“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

Once spoken by French novelist Gustave Flaubert, this sentiment perfectly describes why so many of us love escaping our own little world. By leaving our ‘bubble’ and getting to travel abroad and discover unique corners of the planet, we can learn more about ourselves, our society, and our world.

For three North Penn students, extensive traveling has become a part of their norm, and the following three students combined have been to 7 continents, over a dozen countries, and more than 30 states. Here’s what they’ve discovered from getting to explore so much of the world.

Caitlin Rissmiller
Where have you traveled?

I have traveled mostly in Europe.

What is your favorite place that you have been to?
Dublin, Ireland or The Cinque Terre in Italy.

What is the biggest thing you have learned from seeing different countries and cultures?

How behind America is on foreign language. Many people in Europe can speak English and various other languages quite well and have most likely been learning English since they were little. We start optional foreign language studies in 8th grade rather than earlier. Europeans have learned to adapt to many other cultures and it’s time we catch up.

Where else would you like to visit?

Tbilisi, Georgia or Istanbul, Turkey.

Mira Starosta

Where have you traveled?

I have been to all 7 continents. Including Antarctica.
What is your favorite place that you have been to?

Botswana.
What is the biggest thing you have learned from seeing different countries and cultures?

That kids will be kids no matter what country social status or ethnicity they are. And you don’t need material things like electricity or proper schooling to be happy.
Where else would you like to visit?

Madagascar, The Caribbean, Paris, and Poland

Maura Schaeffer

Where have you traveled?

I have been to Mexico 3 times, Costa Rica, Barbados, Jamaica twice, Canada, England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and 30 states.

What is your favorite place that you have been to?

My favorite place I have ever been was Cinque Terre in Italy and it’s a reign of these cliff towns by the water. It is so beautiful there and so secluded and the food was amazing. I also love Switzerland because of the awesome views and how it was warm but there was snow, which was funny.

What is the biggest thing you have learned from seeing different countries and cultures?

I have definitely gained a better understanding of the world we like in and how crazy it is that places that are not very far away can be so unique and different and have their own special things about them. I loved being around and learning about all of these new cultures because it is just really interesting to see how diverse they all are, and it gives you appreciation of your culture. The hard part about traveling to these big cities in foreign countries is seeing all the really bad poverty, and it is really upsetting to see. You feel really lucky about what you have, and it is really sad seeing so much [poverty] in certain areas.

Where else would you like to visit?

I want to go to Greece, Egypt, and Australia. Those are my bucket list places. I love traveling and being in new places because of the adventure and the feeling of exploring and learning is so much fun when you are in these crazy beautiful places.