6 Lessons Travel Taught Me That My PhD in International Relations Didn't
- oliviazolke
- Sep 22
- 5 min read
by Olivia Zolke
My PhD in International Relations taught me theories, frameworks, and how to analyze the world on paper. Travel, however, taught me so much more about life, the world, and myself. It’s one thing to read about cultures and global perspectives in a classroom, and another to experience them firsthand. I’ve learned more from listening to people’s personal stories, joining local traditions, learning languages (even just a few words), and sharing meals with strangers than anything my degrees could teach me. Navigating cancelled flights and trains, figuring out how to get around in unfamiliar cities, and stepping far beyond my comfort zones have shaped me in ways a textbook never could. The awe-inspiring moments: breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant festivals—are experiences that no classroom could replicate.
How to Connect with and Respect People from Different Cultures and Perspectives
One of the most profound lessons that travel has offered me is the ability to truly connect with others and appreciate different worldviews. In Bali, participating in a traditional water ceremony allowed me to witness firsthand the spiritual practices deeply woven into daily life. It wasn’t just observing, it was being invited into a sacred ritual, learning the meaning behind each step, and understanding the respect and devotion it represents. Similarly, in Morocco, spending time with locals and learning about their customs, from sharing meals with families to hearing their stories about work, faith, and community, taught me lessons no textbook ever could. Traveling this way has cultivated humility, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for perspectives different from my own.
How to be More Grateful and Humble
Travel has a way of humbling you and showing you the value of gratitude. In Thailand, I witnessed entire communities coming together to support each other by sharing meals, helping with daily tasks, and celebrating festivals with joy and generosity despite having far less than many of us in wealthier countries. Seeing how people found contentment, connection, and happiness in the simple things reminded me to appreciate what I have and to be mindful of my own privileges. These experiences taught me that gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”; it’s about truly noticing and valuing the richness of everyday life. Travel also encouraged me to be a kinder, more mindful human, someone aware of how my actions impact others and the world around me, and committed to approaching life with empathy, patience, and respect.
How to Enjoy My Own Company
Solo travel has been truly life-changing for me. While I love exploring the world with my partner, family, or friends, I always carve out time for journeys alone. Whether it’s a month-long stay in Paris, wandering the streets and soaking up the beauty and magic of the city, or a solo day trip to a nearby village I’ve never visited, traveling alone gives me a chance to reflect, recharge, and grow. Solo travel gives me the space to pursue whatever adventure calls to me that day, or simply relax with a book or journal.
Being on my own in a new place teaches self-reliance, independence, and mindfulness. It forces me to slow down, pay attention to the world around me, and engage with experiences on a deeper level. Solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about learning who you are when no one else is around, and finding joy in your own company.
How to Be Brave and Have Confidence to Follow My Own Path
Building off of enjoying my own company, travel has taught me what it means to follow my own path—both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it has pushed me off the beaten path, from exploring hidden corners of the jungles in Bali to wandering through quiet forests in France, discovering places few travelers see. These journeys into the unknown reminded me that growth happens outside of comfort zones, and that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from taking a different path than everyone else.
Even more impactfully, travel has given me the courage to examine what I truly want for my life and how I want to live it. Since embracing a life of exploration, I’ve leaned into minimalism, reducing unnecessary consumption, and prioritizing experiences, volunteering, and giving back to the communities I'm a part of. I’ve moved away from a “traditional” lifestyle focused on conventional milestones and toward a life grounded in flexibility, intentionality, and financial and locational freedom. Travel has shown me that courage isn’t just facing the unknown, it’s choosing a path aligned with your values and daring to live it fully.
How to Navigate Uncertainty and Adapt on the Fly
If there’s one skill travel has honed, it’s the ability to navigate uncertainty and adapt on the fly. Sometimes it's a surprise rain storm while you're out on a walk miles away from your accommodation. Other times, flights get cancelled at the last minute, trains shut down unexpectedly, and accommodations fall through—sometimes all in a single day. I once arrived at a train station in Paris, ready to begin a solo trip around Normandy, only to find the station closed and my train cancelled. To make matters more complicated, the Airbnb I had planned to check into that evening was also cancelled at the last minute.
Moments like these could have been frustrating, but travel has taught me to stay calm, problem-solve quickly, and see these challenges as opportunities for growth. These experiences reinforced that flexibility, resilience, and a positive mindset are essential, not just on the road, but in life.
How to Slow Down and Find Joy in Small Moments
Travel has taught me the value of slowing down and truly savoring life’s small moments. In Bruges, I remember pausing to listen to a musician playing guitar in a quiet street, letting the music fill the space around me as people passed by. On a stroll through the French countryside, I discovered fig trees and blackberry fields tucked along winding paths, and couldn’t resist stopping to taste the fruits and enjoy the peace of the landscape.
These moments taught me that joy isn’t always in the big landmarks or grand experiences, it’s often in the quiet, fleeting details that surround us. Slowing down allows me to notice the beauty in everyday life, to fully appreciate the present, and to soak in experiences that might otherwise pass by unnoticed. Travel has helped me practice mindfulness and gratitude, reminding me that being present is as important as the destinations themselves.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing my PhD opened the door to travel, but it’s travel that truly taught me how to live fully, how to grow, and how to see the world—and myself—from perspectives no classroom could provide. Every journey, challenge, and unexpected detour has shaped who I am today.
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