Culinary Exploration of Asia and Ancient Cultures!

Wayne Karbowski Start Date: Aug 25, 2024 - End Date: Aug 24, 2025
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • Philippines
  • Japan
  • Taiwan
  • South Korea
  • Hong Kong
  • Vietnam
  • Laos
  • Thailand
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Sri Lanka

My Travel Story

by: Wayne Karbowski Start Date: Aug 25, 2024 - End Date: Aug 24, 2025
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
I am a US Army Veteran who has seen some of the worst things people can do to each other. I became a mental health professional through my own dealings with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury. Travel and cultural exchange have helped me tremendously not only with my PTSD, but in my career. Psychology it self isn't great when it comes to cultural. In my therapy with others I like to understand my clients through their culture which opens many doors and builds rapport. Some ofthe best ways to do this is through knowing some of their language, talking about their cultural food, and experiencing their culture first hand! 

Being able to travel and experience these Asian cultures would be truely beneficial for my career advancement, and development of new treatments which I am currently working on. This would be beneficial to future clients, and communities all over potentially the world. 

I am passionate about culinary because who doesn't like great food? I am also passionate about culture because when it comes to the field of psychology it is severely lacking, and needs major development. Although this was not the reason I choose this field, it is something I discovered along my journey, and noone is addressing it. We have things like IQ tests or achievement test etc. As an example, when these tests are created, they have to make them differently for American's who speak English, and American's who speak Spanish. Sure, because of the language right? Thats just one aspect. When we say something in English, sometimes there isn't a direct translation to the other language. My wife is Filipino. When I say "Turn the light off" in Tagalog it translates to "Close the light." Also, people learn very differently in other countries because our education is very different from what we learn here in America. This translates to cultural differences on psychological tests. I would like to be able to learn to bridge some of these gaps through travel and cultural exchange.

I choose these Asian destinations because I absolutly LOVE Asia, and the world has no idea the gem they are missing by not traveling there. The sites, the smells, the poverty, the great food, the hospitality of some of some of these very poor people are incredible. 

What makes this meaningful to me? I grew up in a poor family, and an abusive home. The Army instilled values like integrity, honor, personal courage, and Duty. I have a duty to try and be the best father I can for my son, and give himthe best lifestyle I know how. Maybe its because of my PTSD, or TBI, or maybe its just a normal feeling all fathers have. I always feel I fall short of being a good father for my son. He will be 3 in March and this world is far different then it was when I grew up. But, I want to raise him to enjoy other cultures, and not be afraid to journey outside his comfort zone. Trying new foods and meeting new people can be a great experience. 
  • Philippines
  • Japan
  • Taiwan
  • South Korea
  • Hong Kong
  • Vietnam
  • Laos
  • Thailand
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Sri Lanka