NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With summer right around the corner, many people, some for the first time, will be pulling out their passports and preparing for an adventure abroad.

Middle Tennessee State University humanities professor Joan McRae and Tristan Howard, a senior double-majoring in foreign languages and environmental science, appeared Friday, April 24, on WKRN-TV’s “MTSU on 2” segment to discuss the benefits and importance of traveling internationally.

McRae, whose expertise includes French literature and culture, Medieval French literature, humanities and study abroad, said there are many advantages to traveling to new countries.

“Traveling to different countries around the world opens up new ways of seeing, feeling, tasting, and ultimately appreciating the world we live in with its many different peoples and cultures. Widening your horizons can greatly enrich your life,” McRae said. 

While visiting an unfamiliar country may feel overwhelming, McRae said travelers can take simple steps to make the most of their experience while remaining respectful of the cultures.

“A bit of research before traveling can go a long way to let you know what to expect. Pack a pocket travel guide. And once you’re there, observe those around you and imitate how they act; this is the best way to avoid sticking out or offending,” McRae said.

Howard, who has spent extended time in Japan through MTSU’s Study Abroad program, said the experience was like no other. In their time in Japan, Howard had the opportunity to immerse themselves in daily life, culture and cuisine. 

“I think my favorite memory is when I made dinner together with my friends and roommates at my dorm. There were people from Germany, Taiwan, Japan, and the U.S. who were all using Japanese to communicate,” Howard said. “It was surreal to have such a diverse group of people hang out in a low-stakes environment like that, and I’m grateful for that experience.”

To learn more about MTSU’s College of Liberal Arts, visit https://liberalarts.mtsu.edu/. To learn about MTSU’s Study Abroad program, visit https://mtsu.studioabroad.com/.  

— DeAnn Hays (deann.hays@mtsu.edu)