Readers' storyboard

It’s a cultural stereotype as old as time: French people are cold, rude and snotty.

Living in South Korea as an English teacher for 18 months, I became well aware of the strict etiquette in existence in South Korean society since the days of Confucianism.

One of the first questions I would receive, no matter where I was in Tamilnadu, was if I could speak any Tamil. My reply was always good for a laugh. I’d start with the three words I knew well – vannakkam (hello), nandri (thank you), aamaa (yes) – and whomever I was talking to would let out a chuckle. These were the words any tourist knew, and even though I’d been in the southern Indian state for a nearly month, I hadn’t managed to pick up much more.

When considering a year off from the 9-5 grind, don’t think of it as sabotaging your career for a travel break. There are lots of reasons why taking time off to travel can actually help your career, not hinder it.

How to keep the spirit of backpacking alive, at any age.

The age-old adage 'find out for yourself'' is utterly obligatory.

Studying abroad opens doors to new cultures, new experiences, and lifelong friends.

It takes time - and humiliation sometimes - to learn traditions.

Some ideas for finding your place in your new family abroad. 

A leisurely pace affords the most adventurous kind of travel.  Some ideas for getting into the mindset.