Meet Sean
Born in the United States
He’s been traveling since 1995 and visited 5 countries
Sean travels for work and vacation
Interview
How do we know each other?
Answer: It’s been a long time, Mike. We attended the same university over a decade ago. I think we were members of the same student business organization. Don’t hold me to that recollection!
What’s the first country you ever visited?
Answer: When I was in elementary school, I visited the Bahamas with my father, stepmother and siblings. The memory that stands out about that trip was the beautiful beaches.
What made you want to study abroad?
Answer: A healthy curiosity and sense of adventure! I honestly didn’t even consider studying abroad until I walked past a “Do you want to study abroad?” flyer hanging on the wall in the student union building when I was a sophomore. After seeing the flyer, my imagination swelled – as did my ambition. The first program I applied to rejected me. But undeterred, I applied to another program—an experiential learning program in South Africa—and was accepted.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned from your travels?
Answer: Great question. Two lessons stick with me: Seeing new countries, cultures, and peoples really expanded my perspective. After traveling, I learned how to live life differently, more holistically. Aware of the impact (and influence) of my actions, I’m now more of a global citizen. And have a greater understanding of my role in the world—albeit a small one. Regardless of language and culture differences, we’re more alike than we realize. People from across the globe possess an undeniable humanity that serves as a bridge for understanding one another better, more fully.
How does it feel knowing that you’re the person who helped me get started on my journey by directing me to the study abroad office?
Answer: It’s really hard to explain. But it’s something I’ll never forget. It’s one of my biggest accomplishments in life. Even more so knowing that you’re still on a journey far away from home. It gives me pride and deep wonderment.
What type of activities do you like to do when you’re in another country?
Answer: I’m partial to adventure and history while traveling. Any location-specific activity that delivers a thrill is the first thing I look for. Then I visit museums, art galleries, and sites of historical significance to get a sense of place and time.
What are the pros and cons of work that involves travel?
Answer: An undeniable pro of work travel is that you get exposure to locations that you otherwise wouldn’t experience. And, ultimately, you end up with a broad set of travel experiences that fuel your inspiration for personal, non-work trips in the future. Work travel does come with cons. A big con is when you don’t have time to experience the wonders of a place because you’re trapped in a conference room for an entire day. A secondary con is when you visit a place that doesn’t interest you whatsoever!
What’s one of the coolest places you’ve been, and why?
Answer: Trois Rivieres, Quebec, Canada. There is a street racing event every year. The whole town, it seems, turns the racing weekend into a celebration. Restaurants are packed, evenings are busy, and fireworks burst into the sky. Not to mention the roar of engines!
If you were traveling the world, who would you choose as your partner: Indiana Jones or Andrew Zimmern? Why?
Answer: Easy. Indiana Jones. I did mention that I have a deep sense of adventure! But I’d only travel with him a few times. A man can only take but so many near-death experiences.
What advice would you give to those who dream of having a job that involves travel?
Answer: Pack light! Jokes aside, traveling for work comes with tradeoffs. Work travel oftentimes pulls you away from family, friends, and significant others. My advice is to learn how to balance the demands of work travel and your personal life in a way that helps you feel centered. It’s easy to lose track of what’s important.
Enjoyed this post? Check out similar ones by clicking the links below:
It’s the Good Memories that Last
Great interview. ❤