In an ever-evolving today’s world, there are those who hold the opinion that going overseas to learn different cultures is not essential, and we can get a wealth of other cultures’ knowledge from various sources such as reading books, watching movies or even searching on the internet. My personal opinion partly concur with this statement and this essay will give some examples to support.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why some people have a preference for exploring different cultures through books, films, and the Internet. Firstly, it helps individuals save lots of money as well as time. It is the fact that there is a wealth of information on the Internet and people can get access to these resources effortlessly without the trouble of time or finance or travel logistics. For instance, I’m really into Chinese culture but I do not have enough money and time to go to it, however, thanks to technological advancements, I can delve into books about Chinese history, watch Chinese cinema and partake in virtual tours of Beijing, all from the comfort of my own home. Consequently, individuals can not only broaden their horizons but also have a sense of comfortability.
On the other hand, there is no doubt that journeying to foreign lands is a crucial way to investigate novel culture. Traveling abroad offers an immersive experience that can not be replaced through media. When people go overseas, they may get real exposure to foreign cultures and traditional values of different parts of the world, through engaging with the culture firsthand, encountering the local customs and experiencing an authentic daily life. To elaborate, with the full engagement of sight, sound, taste and touch when partaking in traditional festivals or sampling local cuisine on-site, people have a more sensory experience than just reading or watching it through media. As a result, these experiences enriches their understanding and appreciation of the various cultures.
To conclude, while cutting-edge media platforms offer accessible and convenient ways to learn about a diversity of cultures, they can not fully substitute the immersive and authentic experience of journeying to foreign nations. Personally, to gain a comprehensive and sensory understanding of different cultures, people can opt for these ways that are suitable for themselves.