I’ve always believed that life’s most profound lessons aren’t taught in a classroom, but through our own experiences. We all have moments that broaden our perspective and expand our understanding of the world.

Guess what? You’ve likely had more of these enlightening experiences than you realize, and they’ve made you far more worldly than you might think.

In this article, I’m going to share 10 life experiences that, if you’ve had them, mean you’re more globally-minded than you give yourself credit for.

These experiences might be more common than you think, and they’re the kind of experiences that shape us into well-rounded individuals.

Let’s dive in. 

1) Living abroad

There’s something truly enlightening about stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a completely different culture.

Living abroad is an experience that forces you to adapt, learn, and grow in ways that you never thought possible. It opens your eyes to different ways of life, different values, and different perspectives. It challenges your beliefs and preconceptions, and it stretches you in so many ways.

But more than that, living abroad makes you appreciate the diversity of human experience. It teaches you that there’s no single ‘right’ way to live, and it makes you a more tolerant, understanding, and globally-minded individual.

2) Traveling solo

I can tell you first-hand, there’s nothing quite like navigating a foreign city all by yourself.

I remember the first time I travelled solo. I landed in Tokyo, unable to speak a word of Japanese. It was nerve-wracking and exhilarating all at once.

Over the course of that trip, I learned to rely on myself in ways I never had before. I made decisions independently, learned to communicate across language barriers and navigated complex subway systems with just a map and my intuition as guides.

Traveling solo forces you to step up, take charge, and engage with the world around you in a way that traveling with a group doesn’t. It builds resilience, courage, and self-reliance.

3) Learning a new language

There’s more to language than just words and grammar. Every language embodies a unique worldview, a unique way of understanding and interacting with the world.

Did you know that there are languages without numbers? The Pirahã language, spoken by an Amazonian tribe, doesn’t have words for specific numbers – they only have terms for ‘few’ and ‘many’. This linguistic characteristic reflects their culture’s focus on immediate experience rather than abstract concepts.

If you’ve ever learned a new language – even just a few phrases – you’ve engaged with a different way of thinking, a different way of seeing the world. And that makes you more worldly, whether you realize it or not.

4) Overcoming adversity

Life isn’t always smooth sailing. We all face challenges and hardships at various points in our lives. But it’s through these adversities that we grow stronger and wiser.

Overcoming adversity teaches us resilience, perseverance, and empathy. It broadens our understanding of the human experience and helps us to appreciate the highs and lows of life.

Whether it’s bouncing back from a job loss, dealing with a health crisis, or navigating a difficult relationship, overcoming adversity is an experience that shapes us. And if you’ve ever faced and overcome a significant challenge, you’re more worldly than you might think.

5) Volunteering or working for a cause

Dedicating your time and energy to a meaningful cause is a transformative experience. It gives you a sense of purpose, teaches you humility and empathy, and exposes you to different perspectives.

Whether you’ve volunteered at a local food bank, worked on a community project, or been part of a global movement for change, these experiences connect you to the wider world.

They make you aware of the challenges that others face and ignite a desire in you to make a difference.

6) Experiencing a profound loss

Loss is a universal experience, one that touches every life at some point. It could be the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a cherished dream.

Experiencing a profound loss changes us. It makes us question our beliefs, our values, and our understanding of life. It can be incredibly painful, but it can also lead to deep personal growth.

Through loss, we learn to value what we have, to cherish moments of joy, and to empathize with the pain of others. It reminds us of our shared humanity and connects us to people around the world who have experienced similar losses.

7) Embracing change

Change is the only constant in life, they say. And in my own life, I’ve found this to be true.

I remember leaving my steady job to pursue a passion project. It was a leap of faith into the unknown. It required a willingness to let go of the familiar and embrace uncertainty.

Embracing change can be scary, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and discovery. It pushes us out of our comfort zones, challenges our assumptions, and can lead to unexpected joys.

8) Living a simple life

In a world that often equates success with material wealth and status, choosing to live a simple life can be quite an enlightening experience.

Living simply isn’t about deprivation or lack. Rather, it’s about making conscious choices about what truly matters. It’s about decluttering not just your physical space, but your mental and emotional space as well.

This lifestyle encourages mindfulness, contentment, and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. It teaches you that happiness isn’t dependent on external factors, but on your inner state of mind.

9) Pursuing education outside of school

Formal education is important, but it’s not the only way to learn. In fact, some of the most valuable lessons come from outside the classroom.

Pursuing education outside of school could mean taking up a hobby, attending workshops or seminars, learning from mentors, or simply reading widely.

This kind of self-driven learning shows a curiosity and openness to knowledge, which are hallmark traits of worldly individuals.

10) Practicing empathy

At the heart of being worldly lies a deep sense of empathy. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, to see the world through their eyes.

Practicing empathy means listening without judgment, acknowledging others’ experiences, and reaching out with kindness and understanding. It’s about recognizing our shared humanity and valuing our differences.

If you’ve ever truly empathized with someone else’s situation, know this – you’re more worldly than you realize.

Conclusion

Each experience, no matter how big or small, adds a layer to our understanding of the world.

These 10 experiences are not just markers of a worldly persona, but they’re also a testament to a life richly lived.

It’s not just about ticking off items on a list. It’s about embracing each experience, each learning, and each moment of connection. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, challenging your beliefs, and growing as a person.

Whether you’ve had one or all of these experiences, know that your journey has made you more worldly than you realize.

As the American author Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” And these life experiences are your passport to becoming a global citizen in the truest sense.