[Existenceblinks]

Yep, I learnt nothing internally rather than oh nice view, strange place, different way of [people] doing things. It doesn't change me even a bit. People claim that they become a better person. I think at least 50% of them were bullshiting.

[badpun]

I suspect six months of working in a blue-collar job (say, construction) in an area of the country you're not familiar with would be much more enriching than 6 months of traveling in SE Asia, at least for college-educated young people.

[Existenceblinks]

Yeah likely. My city attracts tourists/backpackers too. As local's perspective, I'm glad they enjoy the difference, but I don't think they have changed at all. It's not like bathing holy water of experience, suddenly you come out pure. No!