Canuck Abroad - Rachel

Rachel Richer, a friend of mine since elementary school, has spent the last few years travelling extensively throughout the world. From 2001-2002, Rachel taught English in Mexico. I asked her to write an article for the site on her experiences in traveling abroad and the advantages it can bring. Lucky for you and me, she obliged.

In my life I have traveled to India for a 2 month missionary trip, one month to study English at Oxford University in England, 10 days in Paris for World Youth Day, vacations with my family in Eastern Canada, Florida, Hawaii, and parts of the Caribbean, and now a year in Mexico teaching English as a Foreign Language.  I have been very fortunate with the travel opportunities that have come my way.

I believe that it is very important to leave your country to get an understanding of the vastness of the world, different cultures, food and people. Traveling to India and Mexico has truly opened my eyes to how things really are for a large population of the world. As well, leaving Canada to travel to another country, which is totally different, has left me with gratitude towards my homeland. I am so lucky to be born in this wonderful country, as she has so much to offer. Not only is Canada rich in natural beauty, but it is also where all of my family and friends are. Traveling abroad makes one appreciate them that much more.

It takes a person who is open-minded to travel into different countries. Canada is well regarded as to having open-minded people, yet it takes work. It is naive to think that a person, or group of people, can go into another, less developed country, and make things better. Things like corruption, pollution, economic stratification (the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer), health and women’s issues are a part of daily life in other countries. Appreciating the differences is what makes the world interesting.

One such experience of mine is visiting a tribal village in Southern India. They practice the use of menstrual huts – while a women is menstruating, she cannot be with anyone other than other women in the same situation. There is a small, smoky hut far below the rest of the village where the woman must sit on her rag for the duration of her period. My initial reaction was that this is wrong. Menstruating women are no different from every other person – she neither is not bad, dirty nor possesses wicked powers – yet this is how the tribe views this. However, after speaking with some of the women, I found out that they enjoy this time to themselves and with their women friends. The task of taking care of many children is left to neighbouring women. It is actually a peaceful time for these women. So there are many issues to consider before making judgments on another culture. I have had similar experiences here in Mexico – all of which are great lessons.

My greatest time here in Mexico has been traveling. As a teacher, I get many holidays and every weekend free. It is making the most of my time that has made my stay here very exciting. I have visited ruins, beaches, jungles, pyramids, ancient cities, colonial towns and climbed mountains. I think the last 8 months has lead me to know more of Mexico than I do of Canada. Most every weekend I go on some type of excursion. I am not making a lot of money as a teacher here, but Mexico is quite cheap for travelers and very hospitable.

HOME