First name: Erika
Pronoun(s): she/her
Nationality: American
Hometown/city: Chicago, IL
Current location: Madison, WI
Occupation: Digital Marketing
Meet Erika
My name is Erika, and I’m a born and raised Midwesterner. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and went to college in Missouri (Go Tigers!). I grew up traveling with my family and came to look forward to our annual adventures more than almost anything else.
In high school, I got my first taste of traveling without my family by my side when I participated in a two-week study abroad trip to France through my high school. Today, I work in the travel industry as a digital marketer. I love that my job allows me to talk about beautiful destinations and inspire others to explore the world!
On Education
Did you participate in study abroad while at school? For how long, and with what program?
The summer after my freshman year, I participated in a 6-week, language-intensive study abroad in Lyon, France. The best part of the program was that I lived with a French host family. Sitting around the dinner table with them, having conversation in French, was one of the most valuable experiences I could have had.
I learned about cultural differences, language, politics, family dynamics, and the human ability to adapt and connect across many boundaries. My study abroad experience altered the course of my future because during the trip, I also learned about a program called TAPIF.
In your opinion, what makes travel uniquely “educational”?
The most incredible thing about travel is not only what you learn about the world around you but also what you learn about yourself.
Even the simplest tasks can feel daunting in a foreign country – asking for directions, grocery shopping, or getting a haircut
Every time you successfully navigate a challenging situation, you learn a bit about the culture and also about your own abilities. I have never felt more self-reliant and capable than when I was traveling abroad.
What advice do you have for students who want to study outside of their home country?
DO IT! Taking that leap while you are young will lead your life in places you may have never imagined. Just like in America, you’ll have coursework and learn useful curriculum, but what you learn outside the classroom is what will really make you stand out as you look for career opportunities later in life.
Professional questions
How long have you been in your current position?
I have been in my current position for one year. I started the role in October 2019, and less than six months in, news of COVID began circulating and impacting the travel industry. It has definitely been a tough year, but I have learned a lot about flexibility and teamwork.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that I get to look through photos of stunning places and write about what makes them so incredible to visit. It is really fun when I get to work on destinations that I have been to before, but it is sometimes even more fun to learn about a new place that I end up adding to my bucket list! Skjolden, Norway anyone?
Is it necessary to have a master’s degree in your field? PhD?
I think that often in the world of marketing, experience is more valuable than a master’s degree or a PhD. While I was living abroad, I worked on a blog to keep up with writing, SEO, and social media practices, which helped me find jobs when I got back to the States.
On Lifestyle
Do you think that everyone should study abroad? What are the benefits?
Yes, I believe that everyone should study abroad
Seeing firsthand that there are different ways to live, govern, and even speak is an extremely eye opening experience that makes you a more compassionate, empathetic, and informed person
It challenges you to question why things are done the way they are in your home country, which can lead to meaningful change (big or small).
Lots of people think traveling is cool, but not something they can see themselves doing. What are the characteristics of a traveler or person who would enjoy living abroad, in your opinion?
I would say that “travelers” are some of the most wonderful people I have met in my life. They are generally very friendly (but that doesn’t mean they are always extroverted) and seek joy in both new experiences and new people.
One of the biggest keys to traveling is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and to learn to problem solve
You might get lost in a new city, but you can usually find your way again. You might lose luggage, but an unexpected shopping trip might be fun. Or (speaking from personal experience), your flight might get cancelled due to strikes and you need to figure out a 10-hour series of trains instead (and the trip might just end up being one of your favorite memories ever).
One thing to keep in mind is that travelers are definitely not free from anxiety or fear – it’s okay to feel those things but the key is not to let them stop you from going
Closing question
What advice would you give to a young person who knows they want to travel but aren’t sure where that fits in with the rest of their lives?
Travel doesn’t have to be hugely time consuming to have a huge impact on your life. If you don’t want to miss a year of undergrad to study abroad, consider a trip during winter or summer break. Or, like me, you can also travel after graduation for a period of time. Any and every travel experience will impact your life.
Editor’s note: This article has been lightly edited for concision and clarity.
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If you connected with Erika’s story, she invites you to connect with her on Instagram and her blog.
The Adventuring Epicure – Eat Well, Travel Well
Thank you for reading! Fearless Friday Features are posted every Friday evening France time. If you have any follow-up questions or comments about the feature, please feel free to leave them below. Until next time – a bientôt !
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