How Travelling Increases Empathy Levels | Sławomir Subocz | TEDxBreda

Sławomir Subocz argues that travelling can build empathy and openness to other people. Drawing on personal travel stories, humour and scientific insights, he discusses how stepping outside one's comfort zone and meeting unfamiliar cultures can challenge assumptions. He presents adventure as a form of empathy training. The talk uses examples ranging from Dutch directness to Brazilian flirting and everyday cultural misunderstandings. It was recorded at a TEDx event organised independently by a local community.

• Travel as a way to develop empathy and challenge assumptions
• Personal stories about cultural differences, including Dutch directness and Brazilian flirting
• Stepping outside one's comfort zone and learning from unfamiliar cultures
• Credit: TEDx Talks, presented at a TEDxBreda event

What if travelling could do more than take you to beautiful places? What if it could actually make you a better human being? From Dutch directness to Brazilian flirting, and from cultural misunderstandings to unexpected everyday discoveries, travelling constantly challenges the way we see the world. In this talk, Sławomir Subocz explores how stepping outside our comfort zones and immersing ourselves in unfamiliar cultures can help us develop empathy, challenge assumptions, and become more open-minded. Combining personal travel stories, humour, and scientific insights, he introduces a simple but powerful idea: adventure is a form of empathy training. Because the greatest thing you can bring back from an adventure isn't a souvenir. It's a new perspective. Sławomir Subocz is a Non-Formal Education Coach, Erasmus+ enthusiast, and facilitator passionate about bringing people together through learning, exploration, and shared experiences. With extensive experience in international Erasmus+ projects, he has facilitated educational activities, created meaningful learning environments, and helped people from different backgrounds connect, exchange perspectives, and learn from one another. A firm believer that some of life's most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom, Sławomir is particularly passionate about experiential learning, intercultural exchange, and the power of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Known among fellow facilitators as a kind soul and a walking database of energizers, icebreakers, and unconventional activities, he brings curiosity, humour, and a genuine appreciation for human connection into everything he does. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx