Are you feeling an itch to see the world and experience a new culture, eat delicious foreign food, and appreciate art and architecture? The benefits of studying abroad can go beyond even these incredible experiences—especially when you choose to study abroad in the land of your heritage. (Don’t know your heritage? Learn more here.)
Here are just a few benefits of studying abroad in the places that teach you about your cultural identity.
1. You Can Learn the Language You Would Have Spoken
As you
learn your ancestors’ language, you might notice where some of your family
sayings, names, and nicknames originated from.
Many languages have words with meanings that are completely unique to the culture. For example, the Danish word hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) can’t be translated into one single word in English. Hygge, however, captures in one sentiment the Danish culture of “cozy, comfortable contentment.” What other clues to your heritage can you discover in the language of your ancestors? Learn more about your Danish heritage.
2. Identify Where Your Family Traditions and Culture Came From
Have you wondered where some of your family traditions came from?
Learning about your ancestors’ culture may give you some answers.
For example, have you ever wondered where your love of nature
came from? If you’re from Norway, it may be because of your heritage: Norwegians
are known for their deep reverence or appreciation of nature, as described by
the Norwegian word “friluftsliv,”
which means “free-air life.” Learn more
about your Norwegian heritage.
3. Discover the Foods Your Ancestors Ate
Food is one way to connect to a new area. Try native recipes,
and watch the cooking techniques. Did some of your family’s recipes come from
their homeland?
You might even be surprised by what the authentic
food of your heritage says about the history of your homeland. For example,
much of traditional
Welsh cuisine is inspired by food that the working class could produce or
afford. In trying authentic dishes, you can learn about the resources that
were available to your ancestors.
4. Walk Where Your Ancestors Walked
Visit ancestral hometowns,
cemeteries, and places that were important to your family. When you visit areas important to your ancestors, these places become
more than just spots on the map. Sights and sounds familiar to those who came
before you will connect you to them. You can even participate
in a pilgrimage that your ancestors went on.
5. Learn about Local History—and How It Might Have Forever Affected Your Life
As you learn about the
country’s history, you can think about what your ancestors experienced. How did
local history impact your family? Many towns have histories. See if you can
find your family mentioned in the histories to give you new insight into their
lives.
6. Adjust to a New Environment, and Develop Self-Reliance
When you study abroad in your ancestors’ homeland, you can think about what your ancestors dealt with as they adjusted to a different environment. How can their experiences help you? Some research even shows that learning about your family history can help you become more resilient.
7. Make Connections with People around You.
A major benefit of studying abroad is the lifelong connections you make. Who knows? The people you meet may be distant cousins!
8. Learn More about Yourself.
As you learn about those who came before you, you will learn about yourself—your talents, your traits, and your own uniqueness.
Discover the full benefits of studying abroad by traveling to your ancestors’ homeland. You can find out where that is by looking at your Family Tree. If you already know where your ancestors came from, FamilySearch’s country pages can help you learn more.
Source: Family Search
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