Here's how many Americans have never left the U.S., and we’re shocked by the percentage

Traveling abroad should be a passport to new food, new friends and new perspectives. But for many Americans, traveling abroad is not in the cards. A new survey from human-led language learning platform Preply of over 1,500 U.S. adults found that 42-percent of Americans have never been abroad before, and over half of those (25-percent) say they don’t ever plan to.

Nearly four in ten (39-percent) Americans plan to travel abroad this year, but a significant number will only go so far. The reason? Language anxiety. Almost a third of those surveyed (32-percent) deliberately pick destinations where English is widely spoken, limiting themselves to more familiar experiences (and consequently missing out on deeper cultural connections).

Eight in ten of the survey respondents agreed that it’s important to learn a few words before traveling, but only 58-percent actually do. Many wait until the last minute, as 40-percent admit to cramming phrases at the airport or on the plane, while just a quarter take the time to prepare months in advance.

That hesitation shows up in other ways too. One in six travelers (17-percent) admit to eating American-style fast food abroad to dodge the awkwardness of ordering in another language. And when it comes to the most intimidating destinations, Asia dominates: China tops the list (37-percent), followed by Japan (34-percent), South Korea (23-percent) and Thailand (13-percent). For English speakers, tonal languages and non-Latin scripts can feel like steep hurdles.

Still, the Americans who do try to learn the language see clear benefits. Over half (54-percent) say it helps with navigation, while nearly half (49-percent) credit it with smoother logistics—from ordering food to handling emergencies. Just as importantly, 49-percent say it leads to richer experiences, from chatting with locals at markets to catching cultural nuances tourists might otherwise miss.

While fear of stumbling over foreign words keeps many Americans close to the comfort of English, the rewards of pushing past that barrier are clear. A little prep—whether it’s practicing greetings, ordering food or simply embracing mistakes—can turn a trip from sightseeing into something much more memorable.

Source : https://www.timeout.com/usa/news/heres-how-many-americans-have-never-left-the-u-s-and-were-shocked-by-the-percentage-090825

Comprehension

How many Americans in the survey have never traveled abroad?
Why do some Americans choose destinations where English is widely spoken?
What percentage of Americans plan to travel abroad this year?
How many people wait until the airport or plane to learn basic phrases?
Why do some travelers eat American-style fast food abroad?
Which country do Americans find the most intimidating to visit?
What benefits do Americans report when they learn some of the local language?
What does the article say about learning a few words before traveling?

Discussion

Have you ever traveled abroad? If yes, where? If no, where would you like to go?
Do you think it’s important to learn some phrases before visiting another country? Why or why not?
What languages do you think are the hardest for English speakers to learn?
Would language anxiety stop you from traveling somewhere interesting?
How do you usually prepare before visiting a new place?
Do you prefer traveling to places that feel familiar or very different from your culture?
What are some benefits of learning another language?
Why do you think many Americans feel nervous about speaking another language?
Would you try local food when traveling, even if you don't know how to order properly?
What is the most exciting or meaningful thing about visiting another country?

Vocabulary

Survey – a set of questions asked to many people to learn their opinions.
Anxiety – feeling worried or nervous.
Deliberately – done on purpose; intentionally.
Familiar – something you already know or recognize.
Cram – to study quickly at the last minute.
Awkwardness – a feeling of discomfort or embarrassment.
Navigation – finding your way or moving around in a place.
Nuances – small details that give deeper meaning.