Discover how a year abroad helped London’s Henry Latham, then a 23-year-old student, grow into an entrepreneur. His story shows how international experiences shape personal development, inspire career choices, and create unforgettable memories.
From University Student to Entrepreneur Abroad.
For many students, a year abroad is a chance to study or travel. For Henry Latham, it was life-changing. After spending a year in Madrid and then traveling for three months across Brazil and Colombia, he returned home with a new perspective and a bold entrepreneurial spirit that inspired him to develop an app.
During long solo trips, including a four-day boat journey down the Amazon, Henry reflected on the challenges and opportunities of backpacking. That independence sparked ideas that pushed him toward leadership and innovation at just 23 years old.
Why Travel Abroad Shapes Young People.
International experiences are more than just holidays. According to Henry, “Being out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and ditching a daily routine are necessary for personal development.”
He believes too many people get stuck in their comfort zones at home. Traveling abroad allows young people to:
- Build independence and resilience
- Gain confidence in unfamiliar situations
- Discover new career paths and skills
- Challenge limiting beliefs about what’s possible
The Social Side of Backpacking.
One of the biggest takeaways from Henry’s travels was the people. Backpacking is inherently social, filled with spontaneous encounters and shared stories. These moments revealed the power of cultural exchange and inspired Henry to think deeply about how travelers connect with one another.
Learning Languages Through Immersion.
Studying Spanish at university gave Henry a foundation, but living abroad pushed him to new levels. He even self-taught Portuguese during his year abroad, which later motivated his travels to Brazil.
His advice? Immersion is the fastest way to learn a language. By stepping into another culture, you not only pick up vocabulary, but you also gain confidence and cultural insight that no classroom can fully provide.
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Why International Experience Matters for Career Development.
Henry strongly believes international opportunities should be available to all young people, whether or not they are in higher education. He explains:
“International experiences allow you to mature quickly, become more open to other people, and provide a great opportunity for self-reflection.”
These experiences can also set you apart in your career by showing employers that you:
- Adapt well to new environments
- Communicate across cultures
- Take initiative in challenging situations
- Are willing to step outside your comfort zone
Advice for Young People Considering Travel Abroad.
Would Henry recommend traveling abroad to others? His answer is simple: yes.
“I don’t really see a ‘why not’,” he says. Many fears about safety or difficulty are often unfounded. Instead, he encourages students and young professionals to embrace the opportunity:
- Say yes to meeting new people
- Stay curious and open-minded
- Push yourself beyond your comfort zone
An Unforgettable Moment Abroad.
Some memories last a lifetime. For Henry, one of the most surreal moments came in Medellín during the World Cup. Wearing a Brazil jersey, he was pulled into a live TV interview and mistakenly broadcast across the city as a Brazilian fan.
Moments like these capture the unpredictability and excitement of international experiences: stories you simply can’t script.
Henry Latham’s journey highlights how powerful international experience can be. What began as a university year abroad turned into:
- Personal growth and independence
- New language skills
- Cross-cultural friendships
- The confidence to pursue bold career paths
For students, graduates, and young professionals alike, his story is proof that the world is a classroom, and the lessons learned abroad can last a lifetime.
