Throughout my years of college, I was able to enjoy a number of adventures. As great as dorming/living away from home was, there was nothing like the time I got to live on the other side of the world with 7 people I had met for the first time at the airport gate. Now that I've hit the 3 year mark since I was granted the opportunity to go on this adventure, I find myself looking at all of the pictures daily and wishing I was back in Greece. If you are ever given an opportunity to go abroad, really take it. Don't stress about the financial aspect, there are a number of ways that you can cover the fees. This is one opportunity you really don't want to pass up. Here are just 3 of the thing you should expect when you should study abroad:

Breaking out of your comfort zone

You are forced to interact with strangers the minute you enter the airport. For the most part, people don't know everyone they are about to embark on this journey with, so feeling nervous as you cross TSA and find your gate is completely normal. This is the first test in a long list of tests that will really make you see as to how much out of your comfort zone you are willing to go. There are different kinds of people, some recognize the faces in their group and will go up and introduce themselves, and others will just sit by themselves until the introduction is mandatory. Just remember, these people are in the same boat as you and this will probably be the easiest of the comfort zones to step out of.

Once you make it to your study abroad destination(s), things become different and your comfort zone is really going to need to be broken out of. Making it through study abroad will require you to interact with strangers on the street, at the store, and even on transportation. You can't possibly get around or know what to buy if you don't allow yourself to talk to others.

Side Note: If you are a partier, meeting the right people may also give you suggestions as to where to go out (then you can do further research of the place when you're in wifi).

Gaining more independence

Now, when I mention independence I'm not just saying from your parents. Independence can go a long way. Granted a big portion is being able to be on your own in terms of laundry and food, another type of independence is from electronics. Yes, there are phone providers that can give you an international plan but realizing how much you rely on your phone is actually pretty scary. I didn't realize how much I always felt the need to turn on my google maps, until I couldn't really do it. Something I had found useful was the use of google maps when in my apartment (while still in wifi) and screenshotting the directions to this place. Yes, you are still reliant on your phone's guidance but you don't have the voice telling you exactly when to turn thus forcing you to really look around and take in the beauty of this new country while your head is not shoved in your phone.

Making new friends

If you are forced to live with a certain group of people for 5 weeks - 3 months, you guys end up getting close and all have this experience that is beyond words when trying to explain to anyone else. This adventure you all took together builds a special bond, and before you realize it you guys are actually friends. It really doesn't always require to constantly keep in touch, but you will find multiple of you looking back at the pictures and just wishing to be back while you reminisce on a story from your study abroad program. And hey, if you ever want to travel again at least you know that these are people you can enjoy traveling with. The friends you make are not limited to those on your program, but also to those you meet along the way. While breaking out of your comfort zone, you can come across either other people studying abroad or natives of the country. With social media these days it makes it so much easier to exchange information and who knows, maybe one day when you're back where you studied abroad or when you visit where a friend you met lives you will have someone to show you around and truly enjoy any travel adventure you embark on.

Next time you have the opportunity, really look into it and apply for study abroad. This is one adventure you won't regret. The memories you make there are some of the best memories that you will really cherish and be glad you got to partake in. Not only is study abroad an awesome resumé builder, but it's just something you can always tell someone you did. I've met a number of people that wanted to go to the same place I went to, or that where from where I went and it would just strike up a whole new conversation. Trust me, studying abroad will change you forever and widen your horizons while recognizing that there is so much more beauty to the world than we see on an everyday basis.