By J1 Reporter Alaina Kroll

In the past five years, 65.7% of the juniors at Marian have traveled outside of the United States. When it comes to traveling to foreign countries, not everyone is well-versed in the subject. 

Marian junior Ella Thibodeau shares her experiences with traveling abroad as a teenager.

Not every young person gets to say they take trips to other countries, but Thibodeau can. “I’ve been to four countries, and one of them was when I was, like, 3 years old,” Thibodeau said. She typically visits countries in Europe, including Italy, France and England, but she has also been to the island of Curaçao in the Caribbean. 

Some travel for a purpose, and others travel just to unwind. Everyone has their reasons; however, there is usually a learning experience lying underneath visiting other countries. 

“It has shown me different cultures and how people in other countries live, because I’ve only ever known how people in the U.S. live,” Thibodeau said. While on vacation, she has the opportunity to get to know completely different ways of life.

Of course, traveling internationally is a privilege, not a right. Not everyone has the means to afford to take such a voyage. However, if you are given the chance, Thibodeau highly recommends taking it. 

Thibodeau said, “I’m lucky to be going on the school trip to the U.K. this summer. I’ve been looking forward to it since the beginning of sophomore year, and I just can’t wait!” She said believes that school sponsored trips are a great way for teens to get out of the country and experience something new.

Junior Audrey Morey is also going on the trip to England, Ireland and Scotland this summer, however, this will be her first time traveling outside the States. Morey said, “I’m excited to experience how people in Europe live. It might change my perspective on life.” 

Both Thibodeau and Morey say they cannot wait to get out of the country this summer. Traveling abroad is not just a vacation, but a learning experience with memories that will last a lifetime.