Just lost my traveling partner, she's decided to go to university. Now I'm undecided on what to do!!!!
My best mate and I were planning to travel America after our college course finished. We had a discussion and she's decided on going to uni instead (it was quite a sad conversation as she really wants to go traveling and there were lots of tears shed by her and me). But now I'm left with a dilemma! I've seen a couple of courses that I think would be fun and doing what I want to do but I would love to travel America! I know this is a travel website so I can kind of presume what your opinion will be, but I more want some pro's and cons of traveling from you. And advice on traveling alone in America.
please help me i keep going around in circles!!!
thankyou!!
xx
Reply to this Hi Lizzie,
Well there are certainly pros and cons to both, and ultimately, I think it comes down to what you feel most comfortable with as it pertains to your own life. Of course, i would opt to travel as would I think most people would on this forum, but not knowing your list situation, it's always tough to say.
Some of the pros and cons of traveling in my opinion:
Pros
1. The experience! You are young (I'm presuming since you are talking about uni) and you never know when you may have this chance again.
2. Meeting new people and new culture - traveling is a wonderful way to meet new people, make new friends, learn about different lifestyles, etc. It really is an education in it's own right, and you will probably learn a lot more that will ultimately help you in life than you do in uni.
Cons
1. Money - this is probably really the only con that can ultimately hold people back even against their will. however, it depends on how long you want to travel for. you could always try to get a work visa and work briefly while traveling here in America. Where are you from? Depending on your currency, money may not be so bad with the exchange rate.
Here's another option - what about doing an exchange course and studying in America. I did this in Australia and i had plenty of opportunity to travel. If you don't have a lot of courses to take, you will have even more free time to explore. Just a thought!
Reply to this Hello Lizzie 😊
It does not have to be a choice. You could travel or do a combination of travel and work for a year and then go to university. That is what I did. After highschool I wanted to work in another country. I defered my university place for a year. That is allowed in the university I went to. I moved to London England from Ireland where I worked for around 7 months. Then I spent 4 months travelling accross Europe. Then I went to university. It turned out that university is not such a great place for a person like me who likes variety. 3 years of classes is long. But I had to try it to know that. Anyway, life is long and it does not go in a straight line as one tends to expect when one is very young. Whatever you choose to do next there there will be challanges and choices and changes of plan and then more challanges and choices... and some achievement and some disappointments.......
Mel
Reply to this I'm 18 and from the UK, studying in america is a great idea, I looked at a couple of colleges but not in too much detail. My only problem is that I didn't do too well in my GCSE's (I don't know what the equivalent is over there but i took them when i was 16) but I am at college at the moment doing a BTEC national diploma (again don't know the equivalent, i think its like what you get at the end of high school) and am predicted merit-distinctions. I'm thinking this might hold me back, but I'll keep on looking for a loophole!!
Thanks Mel and Maya
I think I'm swaying more to America =]
Reply to this Yeah, I had the same thing with my highschool final exams( leaving cert mine was called). I didnt think I would get into any university. I managed to squeeze into one because I had taken a few science subjects and the degree course I was applying for was science. They give extra points to those who took subjects related to the degree they are applying for. I should have realised that my difficulties with doing what it takes to get into a university was a sign that I should not go to university. But that is in hindsight.......
Reply to this Hi Lizzie,
I am not sure what the equivalents of everything is, but we have community colleges over here which are 2 year colleges. A lot of people who want to go part time, did not do as well in school, or just want to save some money on their first two years and switch over to a full university will go to these schools. You may be able to contact them and do a couple of courses through there. That way you can take courses that you are interested in and enjoy traveling as well. Or as Mel said, defer uni for a year and do some traveling and then go back to it if you feel it's right for you. Do you know what schools you were looking at? i may be able to give you some insight :-)
Reply to this There is also a mature student option in Ireland. Maybe that also exists in the UK. Mature means only 22 years old. It is to give people who did not get into a college or university because of their poor exam results an opportunity to go to university or college. Entrance is based on an interview rather than exam results. The candidates have to show that they have an interest in the subject they want to study. So somebody who has traveled would be a good candidate to apply to a degree course in Tourism, antropology.... based on experience of travel rather than exam results.
Lucky for some of us, that the door never fully closes. :D
Reply to this I think I'm going to travel =] I can study after thats my opinion!!!
any tips on wher to go in the U.S.A??
or any tips for what to take and stuff like that
xx
Reply to this What type of places/activities do you like? this might help determine where to go. I personally love the west coast I do not live there but love to travel). it's beautiful, has some great cities, lots to do. I think New York is kind of a must, if you like cities. There are also some beautiful national parks if that type of travel is your thing. it really depends on what you like to do but I would try to take a sampling of a lot of different areas. The two coasts are very different from each other and also very different from the Southern and Mid-western US. There is a ton to see!
Reply to this can aslo join a group travel like eudcational travel to China. I have done it last year, it was amazing, lots of learning and fun
can check out http://www.cnadventure.com/docc/Students-Education-Program-Introduction.asp
they run many tour programs
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