It is sometimes thought that people who travel outside of their own country are more tolerant and understanding of others. To what extent do you agree?

 


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MODEL ANSWER | BAND 8.0

Some people argue that people who visit foreign countries are more open to differences and they are able to understand others in a better way. I strongly agree with this statement because of the reasons which will be discussed in this essay.

It is scientifically proven that the interaction with people of different cultures can affect one’s personality to a great extent. When people go to foreign countries, they have to face unfamiliar situations. Living in such unfamiliar situations makes people more adaptable to different circumstances. Thus they will become more tolerant of change/difference. This personality trait will help them to take more risks and accept changes in the future. As these kinds of people are more exposed to different lifestyles, customs and food habits, they understand others better.

By contrast, people who are not exposed to different cultures will be more narrow-minded than people who travel overseas frequently. It is difficult for them to adapt to unfamiliar situations compared to people who travelled and got exposed to different cultures. This is evident among uneducated people living in rural areas. They do not have much exposure to the outside world. They are very comfortable with their locality and they follow only traditional way of life. It is very difficult for them to embrace change. And also, it is difficult for them to understand and accept people who follow a different lifestyle.

In conclusion, people who are exposed to different cultures and practices are more open to different situations. They are tolerant and venture into new avenues with an open mind and they understand people better than people who do not travel much.

MODEL ANSWER | BAND 7.0

International travel allows people to gain a deeper understanding of foreign countries and cultures. It is also argued that it contributes positively to an individual’s way of thinking. I agree with the argument that people who travel overseas are more likely to be tolerant and cooperative.

To begin with, people of different nationalities have their own traditions, beliefs and behaviours. If an individual decides to go abroad for a short-time, they may encounter many challenges during their visit such as language, food and local culture. This experience helps to broaden their horizons and their mindset. Studies have shown that a person is more likely to improve his level of tolerance and understanding of cultures and people when they travel abroad. Therefore, international travel is often seen as an important life experience.

Another point is that individuals who have visited international destinations tend to change their view about social problems in their own country. For example, it is noticeable that many countries face the problem of racism in certain ways. However, if people had some experience travelling abroad, they are more likely to accept and respect race, beliefs and cultures. Moreover, they try to imitate certain behaviours in order to feel more comfortable themselves when interacting with local people. By contrast, if a society is less tolerant and less understanding, the community as a whole will not overcome their social problems.

In conclusion, having the opportunities to meet and interact with people of different cultures has an impact on the way people think about their own traditions. It helps to rethink and open the mind to embrace more of the values and traditions of their own country.

McBrown