The World Cup is over and if you are like me, there is a void left in your life.  Not only am I missing waking up and watching world class soccer, but there is buzz that accompanies the worlds greatest event that just can’t be matched.  The event makes the world feel smaller and allows us to feel closer to our neighbors both near and far. So, why is it that a simple game can bring nations together, bring wars to a halt and make us feel like kids again?  Why must we wait four more years to feel this way again?

I was fortunate enough to travel to South Africa and experience the World Cup in person.  The pride and joy that many of you saw on television, was bigger and better then you can imagine.  The hospitality and kindness that I experienced was something I won’t soon forget.  Meeting so many people from different countries and being able to watch the world come together to celebrate was great. However, the connection I felt to those around me was truly magical.

I’m fortunate in that this was my second trip to the continent of Africa.  My first being a summer abroad when I was in high school, living with a host family in Tunisia.  I was blessed to have parents who saw the importance of introducing their children to other cultures and making us realize that our similarities to people around the world are much greater than our differences. The memories I took away from both experiences will last a life time.  However it made me think: Do I have to travel across the globe to feel that way again?

The answer is no. We can all experience a great connection to one another without ever leaving town.  I encourage everyone to expand your horizons.  Move outside your comfort zone and experience something new.  Whether it is volunteering at a cultural center, teaching English as a second language or hosting a foreign exchange student, there are countless ways we can shrink our world and enrich our lives.  Below are just a few resources which offer these opportunities.  Go out and experience different cultures.  Learn to respect our differences and embrace our similarities.  Let’s not wait another four years to experience World Cup fever!

AFS: http://www.afs.org/afs_or/home

AYUSA: http://www.ayusa.org/

TESOL: http://www.tesol.org/