On which side of the road were you taught to walk, when there are no sidewalks present, and what was the rationale given to you?

^^ That. The side facing oncoming traffic.

Yup, walk facing traffic.

Same here. Always walk facing oncoming traffic so you can see them coming & that way you’ll have that much needed extra second to jump out of the way possibly saving your life!!!

Left side facing traffic.

Facing traffic (left side)

Walk facing traffic, so if traffic doesn’t see you, you can avoid getting hit by it.

Same: on the left side, facing oncoming traffic.

Sometimes, though, I walked on the right side anyway; for example, if there was no shoulder on the left, or if my destination was close and on the right. Or if the right side was just more interesting.

Facing traffic.

Facing traffic, but I was told the reason had to do with if someone – especially a passenger – wants to jump out and kidnap you it would more difficult.

Center of the road.