Let your globetrotter dreams take flight when you take on a degree or career that makes travelling a regular part of the job. (Left: Image by Lucas Law. Right: Image by Daniel Neuhaus.
In the age of digital marketing and content creation, the pursuit of a degree has taken a back seat. Though this is not the path for everyone, one thing we do encourage is curiosity and the importance of education in leading you towards the life you desire. With that being said, here are some university courses we would encourage any travel lover to consider.
Hospitality, tourism & hotel management
Starting off with the most obvious choice is a degree in hospitality, tourism, or hotel management. These courses provide you with the skills and resources you will need to take on leadership and management roles within the tourism industry.
Depending on where you choose to study, the modules may include hands-on experience in front desk operations, food and beverage services, housekeeping, event management, and other crucial skills. Backed with the training in these courses, you will be able to work almost anywhere in the world.
Photography & filmmaking
If you have a creative mind and love to tell stories, photography and filmmaking may be the right course for you. In today’s world, anyone with a camera can become a photographer, but the advantage of studying it is that you will receive foundational training in photography and filmmaking while being exposed to the various styles of visual storytelling.
Whether you decide to shoot weddings, interiors, real estate, wildlife, public personas, or documentaries, the opportunities to travel on the job are highly likely.
Culinary arts
We know this for certain: if you can cook good food, you can make it anywhere in the world. Food is the great unifier, able to cross the barriers of culture and language, and help us see past our differences.
If you want to travel the world, a degree in culinary arts is a great place to start. Courses typically include hands-on culinary skills, learning different methods of cooking, studying various cuisines, knowledge in kitchen operations, as well as training in business management.
Chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, food stylists, and writers are highly sought after in many parts of the world for their expertise and professionalism, so you can trust that there will always be a place for you in the business.
Aviation studies
When it comes to studies in aviation, the choices range from airport security and cargo management to pilot training and aircraft maintenance engineering. Depending on the role that you choose, some jobs may require more travel than others.
The obvious choice, if you love going to different places, is to take up your license as a commercial pilot. The role requires mastering a broad set of skills and serious responsibility, but can be equally rewarding for a vagabond at heart.
Performing arts & theatre
If you have a love for the theatre, music, and dance, maybe a course in performing arts could lead you to a job that takes you around the world. Although a career in the arts might still be a controversial choice, raising concerns in job security, financial stability, and career growth, the ever-growing love for live shows, film, and stage performances can’t be denied.
So much so that notable universities in Malaysia, such as Taylor’s University, University Malaya, and Sunway University, have added them as full-time bachelor’s and diploma programmes.
Marine biology
For those with a love for science, animals, and the environment, marine biology is your perfect study. Understanding marine life and studying its biodiversity and ecological and environmental changes is a lifetime pursuit—one that often involves exploring many places around the world. Work in laboratories may require less travel, while fieldwork and research might take you to more remote parts of the world, which can be exciting.
Archeology
If Indiana Jones was your hero growing up, you might find archaeology piquing your interest. Now, we don’t promise your adventures will be as thrilling as Mr. Indy himself, but archaeology can be exciting and fulfilling work. You’ll be studying history through thousands to millions of years’ worth of fossils and artifacts to understand history, human culture, and more.
Journalism
The study in journalism or mass communication includes news reporting, broadcasting, and photojournalism, amongst other things. News, media, and tourism companies are a good place to start when building a career that allows you to travel.
The work demands an ability to adapt to new environments, have good communication skills, and, when necessary, to have your boots on the ground when reporting certain stories—all of which are skills you will develop through your studies.
