All my life people have told me to travel. They told me that travel enhances your world views, makes you more open to new ideas, new cultures, and new thinking, and pushes you to think outside the realm of American politics. Studies show many of positives of traveling to be true. Such as how learning a second language increases intelligence and cognition, and that living in another cultures allows you to be more globally competent and more capable of putting yourself in other people's shoes. All of the things people say about travel are true, and 1 year after study abroad I was able to see that for myself.
1 year after study abroad showed me how relevant it is to think internationally. The world is global. Being able to understand what is happening worldwide happens in the most nuanced ways once you have been abroad. You realize that where people come from and their culture is truly important if you want to make deep connections. It isn't just something you learn in a classroom, it is truly something you must take into account to live in a global society. Social capital is more important than ever and not only being exposed to different people, cultures, religions, and languages, but being able to comfortably work, interact, and socialize with people different from yourself is vital. Without it, you won't go far and only when you become global can you see how far that knowledge really takes you in both your personal and professional life.
1 year after study abroad taught me a lot about happiness. Some things become less important and more time gets spent asking yourself "why am I doing this?" Because if the answer isn't a good one, you have to stop for the sake of your happiness. It is hard to drag yourself out of the pit of depression that occurs after you study abroad, but after you do, it's easier to understand the things that make you happy and dedicate more time to doing those things. Some things are not that important. What's important is your health, your family, your friends, and your happiness. It really is that simple if you let it be. So eat right, exercise, spend time with your family and friends and do the things that make you happy, including the work that you do. Everything else will fall into place eventually.
1 year after study abroad taught me many other lessons to, most importantly, that I don't want to live anywhere else. I love to travel, I love to explore and I love meeting new people and learning about new cultures, however, being an American is a part of my identity. When I am abroad I am always proud to represent my country. Because of my travel experience, I know America is flawed and I know there are many things that we could do a lot better, but when I'm abroad I am still proud to be an American. There is something special in going abroad, but when I land on American soil there's nothing quite like the feeling of having a Customs Officer smile and say "Welcome home." This is home for me, it always will be.
