1. You learn to become independent
Diving into a new country by yourself can be overwhelming but it makes you grow up very quickly. You learn to do things for yourself and realize you don't always have to lean on others for everything.
2. You get a lifetime of experiences in 5 months
Sitting in class every day for five months at your home university or traveling the world (and mostly going to class in a foreign country of course) which would you prefer? I learned so much more outside of the classroom these past 5 months than the 2 years at my home university.
3. You learn to say yes to adventure
Studying abroad is an adventure in a nutshell. Yes, you go to class but that is not the sole reason to study abroad. It is to escape the mundane routine of the real world and say "heck why not, I am going to Paris for the weekend"
4. You learn to let go
You learn to let go of the things you can't control. There are so many unexpected things that happen while you are studying abroad and that is OK! You realize that you must let go of what you think you will experience and embrace what opportunities come your way.
5. You realize how important community is
Facetime was my best friend while abroad. Even with the time zone difference my best friends and family would stay up late or be up early just to never miss a face time call and for that, I am forever grateful. At the beginning, you may think you'll be fine to go 5 months without your friends or family back home but it really is a long time especially in a foreign country.
6. You learn to try new things
Studying abroad is all about trying new things. "Ryan Air has flights for 9 euro to Scotland, let's go". Before abroad, I would have thought that statement was my worst nightmare since I am such a planner person, but I have learned to embrace spontaneity and just go for it.
7. You learn to not be afraid
I learned to not be afraid of anything. I learned to not miss out on an opportunity just because I didn't know how it would turn out. I tried everything abroad and it was the best.
8. You learn going out 4 times a week is a normal thing
Where I was the locals went home on the weekends so the nights to go out was every day during the school week. I know, crazy! A lot different than it is in America!
9. You understand where you came from better
You get a better sense of your identity and where you came from and grew up.
10. You realize it was the best decision you could have made
If there is anything I could tell anyone in college, it would be to study abroad because if I could relive those 5 months over again, I would in a heartbeat.
