Wander Far, Grow Deep: How Traveling Redefined Who I Am

Something about traveling to the opposite side of the world alone pushes a person to step fully out of their previous comfort zone. Studying abroad in Australia—and the traveling I was fortunate to do here—was a full leap out of mine. From the busy shores of Bondi Beach to the tranquil temples of Bali and the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, my journey these past couple of months has been one of discovery and growth. 

Traveling has a way of expressing who we, deep down, are as a person, and it allows qualities to shine through that you may have never noticed before. When I first arrived in Australia, I was nervous. Even though I did not want to admit that I was, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture of a new country. The more I explored—whether it was the laid-back lifestyle of the Gold Coast, the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef, or the cultural richness of Burleigh Heads—I realized that traveling is not just about seeing new places. It’s about meeting new versions of yourself in those new places. 

Australia was my base for adventure, but each new destination added its twist to my journey. Bali taught me how to slow down and appreciate simplicity. Gazing out over the cliffs and looking at Diamond Beach after a long haul to get to the other side of the island in the immense heat, I saw the most outstanding and beautiful natural beauty I’d ever seen. 

Japan, on the other hand, challenged me in entirely new ways. Navigating Tokyo’s complexity of subways and blending into the delicate harmony of Japanese culture was humbling but empowering. Trying local delicacies, even when I had no idea what I was eating, or learning basic Japanese phrases pushed me to adapt and embrace discomfort. Seeing the locals’ happiness when we tried to partake in the rich culture here was continuously rewarding. Our small efforts were grand gestures to them. These challenges strengthened my confidence and ability to think on my feet. Each misstep—like not knowing which way to turn in the train station or struggling to understand a menu—became a lesson in resilience and adaptability.

One of the most profound gifts of studying abroad is perspective. Back home, my world felt smaller, shaped by routines and familiar surroundings. Traveling expanded that world exponentially. In Bali, I was struck by the kindness of locals who seemed to have so little yet gave so much and how a simple smile and thanks made people’s day. I admired the attention to detail in everything from tea ceremonies to city planning in Japan.

These experiences shifted my priorities. Material things mattered less; connections and experiences mattered more. So, opting to give away my chance for Christmas presents when I returned home for some extra help to get to these new locations was beyond worth it because experiences and memories matter most to me now. I saw the world through different cultural lenses, which changed how I viewed my life.

Australia gave me the space to appreciate the small, everyday moments. Studying at Bond University, I often took breaks by the beach, watching surfers catch waves with an effortless grace I deeply admired. (After taking a few surf lessons, I can confirm it’s not as effortless as it looks!)

Traveling to other parts of Australia, from Sydney’s iconic Opera House to the unbelievable landscapes of the Whitsundays, reinforced the importance of slowing down. Seeing multiple parts of Australia made me fall in love with the country even more than just having my life on the Gold Coast. These moments of awe and reflection aren’t just reserved for vacations—they’re everywhere, waiting to be noticed.

Traveling and studying abroad changed not just me but how I approach life. I’m more confident, adaptable, and open-minded than ever. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty, appreciate differences, and find beauty in the everyday.

If you’re on the fence about studying abroad or taking that first trip, here’s my advice: Do it. The world is out there, waiting to teach you, surprise you, and ultimately, change you. You will always have your home to return to, so it’s worth getting out there and exploring, whether it’s a drive, train, or flight away. You’ll come back with stories to tell, lessons learned, and a version of yourself you didn’t know existed.

Studying in Australia and traveling to Bali, Japan, and beyond have left me with more than just memories—they’ve given me a new lens through which to see the world and myself. And for that, I’m forever grateful.

Levi McCollum, Eckerd College, is studying in the Gold Coast, Australia, with TEAN.