Going abroad is all about experiencing new customs and cultures; you get to learn more about yourself while you learn more about the world. Unfortunately, there’s a Pro and a Con to every situation in life. If you get one, you miss out on the other; here’s a couple to consider when deciding if going abroad is for you.

1. The Experiences are Priceless vs. The Cost is Not

It’s no secret that more often than not, going abroad is expensive. The biggest thing to consider is if you will be financially stable enough to not only live and experience life in another country, but you must also consider being stable enough when you come back. No mater how bad you want to go abroad, you won’t have the experience you want to if you are too tight on cash. Best thing to do would most likely be to save up to have the time of your life!

2. Meeting Thousands of New People vs. Missing your Family & Friends

Missing the people you love when you’re away from them is only natural. It is hard being that far from home for the first time is rough, but it is a whole lot easier when you surround yourself with positive, new people. Being outgoing all the time can be exhausting, but making new friends from different backgrounds can help expand your horizons immensely!

3. Learning About New Cultures vs. Missing Out on your Own Holidays

Did you know that Italy celebrates major Catholic Holidays like All Saints Day and the Epiphany? It is always an adventure trying new foods or being apart of new customs. The only drawback is sometimes missing out on your own holidays, maybe including Halloween or Thanksgiving. Just remember, you’ll have plenty more of those, but only one chance to try some holiday cakes abroad.

4. Finding your way without data vs. Getting Somewhere Fast

You know how old people always say: “Back in my day…” Well, you can find out what they mean by that by finding your way around the good old fashion way. Most kids can’t afford too much abroad data, maybe not even a gigabyte. By finding your way around using a trusty map, you can actually improve your memory and reasoning skills. You might miss out on Kim’s latest Insta pic, but you can always check it once you find some wifi.

5. Learning to Speak a New Language vs. Looking Silly in Public

No one likes looking silly in public, but sometimes embarrassing things happen. Your skirt flips up, you trip going down some stairs, or you end up asking someone how they got dressed instead of ordering your lunch like you’d intended to. Learning a new language is not only a resume booster, but crazy important to memory and reasoning skills as well. Sure, you might look stupid in front of the cute cashier, Mateo, but sometimes it’s necessary in order to learn. Just remember, neither of you know the same people so no one will know but you!

Again, going abroad can be terrifying, but in the best of ways. There’s always pros and cons to every situation; in this case, I definitely think the pros outweigh the cons in every aspect possible.