The Rise of Experiential Trips Abroad: Empowering Young Women from the UAE

Empowering Young Women Through Experiential Travel

 In recent years, an increasing number of young women from the UAE have been opting for experiential travel and educational expeditions abroad, citing mental health benefits and a newfound interest in their own culture. Through volunteering and exploring diverse communities, these students are broadening their horizons and gaining valuable life skills.

Selam Ntamo, a grade 11 student at Universal American School (UAS) in Dubai, shares her transformative experience of combining travel with community service. She emphasizes how these trips have not only exposed her to different cultures but also deepened her connection to her own ethnic traditions. Ntamo's story resonates with many female students who find fulfillment in combining adventure with meaningful impact.

According to Camps International, an international volunteer travel operator, there has been a notable increase in the participation of female students in such trips. Last year, the attendance of female students matched that of males, indicating a growing interest among young women in exploring the world and contributing to community development projects.

Laura Negus, Middle East & Asia expeditions manager at Camps International, highlights the significance of this trend, especially during Women's Month. She acknowledges the historical barriers that women have faced in accessing opportunities like travel and education but emphasizes the cultural shift towards empowering young women to pursue their passions and broaden their horizons.

Negus underscores the transformational impact of travel on young minds, citing benefits such as building confidence, fostering empathy, and developing resilience. Through experiential trips, students like Ntamo discover newfound physical endurance and resilience, challenging themselves in unfamiliar environments and unlocking hidden potentials.

Participation in educational expeditions not only equips female students with valuable life skills and global perspectives but also empowers them to defy expectations and chart their paths. By immersing themselves in diverse cultures and communities, these students are nurturing the next generation of leaders, changemakers, and trailblazers.

Camps International offers students the opportunity to live in traditional camps, where they engage in community-based projects and cultural exchange activities. Despite the financial commitment required for such trips, students like Isabel Kandalaft and Vaania Varun from UAS-Dubai emphasize the mental health benefits and spiritual growth they experienced during their journeys.

Kandalaft reflects on how everything felt new and refreshing during her recent trip, contributing positively to her mental well-being. Varun highlights the religious aspect of her experience, expressing newfound interest in learning about her own religion. These stories underscore the enriching and enlightening nature of experiential travel for young women.

Negus emphasizes the importance of actively encouraging students to embark on expeditions abroad, emphasizing the empowering nature of travel in shaping their futures. Through these experiences, young women not only gain a deeper understanding of the world around them but also cultivate a sense of empowerment and self-discovery.

In conclusion, the rise of experiential trips abroad signifies a shift towards empowering young women from the UAE to explore the world, engage in meaningful projects, and discover their potential. By breaking down barriers and embracing new experiences, these students are shaping a future where gender equality and cultural understanding thrive.