Reasons the system is not working in Ghana and why you need not to be double minded when you get the opportunity to travel abroad.
Before you proceed to find out what brought you here, please note that travelling is not for everyone. The fact that you have friends and family outside Ghana and are making it doesn’t mean everyone else can make it living abroad.
God has plans for everyone, you can be in Ghana and make wealth in multiples than someone living abroad hence do not develop hatred for someone abroad.
Also note that people living abroad are working tirelessly, some wake up at dawn to get to their workplaces and at their jobs, they work more hours than you do here in Ghana.
In Ghana, there are some pressing issues that Thedistin.com would advice anyone who get the opportunity to travel abroad not to be double-minded and also some general importance in traveling.
Regardless of your age or where you live, there is no time like the present to drop what you’re doing and plan a trip overseas! If getting out of the country and discovering a new place wasn’t incentive enough, here are our top sixteen reasons to travel abroad right now.
Why travel outside Ghana when you get the opportunity:
1. The system is working abroad and not in Ghana
Just like Ghanaian social media commentator based in the US, Twene Jonas would say “the system is working 24/7” in the States, it is opposite to that of Ghana. Here in Ghana, the attitudes of citizens and the leaders are not fixed.
Now, when you ask why a 10-year-old would wants to be a president or member of parliament in the future, he or she will mention of travelling around the world, purchasing luxurious cars and mansions and other personal gains when they get the position.
Ask me why they would mention the above reasons and not include making sure citizens have jobs and nothing to worry about? The answer is simple – they have learnt from the frustrations Ghanaians pour out on social media (a typical example is the popular #FixTheCountry campaign) and the struggles some of their family members ae going through.
Although not all the systems work in the western countries, however, traveling abroad is way better than staying in Ghana and become a problem to yourself.
2. There are a lot of job opportunities abroad
Ever since the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States took place on January 20, 2021, marking the start of the four-year term of Joe Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice president, they have created over 1 million new jobs.
In the Ghana, the job opportunities are few despite tons of thousands who graduate yearly compared to the ratio of jobs available and them looking forward to getting employed by the government.
Even students in the US work while studying which is something if done in Ghana, you either have to be choose which one to fail – your job or academics – because it is always going to be a struggle for you.
3. High salaries and wages
In Joe Biden’s tenure of office as the US president, he has intended on reducing poverty, as the salary wages for government workers was raised from $11 to $15 per an hour.
A serious cleaner in the US will earn more than a degree holder in Ghana. This is because, according to payscale, a bachelor of science degree holder earns Ghc3.50 per hour whereas a cleaner in the US will earn $15 per hour.
4. The Governments abroad care for its citizens
The US Government and other nations think about its citizens. For example, couples with kids below the ages of 18 are being paid certain amount by the government. Also, homeless in the States are being paid by the government in the US. This is something the Ghanaian government never thinks of doing and why we believe you should travel abroad when you get the opportunity.
The US government is structured in a way that it creates jobs for people to get paid well and also pay tasks which some of these tasks are used to cater for the poor and also build infrastructures in the country.
General reasons to travel abroad:
5. You’ll Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
As young people most of us have a pretty established comfort zone. At home with mom and dad, in a community that has known you for probably a good part of your life. You have your established, friends, activities, hangouts and possibly jobs. We become comfortable in these daily roles and the idea of breaking out them can be scary and uncomfortable.
The problem is, you learn the most in uncomfortable, unfamiliar situations. In our daily routines, you know how to act and respond to people and your surroundings. Being in a new place, like when you travel abroad with different people, who hold different values and go about life differently (or not so differently you may find) strips all that familiarity away.
It can be scary, but once you figure out that you can connect with people despite differences, and you can navigate foreign environments, you become a smarter, more competent individual. Embrace the discomfort. Search for it, because it is helping you grow.
6. Traveling Builds Confidence
As you conquer the obstacles of figuring out how to use public transit in a foreign country, or asking for simple things in a grocery store, you are building a confidence and ability to adapt in foreign situations.
When you travel abroad, you realize that you can do things, despite the obstacles and suddenly the obstacles seem less obstructive and more like welcomed challenges.
7. You Will Develop Cultural Sensitivity When You Travel Abroad
Being culturally sensitive is key in our globalizing world. It is not enough to say “people from X country are like this.” It is important to look for underlying values that may explain a certain behavior in order to practice cultural sensitivity.
Many people view this cultural norm as the people just being lazy when it really has a lot more to do with the fact that historically Spaniards value family face time. Eating together as a family is more important to them than maximizing work time by scarfing a sandwich down at their desks.
Being aware of cultural values and norms is not only fascinating, but can help us understand international issues and conflicts, or even relate to the cultural norms of a foreign business partner. It is an important skill to be able to shift perspectives and see where someone else is coming from.
Cultural sensitivity will help you with your communication on both business and personal levels.
8. You Can Adapt to Globalization
Whether you like it or not, with the internet and social media, we are globalizing quickly. It is not unlikely that you would end up with a job that has you travel for business or take part in conference calls with international business partners. In our globalizing world it is important to be culturally sensitive and it can’t hurt to know a foreign language.
In the business world, having to travel abroad can give you a competitive edge. Use the confidence and cultural sensitivity that traveling helps you develop and help it make you successful.
9. Be Immersed in a Second (or Third) Language
When you travel abroad to francophone countries, it is a must to learn their language in order to have a great stay.
There is always a beauty in learning, understanding to become fluent or even proficient in another language when you travel abroad. In the United States we don’t need to know another language, or many would argue that. Once you travel abroad you realize that especially in Europe, almost everyone you meet speaks at least two languages somewhat proficiently.
Those in the States have a bit of a disadvantage since geographically we cannot country-hop as easily as Europeans can. This is why traveling is even more important. I would argue that in the globalizing world it really can only benefit you to speak another language. Not to mention, it opens up a whole new world of people you can now connect with and understand that you would never have gotten the chance to get to know had you never learned their language.
Living abroad is really the best way to learn a new language since you are forced to challenge and practice your skills on a daily basis.
10. Infinite Opportunities to Network When You Travel Abroad
It is advisable for anyone who travel abroad, especially for educational purposes or essentially to work to make some incredibly valuable connections. If you are interested in working internationally or even just having a couch to stay on in a country that you love, never underestimate the value of networking wherever you go.
One thing to know when you travel abroad is that people are generally very friendly and love to talk about their home and culture. This is not always the case, but more than often it is. Making friendships abroad can make this big world seem a little smaller and help you feel more connected wherever you go.
The best advice Thedistin.com can give is to meet as many people on your travels as you can. It will definitely make your time abroad more enjoyable since the locals know best! Plus you never know when these connections will come in handy in the future whether visiting each other for fun or otherwise.
11. Learn to Be Independent
Taking a solo trip overseas can sound terrifying for those who have spent their lives by the side of parents, best friends or a significant other — which is exactly why you should take a solo trip, now.
Throwing yourself into a different country or culture encourages you to think on your feet, and is super empowering! Nothing builds confidence like learning to navigate on your own and making your own decisions overseas, whether they be what attractions to explore during the day or where to eat dinner.
Having no one else to rely on — and no one else relying on you (ahem, your children) — is strangely freeing and such an awesome experience in your adult years.
12. Escape the Patterns of Everyday Life
Oftentimes we get so caught up in our daily routines and busy schedules that we forget there’s more life to live beyond our backyard. Planning a trip overseas can spark creativity and give you something to look forward to, even months in advance.
It’s time to ditch the boredom of unwavering day-to-day patterns and start packing your bags for a vacation of a lifetime.
13. Celebrate!
Is there a birthday, anniversary, or graduation coming up? Did you get a promotion, or conquer a long-time goal? It’s not hard to find a reason to celebrate!
Commemorating an achievement or special occasion with travel is SO much more memorable than a gift card or mediocre dinner.
14. Travel is Education
Every second you spend in a different country is a second you spend learning about another way of life. Whether it’s how the natives dress, eat, interact, or make a living, seeing that your own way of living is not the only way of living is quite humbling.
15. Get Healthier
It only takes a single online search to find all of the scientific studies proving travel relieves stress, promotes physical activity and improves mental health. Burnout is normal, and there’s a reason most employers offer paid vacation days!
No need to feel selfish for taking a week off and jetting off on a getaway — take responsibility for your own health, enjoy some sunshine and the great outdoors, and drink a glass of water or two in between the wine and margaritas.
16. Life is too short NOT to!
This may seem a bit morbid, but in reality you have to travel abroad because as humans, any opportunity lost sometimes are not regained hence you have to make the most of every opportunity you get. Don’t wait until you’re retired to travel the world, or until your kids are grown. You will never regret crossing destinations off your bucket list, but you may be sorely disappointed if you put it off so long you never get the chance to.
