Those of us who've been lucky enough to study abroad know the deal: it's hard being in a new country. Especially when you've been torn away not only from your own culture but all of your friends and family. Your people. Your it-takes-a-village community. Which is exactly why the friendships you form abroad come to mean everything.

Yeah, it takes some time, and that's okay. But then one day, you'll look across the dinner table and realize just how much these friends mean to you. In my case, I mean that literally: I lived with 11 other girls in a flat while I was in Scotland, and we were from seven different countries. Even through our varying levels of English fluency, they became my sisters in just a matter of months. Like I know they always will be.

1. You start craving all the midnight snacks you used to share.

There's nothing better than a toasted bagel at 1 a.m.

2. You wish they were your crew for going out at home, too.

Whether you went to an empty club or a packed club, the night would always be perfect with them. Even if one of you dances like a crazy chicken.

3. You still tell each other everything.

Social media is a magical thing. Whether it's keeping them updated on the latest boy you've kissed or the conference you attended last weekend, they hear it all.

4. You know they will support you, always.

Thousands of miles between you? No problem, they've always got your back.

5. They'll always laugh with you (or at you), too.

You taught each other how to say, "I like big dicks," in all of your respective languages. You'll never unlearn how to laugh with them.