhoods, trying new cafés and restaurants, and discovering all the amazing skincare and beauty stores.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Getting around the city was really easy, and I always felt safe, even when I was out in the evening. I also enjoyed how Seoul mixes modern city life with traditional culture, so every day felt exciting and different. It quickly became a place that felt like home.</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>What made my experience abroad extraordinary was that I was able to experience Korea as more than just a traveler. I was able to live in Seoul, work in the beauty industry, learn new things every day, and become part of the local culture.<br><br>I loved that even simple moments felt special, like trying a new restaurant, exploring a new neighborhood, or learning something new at my internship. Every day was a mix of familiar routines and new experiences, which made my time in Korea feel exciting and meaningful.</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>The local staff supported me throughout the program by always being available and making sure I felt comfortable during my time in Korea.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I would like to sincerely thank Boa, Olivia, and the entire Korea GapYear team for their amazing support. They were always kind, helpful, and available whenever I had questions. I especially appreciated how they made me feel welcomed. They provided guidance and helped me adjust. Having a local team I could rely on gave me confidence and helped me enjoy my internship experience even more.</p>
<p>I also had the opportunity to join Korean language classes, which were incredibly helpful and made my daily life in Korea much easier. Learning basic Korean helped me communicate better and enjoy my experience even more.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad is being even more proactive in exploring Korea and connecting with more people. At the beginning, I was focused on adjusting to my new environment and getting used to things, so I sometimes hesitated to try new things or start conversations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Looking back, I wish I had pushed myself to explore more places, participate in more cultural activities, and practice Korean more often. However, this experience also helped me become more confident and open-minded, and I learned the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone when living abroad.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1788137684/images2/interviews/uGAhroj5hkWTFUOu1LZFC8hfxcMfvjznlbDsUTC2.jpg" alt="yongsan park"><div class="caption"><p>yongsan park</p></div></div>
<p>A typical day during my time in Korea was a mix of learning and new experiences. The accommodation provided by Korea GapYear was conveniently located, so commuting was easy.</p>
<p>During my internship, I followed a similar schedule each day, but every day felt different because I was constantly learning something new and being involved in new experiences.</p>
<p>One of my favorite parts of daily life was exploring different places for lunch. I loved going out to find new restaurants and trying different Korean foods with my coworkers. Even though my routine was similar each day, there was always something new to discover, learn, or experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I think that is one of the best parts of living abroad—creating a new daily life while continuing to grow. Because every day was meaningful and exciting, the time passed so quickly.</p>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>During my free time in Korea, I really enjoyed exploring Seoul and discovering new places. I loved visiting different neighborhoods, trying new cafés and restaurants, and experiencing Korean food and culture. Since Korea has so many unique places to explore, even a simple walk around the city always felt exciting.</p>
<p>I also enjoyed shopping for skincare and beauty products, which was especially meaningful because of my internship experience. Spending time outside, taking photos, and experiencing everyday life in Seoul helped me feel more connected to the city. I also continued learning Korean, which made my daily experiences more enjoyable and helped me communicate better with local people.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My free time was not just about sightseeing—it was about creating my own memories and truly experiencing life in Korea.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I stayed in a private room during my time in Korea. Korea GapYear informed me beforehand that the accommodation would be compact, but it was actually perfect. The room was comfortable, convenient, and provided a great place to relax after a busy day of my internship and exploring Seoul.</p>
<p>The location was also very convenient, which made commuting and exploring Seoul much easier. Overall, the accommodation was exactly what I needed and made my experience in Korea even more comfortable.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>One thing every future participant should know before starting this program is to come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Internships are a great opportunity to observe, ask questions, and understand how the beauty industry works in Korea.</p>
<p>The more curious and involved you are, the more you will gain from the experience. There are many chances to learn from the people around you, discover new ways of working, and see things from a different perspective. If you come ready to learn and enjoy the process, this program can become a truly valuable and memorable experience.</p>
<p>I also recommend keeping track of your work, achievements, and the things you learn throughout the internship. These experiences became a valuable part of my portfolio. The more effort and passion you put into, the more meaningful and rewarding the experience will become.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend Korea GapYear to others? Why?</h3>
<p>Yes, I would definitely recommend this program and Korea GapYear to others. The biggest reason is the personalized support and care they provide throughout the entire experience. From the beginning, the team helped me feel prepared and comfortable, and having a local team in Korea made a big difference while adapting to a new environment.</p>
<p>The Internship was a great opportunity to gain real industry experience while also experiencing Korean culture. I learned a lot, met wonderful people, and grew both professionally and personally. I believe this program is a great choice for anyone who wants to challenge themselves, learn something new, and create meaningful memories in Korea.</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective and grow as a person. Living in another country pushes you outside of your comfort zone and helps you become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded.</p>
<p>Through my experience in Korea, I learned not only about a new culture and industry but also about myself. I discovered that I could adapt to a new environment, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and enjoy challenges that were unfamiliar at first. Traveling abroad gives you experiences and memories that you cannot gain in the same way anywhere else.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1788137684/images2/interviews/3YWEUAMPNjgwqZ7rq52N1PXI7lKupuuTQuSD25pd.jpg" alt="Jeonju"><div class="caption"><p>Jeonju</p></div></div>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>My time abroad has given me a stronger sense of confidence and direction for my future. Before this experience, I was interested in the beauty industry, but after actually working in Korea and seeing how the industry operates, I gained a much deeper understanding and clearer goals.<br><br>I feel that this experience has given me an advantage because I now have real international experience, industry knowledge, and a better understanding of what I want to pursue. While others may only know about the industry from the outside, I have had the chance to experience it firsthand and learn from it.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This journey helped me grow, become more confident in myself, and take one step closer to my future goals.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel means more than just visiting a new place—it means truly experiencing it, learning from it, and allowing it to change you. It is about stepping outside of your comfort zone, understanding a different culture, and creating memories through real experiences.</p>
<p>My time in Korea was meaningful because I was not only traveling as a visitor, but also living, working, and learning in a new environment. I gained professional experience, built relationships with new people, and discovered more about myself along the way.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I believe meaningful travel is when you return home with new perspectives, greater confidence, and experiences that continue to influence your life even after the journey ends.<br></p>

Sophia Sørensen

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Sophia Sørensen who participated in Korea Gapyear program.

Sophia Sørensen | Korea Gapyear Alumni Interview

Korea Gapyear Alumni Interview with Sophia Sørensen

<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/middlebury-c-v-starr rel="" target="_self" class="link">Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad</a>?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1787733508/images2/interviews/8BVDbtzQHONwngx0EN9Tz4b4Qzsnw1TGk193dcME.jpg" alt="At the Middlebury in Paris Centre, le Centre Madeleine"><div class="caption"><p>At the Middlebury in Paris Centre, le Centre Madeleine</p></div></div>
<p>I have always been a strong supporter of the Fulbright program and deeply believe in the value of educational and cultural exchange. During my years at the Franco-American (Fulbright) Commission, I began developing outreach initiatives with U.S. study abroad programs in Paris, and Middlebury regularly invited me to share information and meet with their students.&nbsp;</p>
<p>These collaborations allowed me to see firsthand how intentional program design can profoundly shape students’ academic and personal growth. Their commitment to linguistic and cultural immersion, and to helping students build meaningful connections within their host communities, consistently impressed me.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When the opportunity arose to join the School in France, I didn’t hesitate; it felt like a natural continuation of the work I care about most.</p>
<h3>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h3>
<p>Don’t underestimate yourself and your ability to adapt. You’ll surprise yourself. Say yes to the small moments, the unexpected invitations, the conversations that push you a little outside your comfort zone.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Let yourself be curious, open, and fully present as you discover a new country, a new culture, and new ways of thinking. And remember: it’s normal to feel uncertain at first. You won’t have all the answers, and you don’t need to. Trust that you’ll learn what you need along the way. Give yourself permission to slow down, to observe, to make mistakes, and to grow from them.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The challenges you encounter will become the stories you cherish, and the people you meet will shape your experience in ways you can’t yet imagine.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is your favorite part of your job?</h3>
<p>My favorite part of my job is watching students find their place in France, seeing the moment when things begin to click: when a student feels comfortable speaking up in class, understands a cultural nuance, or realizes they’re truly living in French.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Supporting them through that process and seeing their confidence grow day by day is incredibly rewarding!&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1787733508/images2/interviews/AQfzNrhmHcgUPpfnOspPvq7bwShQ0ytRS0kyG2m1.jpg" alt="Summer 2023 fun at the office with colleagues, intern and visiting former student!"><div class="caption"><p>Summer 2023 fun at the office with colleagues, intern and visiting former student!</p></div></div>
<h3>Why should someone choose Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad over competitors?</h3>
<p>Middlebury’s School in France is the right choice for students who want genuine immersion supported by a clear academic structure.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our students take courses conducted entirely in French, integrate into local universities, and live in environments that encourage daily cultural and linguistic engagement. We help them navigate the academic placement process, connect with local communities through internships or volunteer work, and build confidence as they adapt to French university life.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With a small, attentive team and a program recognized for meeting the Forum on Education Abroad’s Standards of Good Practice, Middlebury offers immersion with real support and real depth.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Students choose us because they know they’ll be challenged, guided, and truly seen throughout their experience.</p>
<h3>What is Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<p>The Middlebury C.V. Starr Schools Abroad mission is to offer an authentic, immersive study abroad experience that helps students engage deeply with French language, culture, and academic life.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For me, this mission resonates on a personal level: my own study abroad experiences in Brazil, France, and the UK, and later my work at the Fulbright Commission, showed me how transformative true immersion can be.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I work toward this mission by helping students find the right academic fit, encouraging them to live and study fully in French, and supporting them as they build connections through internships, volunteer work, and daily life.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Watching students grow more confident, curious, and at home in France is the most meaningful part of carrying that mission forward.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1787733509/images2/interviews/OJLM2kW4k3dGVPZcYgZYboq5P5aELohPxDdJXSKu.jpg" alt="End of term picnic with students at the Parc Monceau, spring 2023"><div class="caption"><p>End of term picnic with students at the Parc Monceau, spring 2023</p></div></div>
<h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3>
<p>I hope students leave our programs with confidence in their ability to live, study, and connect in another culture. Immersion can be challenging, but it’s transformative. If students return with stronger independence, deeper cultural understanding, and the sense that they can truly navigate French academic and daily life in language, then we’ve done our job.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I also hope they carry forward a lasting curiosity that continues to shape how they engage with the world. Ultimately, I want them to recognize how capable they are, and to feel that this experience has expanded not only their skills but also their sense of possibility.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And I hope they leave with the conviction that they can continue seeking out meaningful, immersive experiences wherever life takes them.</p>
<h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h3>
<p>Experiencing another culture matters because it expands perspective and strengthens our ability to navigate difference with confidence. It encourages people to question assumptions, recognize the limits of their own worldview, and appreciate the complexity of how others live and think.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Travel also builds resilience: adapting to unfamiliar systems, languages, and daily rhythms teaches flexibility and patience. Spending time abroad exposes individuals to new academic approaches, social norms, and ways of problem‑solving, all of which broaden their intellectual toolkit.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1787733510/images2/interviews/E9CgLDXjFq0UHXHLme0tA4sOEVrokcpak4GkY8rG.jpg" alt="Catching up with former students, summer 2019"><div class="caption"><p>Catching up with former students, summer 2019</p></div></div>
<p>These experiences often stay with people long after they return home, influencing how they interpret global events, collaborate with others, and approach unfamiliar situations. Engaging deeply with another culture helps individuals become more thoughtful, informed global citizens who can respond to an interconnected world with curiosity, nuance, and a willingness to learn.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel is about genuine exchange, approaching another culture with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn. It’s not only about what the traveler gains, but about showing respect, engaging thoughtfully, and contributing to the community that welcomes them. It means taking the time to understand local perspectives, acknowledging the history and context that shape daily life, and being attentive to how one’s presence affects others.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meaningful travel invites people to slow down, listen carefully, and allow themselves to be changed by the experience. Ultimately, it’s about building connections that feel authentic and carrying those insights forward long after the journey abroad ends.&nbsp;</p>

Amy Tondu

Get to know the people behind Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Amy Tondu.

Amy Tondu | Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad

Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad Staff Interview with Amy Tondu

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to move beyond traditional tourism and experience a country in a much deeper, more meaningful way. I had traveled before, but I always felt like something was missing—I wanted real connection with people, culture, and daily life, not just sightseeing.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/voluntours-colombia/programs/sports-children-and-community-volunteering-in-bucaramanga-193730 rel="" target="_self" class="link">Volunteering in Colombia</a> gave me the chance to combine cultural immersion, language learning, and community engagement in a way that felt authentic and impactful. The idea of contributing to local projects while also learning Spanish and understanding Colombian society from the inside was exactly what motivated me to take this step.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/voluntours-colombia rel="" target="_self" class="link">Voluntours Colombia</a>?</h3>
<p>I chose Voluntours Colombia because it felt like a more personal and grounded alternative to large, standardized volunteer organizations. I was looking for something where I wouldn’t just be placed as a “volunteer”, but actually integrated into local projects and daily life.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The combination of community work, Spanish classes, and cultural activities in Bucaramanga made it stand out. It wasn’t just about volunteering, but about understanding the social context and building real connections with people.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The clear structure, support on the ground, and focus on meaningful impact convinced me that this program would give me both guidance and freedom to have a real local experience.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1785888320/images2/interviews/Ur3Sfp0LOUt4QK7F66pV9foGE4iGb0JGIlbPyilq.jpg" alt="Basketball activity with the kids."><div class="caption"><p>Basketball activity with the kids.</p></div></div>
<h3>What was your favorite part about your Colombia?</h3>
<p>My favorite part about Colombia, and especially Bucaramanga, was the combination of warmth from the people and the authenticity of everyday life. I really enjoyed how open and welcoming everyone was, which made it easy to feel at home quickly.</p>
<p>In Bucaramanga, I liked that it is not a typical tourist city, so everything felt more real and unfiltered. From the volunteer activities to the Spanish classes and simple moments like walking through the city or sharing time at the hostel, I always felt connected to local life.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The mix of meaningful work, cultural exchange, and the relaxed but vibrant atmosphere made it my favorite part of the whole experience.</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>What made my experience truly extraordinary was the combination of meaningful community work and the depth of personal connection I was able to build in such a short time. It wasn’t just about volunteering in different projects, but about being welcomed into real local environments where I could interact with people in a very genuine way.</p>
<p>Visiting the prison, joining football sessions with the Goles project, and working with the CAPAZ Foundation were especially impactful, because they showed me how much positive change can come from education, sport, and human connection.</p>
<p>At the same time, learning Spanish daily and living in a shared environment with other travelers made the experience feel very immersive and personal. All of this together created moments that were both challenging and incredibly rewarding.</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>The local staff supported me in a very consistent and personal way throughout the whole program. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and guided, which made the transition into a new country much easier. They helped with practical things like settling in, explaining the schedule, and making sure I understood each activity before participating.</p>
<p>During the program, they were always available if I had questions or needed help, whether it was about transportation, Spanish classes, or the volunteer projects themselves. What stood out most was that they didn’t just organize things, but were genuinely present and involved in the experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This created a sense of safety and trust, which allowed me to focus fully on the activities and the cultural exchange without worrying about logistics.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>One thing I wish I would have done differently is to slow down even more and take more time to reflect in the moment. The experience was quite intense and full of activities, new people, and impressions, so sometimes I focused too much on what was next instead of fully appreciating what was happening right then.</p>
<p>Looking back, I would have tried to document more of the small everyday moments and also spend a bit more individual time with local people outside of the organized activities. I think that would have made the experience even deeper and allowed me to connect even more with the culture and daily life in Colombia.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>A typical day in Colombia started quite early and followed a structured but varied routine. In the morning, I usually had Spanish classes, which helped me improve my language skills and also made it easier to connect with locals during the rest of the day.</p>
<p>After lunch, the schedule would change depending on the day. Some afternoons I participated in volunteer activities such as visiting community projects, supporting educational or sports initiatives, or joining local foundations like CAPAZ or football sessions with Goles. Other days were more cultural, including city tours or time to explore Bucaramanga with other volunteers.</p>
<p>In the evenings, I often spent time at the hostel with other travelers, sharing stories, playing games, or just relaxing after a full day. It was a good balance between structured learning, meaningful volunteering, and social time, which made each day feel different but always engaging.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1785888321/images2/interviews/PhawEHSCh1SXLSi37qNaStrVeQfJ7nwfYgTZq7DI.jpg" alt="Tasting at the local fruit market"><div class="caption"><p>Tasting at the local fruit market</p></div></div>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>In my free time abroad, I enjoyed a mix of simple social moments and exploring the local environment. A lot of the time I would spend time with other volunteers at the hostel, sharing meals, talking about our experiences, or just relaxing after a busy day.</p>
<p>I also really enjoyed going out in Bucaramanga, whether it was grabbing food locally, walking around the city, or joining small spontaneous activities with others. Those unplanned moments often turned out to be the most memorable, because they felt very authentic and gave me a chance to experience the city beyond the structured program.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I stayed at Zamia Hostel in Bucaramanga, which was a shared accommodation for volunteers and travelers. It was simple, comfortable, and had everything I needed for a longer stay, but what I appreciated most was the atmosphere.</p>
<p>The best part was definitely the social environment. It was very easy to meet other volunteers and travelers, which created a strong sense of community from the beginning. After a full day of activities, it felt great to come back to a place where you could share experiences, cook together, or just relax and talk.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At the same time, it still offered enough space for rest and privacy when needed, which made it a really good balance overall.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>One thing every future participant should know is that the experience is much more immersive and personal than a typical “structured volunteer program.” You are not just observing or doing isolated tasks—you are actively engaging with local people, communities, and daily life from the very beginning.</p>
<p>That means it helps a lot to arrive with an open mind, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to a different pace and culture. Spanish will also make a big difference in how deeply you can connect, so even a basic effort to learn the language beforehand or during the program really enhances the experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you come with the right mindset, the program becomes not just volunteering, but a very meaningful cultural exchange.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend your Voluntours Colombia to others? Why?</h3>
<p>Yes, I would definitely recommend Voluntours Colombia to others. What makes it special is that it goes beyond a typical volunteer placement and creates a real cultural exchange experience. You are not only supporting meaningful local projects, but also living and learning within the community, which makes everything feel authentic and personal.</p>
<p>The combination of structured support, Spanish classes, and diverse activities like community work, sports programs, and cultural experiences gives a very well-rounded experience. At the same time, the team is always present and supportive, which makes it easy to adapt even if you are traveling alone or for the first time in Colombia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For anyone looking for something more meaningful than tourism, I think it’s a great choice.</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>The biggest benefit of traveling abroad, in my experience, is the shift in perspective it creates. When you step into a completely different cultural and social environment, you start to question your own assumptions and see the world in a broader, more open way.</p>
<p>It also forces you to grow personally. You become more adaptable, independent, and confident because you constantly face new situations, languages, and ways of doing things. On top of that, the human connections you build abroad are incredibly valuable—you meet people you would never encounter in your everyday life, and those interactions often stay with you long after the trip ends.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1785888321/images2/interviews/dksXdsPPbCg4cg9s8mWTRVEjhYko6WtHdK1dR6nM.jpg" alt="The commune tour in Bucaramanga was very fun and inspring."><div class="caption"><p>The commune tour in Bucaramanga was very fun and inspring.</p></div></div>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>Now that I’m back home, my time abroad has had a lasting impact on how I see everyday life and my priorities. The experience helped me become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded, especially when dealing with unfamiliar situations or environments.<br><br>It also changed the way I relate to other cultures and people. I now feel much more aware of how different realities can be, and I value human connection and cultural exchange much more than before.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On a personal level, I also gained confidence, especially in communicating in Spanish and in stepping outside of my comfort zone. Overall, it feels like the experience didn’t just end when I came home—it still shapes how I think and how I approach new challenges.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>Meaningful travel, to me, is when a trip goes beyond sightseeing and comfort and becomes a real exchange between people, cultures, and perspectives. It’s not just about visiting a new place, but about taking part in daily life, understanding local realities, and contributing in a small but genuine way.</p>
<p>For me, it means being present, open, and willing to step outside of your own patterns—whether that’s through volunteering, learning the language, or simply listening and connecting with people you meet along the way.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The value doesn’t come from how many places you see, but from the depth of the experiences and the relationships you build.</p>

Janosch Thalmann

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Janosch Thalmann who participated in 2026 Voluntours Colombia program.

Janosch Thalmann | Voluntours Colombia Alumni Interview 2026

Voluntours Colombia Alumni Interview with Janosch Thalmann

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