3 minute read
TRAVELING IS THE BEST INVESTMENT YOU CAN MAKE
If you ask from our 2020 International Affairs Officer INT Justina Li. She has travelled in six different continents and in 40+ countries including Alaska and Greenland (Antarctica still on the bucket list). In addition to Finland, she has lived in Iceland and Sweden. But why she picked Finland and how does she think traveling has made a difference in her career?
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Justina has moved to Finland in 2010 as a part of her study programme. A decade later she works in international company developing smart ports and autonomous shipping, travels the world and calls Finland home. But why Finland? "Because I love challenges"- Justina laughs - "Finland has a reputation for a good education system.
Combined with my poor language skills and no prior travel experience, it seemed like challenging enough", – she chuckles. Justina took the challenge and moved to Finland, followed by three months of international project specialization in Iceland, one in China, double
Bachelor degree in Finland and Lithuania, Masters in
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Sweden and back to Finland in 2014, where she continued on multiple language studies and worked as a Marketing and Label relations manager in an Australian music streaming company, followed by couple more roles and her latest job as a Marketing Director at Awake.AI.
International experiences build your character
Justina has been raised by a traditional Lithuanian family but was always curious to learn and she found that "traveling is one of the best ways to learn new cultures, languages and most importantly yourself".
Justina Li, personal photo album, Ice Sheet, Greenland
Justina Li, personal photo album, Dune Safari, Qatar
Justina Li, personal photo album, white water rafting, Indonesia
"Traveling is the best investment you can make into yourself. It’s the experience that nobody will ever take away or purloin it. Both life-long learning and traveling mean getting out of your comfort zone - that is how we develop, improve, and become better people", Justina ponders.
When you move to a different country, you have to start over from scratch to build up your life there. For example, when Justina has moved to Iceland she had nowhere to stay and I barely spoke English. Being passionate about travel and new experiences she has self-organized two weeks challenge in Greenland where there are no roads, trains or buses, and people commute by helicopter, boats and dog sledge; planned self-guided adventure to Alaska and British Columbia, followed by New Zealand, Australia, Himalayas, Africa, and many more. The experiences like that build up your character, diligence, and communication skills necessary in global economy.
JCI - the home of international adventures right at you home tow or abroad
"Travelling is not my only dream, I want to do what’s matter in life, I want to change lives and help people explore and find inner selves. Like my very first abroad experience has opened my eyes and led me where I am today - International North European women, hungry for new challenges and investing in people.
I want to use my talent in business and passion to travel to help others. For example, not all JCI members are able to travel abroad as often or are young families and do not have a possibility to travel. My campaign "local is new global" meant to bring internationality to your home, possibility to improve English or explore different international business opportunities in your region. For example, in February we had Internationality Brought to your home event "Doing Business in Turku region" at Visitor center Joki. •
