Shadowing Practice: English Podcast - Is traveling good for young people? | 🎧 English on the Go! | Intermediate - Learn English Speaking with YouTube
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Hey there, and welcome back to English on the Go,
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Hey there, and welcome back to English on the Go,
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your go-to podcast for learning English in a fun and practical way.
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Today's episode is all about something many young people dream of, traveling.
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We're diving into the question,
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is traveling good for young people?
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Whether it's for exploring new places,
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learning about different cultures, or even just taking a break from everyday life,
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travel seems to offer a lot.
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But is it always the best choice?
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In today's discussion, we'll explore the benefits and challenges young people face when traveling.
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Stick around, because there's plenty to unpack and learn from.
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Alright, so let's dig a little deeper into today's topic,
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traveling as a young person.
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We all know that traveling offers a chance to see the world,
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meet new people, and gain experiences that you just can't find in the classroom or at home.
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But for young people, it can mean even more.
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It can help with personal growth,
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learning independence, and building new perspectives.
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However, it's not all smooth sailing.
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There's the cost, safety concerns,
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and the question of whether it's better to focus on studies or work first.
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In today's conversation, we'll hear from two friends who have very different views on whether traveling is beneficial for young people.
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Before we start, ask yourself,
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do you think travel is essential for your development,
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or is it something that can wait?
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Before we jump into the conversation,
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I'd like you to take a moment to think about these questions.
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Remember, there are no right or wrong answers.
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It's all about your opinion and experiences First,
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have you ever traveled to a new place?
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If so, how did it change you?
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Second, do you think traveling at a young age can really help shape a person's future
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or is it just a fun experience?
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Take a moment to reflect on these ideas
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As you listen to the conversation think about how the views
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of our characters align with your own thoughts on the topic Alright,
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in today's conversation, we have two friends,
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Lisa and Mark, talking about whether traveling is beneficial for young people.
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Lisa believes that travel is an essential part of growing up,
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while Mark thinks there are other priorities to focus on.
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Let's listen to what they have to say.
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I just got back from my trip to Italy,
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and let me tell you,
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Mark, it was an eye-opener.
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I feel like I've grown so much just from experiencing a new culture.
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It really broadened my horizons.
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I'm glad you had a good time,
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Lisa, but do you really think traveling is that big of a deal?
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I mean, sure, you get to see new places,
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but is it really necessary, especially when you're young?
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Shouldn't we focus more on studying or building a career first?
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I get your point.
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But traveling doesn't mean you're not being productive.
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It's not just about ticking places off a list.
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When you travel, you're stepping out of your comfort zone.
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You learn how to deal with different situations,
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meet people from all walks of life,
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and it forces you to become more independent.
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It's like gaining life skills you can't pick up from a textbook.
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Plus, experiencing different cultures can really open your mind in ways you wouldn't expect.
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It's not just about the places.
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It's about the people, the customs,
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even the way of thinking.
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You come back with a new perspective.
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I guess there's some truth to that, but it's expensive.
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Most young people can't afford to travel without breaking the bank.
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And let's face it, not everyone has the luxury of dropping everything and taking off.
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Don't you think it's more practical to save money,
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work hard, and build a stable life first?
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True, travel does cost money,
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but it doesn't always have to be about expensive trips.
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There are ways to travel on a budget,
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like staying in hostels, backpacking,
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or even working part-time while traveling.
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Have you ever heard of programs like Workaway or Volunteering Abroad?
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You can actually work while you explore new places,
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which helps keep the costs down.
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And honestly, I think of it as an investment in myself.
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The experiences I've gained are priceless,
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whether it's learning a new language,
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making connections, or just getting out of my bubble.
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It's like the return on investment shows up in ways you can't predict.
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Yeah, but what if something goes wrong while you're traveling?
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Like, traveling alone and you run into a difficult situation.
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I mean, doesn't that stress you out?
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There's so much uncertainty, and what if you end up stuck in a foreign country?
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That's actually part of the adventure.
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Dealing with the unexpected is how you grow.
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Sure, things don't always go as planned,
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but that's where the real learning happens.
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You learn how to problem-solve on the go,
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and honestly, those moments are often the most memorable.
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For example, I got lost in Rome one night.
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My phone died, I didn't speak much Italian,
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and at first I panicked.
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But then I figured it out,
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asked for directions, and ended up having the best conversation with a local who walked me back to my hotel.
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That's the kind of experience that teaches you resilience.
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Every problem you solve makes you stronger and more adaptable.
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I think those challenges are what make traveling so valuable.
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I see where you're coming from,
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but I still think it's not for everyone.
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Some people would rather focus on building their future first
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and traveling later when they're more financially secure or when they've settled down.
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Don't you think there's some value in waiting until the right moment?
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I hear you, Mark, but the thing is, life is unpredictable.
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If we always wait for the perfect time, it might never come.
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And while there's nothing wrong with focusing on building your career,
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traveling while you're young gives you a different perspective on the world.
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It can shape your future in ways you didn't expect.
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I mean, you can find inspiration for your career or business ideas from the places you visit,
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or even meet people who could help you in the future.
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You don't have to put your life on hold to travel,
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and it's about balance, really.
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You can build your career and travel at the same time,
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even if it's just small trips in between jobs or study breaks.
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Fair point.
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I guess it does come down to personal preference.
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It's just hard to see myself dropping everything to go travel right now.
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Maybe I'll take the plunge and try it out one day.
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Who knows?
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You should.
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Once you start, you might not want to stop.
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Trust me, it's a game changer.
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And it doesn't have to be a grand trip around the world.
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Even exploring nearby countries or just visiting a new city can give you that sense of adventure.
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You never know how it'll impact you until you experience it.
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Yeah, maybe a short trip would be a good way to start.
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I'll think about it.
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It sounds like it really changed your perspective.
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It did.
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And you'll be surprised at how much you learn about yourself along the way.
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You discover strengths you didn't know you had,
134
and you get a clearer idea of what you want in life.
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Plus, the memories you make are worth every penny.
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Alright, you've convinced me to at least consider it.
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Maybe next year I'll start planning something.
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Just a short trip, like you said.
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I could use a break from the daily grind anyway.
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That's the spirit, start small, and who knows.
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You might catch the travel bug and never look back.
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Just remember to enjoy the journey and keep an open mind.
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The world has so much to offer.
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In today's conversation, Lisa and Mark use some interesting vocabulary,
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phrasal verbs, idioms, and life-related phrases that are useful for talking about travel and life experiences.
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Let's dive into a few of them.
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First off, Lisa says her trip to Italy was an eye-opener.
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Now, when we call something an eye-opener,
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it means it gave us a new perspective or taught us something surprising.
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Lisa found the experience very insightful.
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For example, visiting different countries is always an eye-opener.
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It makes you realize how diverse the world is.
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Then, Lisa mentions that traveling broadened her horizons.
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This idiom means it expanded her knowledge or understanding.
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Traveling allows you to see things you wouldn't experience otherwise,
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so it's a great way to broaden your horizons.
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For instance, reading books is good,
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but traveling really broadens your horizons.
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Now, Mark brings up the issue of breaking the bank.
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This idiom means spending a lot of money,
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more than you can afford.
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He's worried about the cost of traveling,
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and he doesn't want to break the bank.
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If you're not careful, dining out all the time can really break the bank.
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Later in the conversation, Lisa talks about stepping out of your comfort zone.
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This is a common phrase we use when talking about doing something that feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar but helps you grow.
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Lisa feels that traveling forces her to step out of her comfort zone.
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Starting a new job can push you out of your comfort zone,
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but it's often worth it.
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Finally, Lisa wraps it up by saying travel is a game changer.
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A game changer is something that completely changes the way you think or approach something.
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Learning English was a real game changer for my career.
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I just got back from my trip to Italy.
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And let me tell you,
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Mark, it was an eye-opener.
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I feel like I've grown so much just from experiencing a new culture.
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It really broadened my horizons.
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I'm glad you had a good time,
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Lisa, but do you really think traveling is that big of a deal?
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I mean, sure, you get to see new places,
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but is it really necessary, especially when you're young?
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Shouldn't we focus more on studying or building a career first?
183
I get your point, but traveling doesn't mean you're not being productive.
184
It's not just about ticking places off a list.
185
When you travel, you're stepping out of your comfort zone.
186
You learn how to deal with different situations,
187
meet people from all walks of life,
188
and it forces you to become more independent.
189
It's like gaining life skills you can't pick up from a textbook.
190
Plus, experiencing different cultures can really open your mind in ways you wouldn't expect.
191
It's not just about the places.
192
It's about the people, the customs,
193
even the way of thinking.
194
You come back with a new perspective.
195
I guess there's some truth to that, but it's expensive.
196
Most young people can't afford to travel without breaking the bank.
197
And let's face it, not everyone has the luxury of dropping everything and taking off.
198
Don't you think it's more practical to save money,
199
work hard, and build a stable life first?
200
True, travel does cost money,
201
but it doesn't always have to be about expensive trips.
202
There are ways to travel on a budget,
203
like staying in hostels, backpacking,
204
or even working part-time while traveling.
205
Have you ever heard of programs like Workaway or Volunteering Abroad?
206
You can actually work while you explore new places,
207
which helps keep the costs down.
208
And honestly, I think of it as an investment in myself.
209
The experiences I've gained are priceless,
210
whether it's learning a new language,
211
making connections, or just getting out of my bubble.
212
It's like the return on investment shows up in ways you can't predict.
213
Yeah, but what if something goes wrong while you're traveling?
214
Like, traveling alone and you run into a difficult situation.
215
I mean, doesn't that stress you out?
216
There's so much uncertainty, and what if you end up stuck in a foreign country?
217
That's actually part of the adventure.
218
Dealing with the unexpected is how you grow.
219
Sure, things don't always go as planned,
220
but that's where the real learning happens.
221
You learn how to problem-solve on the go,
222
and honestly, those moments are often the most memorable.
223
For example, I got lost in Rome one night.
224
My phone died, I didn't speak much Italian,
225
and at first I panicked.
226
But then I figured it out,
227
asked for directions, and ended up having the best conversation with a local who walked me back to my hotel.
228
That's the kind of experience that teaches you resilience.
229
Every problem you solve makes you stronger and more adaptable.
230
I think those challenges are what make traveling so valuable.
231
I see where you're coming from,
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but I still think it's not for everyone.
233
Some people would rather focus on building their future first
234
and traveling later when they're more financially secure or when they've settled down.
235
Don't you think there's some value in waiting until the right moment?
236
I hear you, Mark.
237
But the thing is, life is unpredictable.
238
If we always wait for the perfect time, it might never come.
239
And while there's nothing wrong with focusing on building your career,
240
traveling while you're young gives you a different perspective on the world.
241
It can shape your future in ways you didn't expect.
242
I mean, you can find inspiration for your career or business ideas from the places you visit,
243
or even meet people who could help you in the future.
244
You don't have to put your life on hold to travel,
245
and it's about balance, really.
246
You can build your career and travel at the same time,
247
even if it's just small trips in between jobs or study breaks.
248
Fair point.
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I guess it does come down to personal preference.
250
It's just hard to see myself dropping everything to go travel right now.
251
Maybe I'll take the plunge and try it out one day.
252
Who knows?
253
You should.
254
Once you start, you might not want to stop.
255
Trust me, it's a game changer.
256
And it doesn't have to be a grand trip around the world.
257
Even exploring nearby countries or just visiting a new city can give you that sense of adventure.
258
You never know how it'll impact you until you experience it.
259
Yeah, maybe a short trip would be a good way to start.
260
I'll think about it.
261
It sounds like it really changed your perspective.
262
It did.
263
And you'll be surprised at how much you learn about yourself along the way.
264
You discover strengths you didn't know you had,
265
and you get a clearer idea of what you want in life.
266
Plus, the memories you make are worth every penny.
267
Alright, you've convinced me to at least consider it.
268
Maybe next year I'll start planning something.
269
Just a short trip, like you said.
270
I could use a break from the daily grind anyway.
271
That's the spirit.
272
Start small and who knows.
273
You might catch the travel bug and never look back.
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Just remember to enjoy the journey and keep an open mind.
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The world has so much to offer.
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Here are some questions based on the conversation about whether traveling is good for young people.
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Reflect on the answers as you think back to the conversation.
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1. Why does Lisa believe traveling is important for personal growth?
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2. What concerns did Mark have about traveling as a young person?
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3. How did Lisa convince Mark that traveling is worth the cost?
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4. What new experiences did Lisa mention that she gained through traveling?
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5. How did Mark describe stepping out of his comfort zone,
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and why was it important to him?
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If you enjoyed this episode,
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don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great content.
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Click the subscribe button and stay updated with our latest episodes.
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Now that you've listened to the conversation,
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consider these questions to help you apply what you've learned to your own life.
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1. Have you ever traveled to a place that changed your perspective?
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If so, what did you learn from that experience?
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2. How do you think traveling can impact your friendships or relationships with family?
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3. What destinations are on your travel bucket list and why do they interest you?
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4. Can you think of a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone while traveling or trying something new?
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How did it feel?
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5. In what ways can you prepare yourself for a trip to make the most out of your experience?
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Take a moment to reflect on these questions and think about how your experiences might relate to the benefits of traveling.
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Thanks for joining me today.
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I hope this conversation inspired you to think about the benefits of traveling.
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Remember, stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible experiences.
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We've prepared a special free PDF for this episode full of useful tips and vocabulary to help you learn more.
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Make sure to check it out!
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See you next time on English on the Go!
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Why practice speaking with this video?
This episode of English on the Go offers an engaging context for practicing your English speaking skills. The conversation centers around the topic of travel, which is relevant and relatable for many young people. By listening to Lisa and Mark discuss their perspectives on whether traveling is beneficial, you can immerse yourself in real-life dialogues. This will enhance your ability to express opinions, ask questions, and engage in discussions—essential skills for effective communication.
As you practice speaking while shadowing this video, focus on mimicking the intonation and rhythm of the speakers. Utilizing the shadowing technique will help you to improve your English pronunciation and achieve a more natural speaking style. To reap the full benefits, try repeating after the speakers, paying attention to how they articulate their thoughts on travel.
Grammar & Expressions in Context
Throughout the conversation, several key grammatical structures and expressions provide opportunities for analysis:
- “I just got back from my trip”: This phrase uses the present perfect tense, which indicates a connection between past experiences and the present. Using this structure helps you narrate your own experiences effectively.
- “It was an eye-opener”: This idiomatic expression conveys that an experience significantly changed someone's perspective. Learning idiomatic phrases like this will enhance your conversational fluency.
- “Do you really think traveling is that big of a deal?”: This rhetorical question structure is useful for engaging others in discussion. Practicing such questions will help you sound more natural in conversations.
Common Pronunciation Traps
As you listen to the podcast, pay attention to some tricky words and pronunciation nuances:
- “Broaden”: Ensure the "o" is pronounced like in “crop” and stress the second syllable. This can be tricky for non-native speakers.
- “Necessary”: This word often trips up learners; make sure to pronounce it as /nəˈsɛs.ə.ri/ emphasizing the second syllable. Practicing this with the shadow speech method can enhance your accuracy.
- Cultural: The stress is on the first syllable, which can be challenging due to the potential for mispronunciation in casual conversation.
By focusing on these elements, you can significantly improve your English speaking practice. Incorporate the shadowing technique in your daily routine to become more confident in your pronunciation and conversational skills.
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.
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