The Impact of Travel on Our Perspective: Insights from a Canadian Foreign Service Officer

Travel can have a profound effect on our perspective on life, changing the way we see the world and our place within it. This is particularly true for those who spend significant periods working and living abroad, such as Canadian foreign service officers. Through postings, temporary duties, and area trips, these individuals gain unique insights and experiences that shape their view of the world in ways both positive and negative.

Varieties of Travel and Their Impacts

My experience as a Canadian foreign service officer for most of my working life provides a rich context for understanding the various types of travel and their impacts on our perspective. There are postings, where I bring my immediate family with me, and temporary duties, where I often work alone for extended periods.

Temporary duties can run for several months and are frequently voluntary. I noticed that when no one else was living at home, it was easier to lock the doors and head for the airport. Unlike holiday travel, these periods are characterized by working and living in foreign environments for months. This sort of travel does not involve seeking out interesting experiences as often, as one represents their country or employer.

Traveling Abroad: A Window into Global Realities

My postings and temporary duties exposed me to a world far removed from the relative tranquility of Canada. I witnessed poverty, political and religious extremism, authoritarianism, racism, corruption, and the effects of war in places like New Delhi, Manila, Islamabad, Damascus, Bucharest, Moscow, Detroit, and Accra. Each experience solidified my view that most of the world is awful in comparison to Canada's relative prosperity. I came to see Canada as an island of relative tranquility floating on top of a chaotic world, a sentiment that troubles me now as our tranquility depends on American goodwill.

Expat Life: Lures and Challenges

Expat life, as defined by living and working abroad, is not an easy or savoury way to live. It often involves spending time with people you would not choose to associate with back home. Many expats travel for the money, as foreign service officers and other expats often receive additional tax-free pay. However, this life choice, while financially rewarding, can be isolating and require navigating a complex social landscape.

While some expats thrive, others may feel cynical as a result of their experiences. Living and working in a foreign country often leads to drifting socially and associating with people who engaged in negative behaviors back home. The constraints and expectations of expat life can be challenging to navigate, often leaving one out of step with local social norms.

Returning Home: A Changed Perspective

The phrase "you can't go home again" rings true for many expats. After long periods abroad, returning home can be jarring as you notice that your hometown and loved ones have changed. Family and friends may have aged, some may have passed away, and the world around you has evolved. You may feel disconnected or irrelevant as you confront the realities of change and the passage of time.

Your experiences abroad can also leave you questioning the nature of your role and purpose in life. You may wonder if there was a "divine plan" for your life, or if you made a mistake by expatriating. This realization can lead to a more nuanced view of life, where you understand that while knowledge and experiences are valuable, they can also lead to a sense of alienation and disconnectedness.

Conclusion

Travel, whether through postings, temporary duties, or extended expatriation, can profoundly alter one's perspective on life. It provides a unique lens through which to view the world, offering both challenges and opportunities for growth. While expatriating can lead to a more sophisticated understanding of global issues, it can also isolate and challenge one's sense of belonging and purpose.

Ultimately, the impact of travel on our perspective is complex and multifaceted. While it can provide a much-needed break from the ordinary and offer new insights, it also requires a degree of adaptability and resilience to navigate the various challenges that come with working and living abroad. For many, the decision to expatriate is a personal choice that comes with its own set of pros and cons, but it is one that can significantly shape one's worldview.