What inspired you to go abroad?
I've always had a passion for traveling and dreamed about going overseas. Last winter I was planning out my summer and stumbled upon TFT and immediately knew that I wanted to spend my summer traveling with them.
Why did you choose Travel For Teens?
I chose TFT because out of all the travel companies I researched, none compared to TFT. Their level of safety, experience, the choices of trips available, everything that TFT has to offer is superior to its competitor.
Me and TFT guides in front of Notre Dame in Paris
What was your favorite part about the countries you visited?
I traveled to three countries, staying in four cities. My favorite part about the host countries was staying in the hostels. I gained so much knowledge on what it is like to be a true traveler because we stayed in hostels, not hotels. I got to experience what it's truly like to be a traveler not a tourist.
What made your experience abroad unique?
As I said above, staying in hostels made my experience unique. But so did the guides. TFT has the most positive and energetic travel guides and they made me feel safe and confident to explore on my own.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff were so helpful and supportive!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I had looked at the weather for my locations and packed better. I did not realize how hot Italy gets in the summer!
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Everyday was so different, but there was never a dull moment. The guides were so flexible, we'd do so many different activities in one day. Usually we would be up and having breakfast around 8 a.m., then go off adventuring all day, and back at the hotel by 8 p.m.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Eiffel Tower
Because I was on an Older Teen Trip, I enjoyed was able to enjoy free time to explore the city with my friends. We would explore and go shopping.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
The accommodations were perfect, like I said above. It was something I had never experienced before and I loved it. All the hostels and hotels were great quality.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Definitely try to reach out and contact some of the people on the trip before you go, it's nice to meet before if you're going alone.
What was the hardest part about going on an immersion trip abroad?
The most daunting part about going on an immersion trip abroad was that I was going alone. I went to a place that I had never been to before, with people I had never met. It was intimidating but at the same time I loved it because I love pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.
What surprised you most about Europe?
I was most surprised by the fact that I could jump on a train and within a few hours, I was in a completely different landscape. I went from a small fishing village in Italy, to the mountains of Switzerland, to the metropolitan city of Paris, France.
How difficult was it to communicate with locals?
I went to three countries which the native language is not English. I was surprised by how many natives were bilingual and spoke very strong English, and they were all so friendly. Many of them recognized that my friends and I were foreigners and taught us cultural norms so that we didn’t stick out as tourists as much. It was awesome!
If you could go abroad again, where would you go?
A week from today, I am traveling to Spain and Morocco! I want to go everywhere, so the next destination on my list is Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
My TFT family on the last night of our trip
What do you feel the biggest benefit of going on an immersion trip abroad is?
Going abroad is so eye opening. The biggest benefit is being able to immerse yourself into another culture and become more worldly. When you travel you get to experience what life is like for other people, and they share their country with you, I think it’s a beautiful thing.
Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Europe?
Look at the weather for your location and pack accordingly! Also make sure you invest in some comfortable walking shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I think about my trip all the time and it has inspired me to travel as much as I can. I have met friends for life and feel I am a more worldly and cultured person.
Would you recommend Travel For Teens to others? Why?
Absolutely! If anyone is thinking about going abroad I recommend traveling with TFT because they know what they're doing. My trip was the experience of a lifetime.
