One of the most incredible experiences of my life was being able to go to the Amazon rain-forest in Ecuador for four weeks and work on an animal rescue center called Amazoonico.

I've never worked so hard in my life, but it was so rewarding and worth every second. I learned so much and already want to go back. I finally understand why people say travel while you're young and able. The lessons that I learned are invaluable and I'm going to carry them with me for the rest of my life. So, if you needed a little encouragement, here are some of the lessons I learned while traveling. I hope it inspires you to go see the world, too.

1. Culture Differences

There is nothing wrong with how Americans live their lives, but it is so different than other parts of the world. The culture shock hit me hard in Ecuador, and it was amazing. I have always been curious about how people around the world live, and it was amazing to see that in action. There is nothing that really prepares you for it, but there is nothing better. It opened my mind to new ideas and my heart to new experiences. Bottom line, I recommend you dive head first in new cultures as often as you can because you never know what you are going to learn.

2. Crazy Airport Stories

Okay, now this isn't exactly a lesson but still a great reason to go travel. Getting to and from Ecuador was a complete mess and total mess, but I didn't let it affect my trip. The plane turned around when we were an hour away from Quito, Ecuador and flew back to the states and then I was delayed over 24 hours on my way home. It was a mess, but a great adventure that taught me patience and to go with the flow. You can't control everything, especially at an airport, and that's okay. Bad things are going to happen in life, but the way I see it, you can either let it ruin an amazing experience or roll with it and move on. I still loved every moment I was in Ecuador, and gained a great story to tell friends and family.

3. Different Languages

I think sometimes in the U.S., we take for granted the fact that most people who live here speak English and only English. But in a foreign country? That's not always the case. I was fortunate enough to have a basic understanding of Spanish, but it was still very difficult to try and communicate with people sometimes. It taught me to appreciate how easy it is to communicate with people who speak the same language as you, and also to realize how important it is to learn other languages. English can only get you so far, but another language can open so many more doors and opportunities.

4. A New Found Confidence

I am a white female who lives in the Midwest, so I've never struggled to blend in with the crowd. But in Ecuador, that was impossible. I tried my best to fit in but it was difficult when everything about me screamed foreigner, from the way I spoke and dressed to my skin color and how I carried myself. I was so nervous and honestly a little scared the first few days, but after a while I found a confidence I didn't have before. By the time I felt, I carried myself a little taller and embraced being different. I knew I stood out, but standing out doesn't have to be a bad thing.

5. Become Independent

When I went to Ecuador, I traveled alone. It was the first time I had ever left the country and I was petrified, especially to be by myself. But I took on this challenge and went anyways. I grew so much as a person and learned so much about myself that I wouldn't have if I went with someone else. By being alone, I learned to stand on my own two feet and prove to the world, and more importantly myself, that I was capable of accomplishing anything.

(However, having a travel buddy is also great, so not knocking that down. I can only speak for myself and my experiences so far.)

6. Take Responsibility

Working on an animal rescue center was extremely demanding and difficult work, but it taught me so much about responsibility, and so did my whole trip as a whole. I had to save up money in order to go, and watch my money while I was there so I always had enough to make it home. I had people and animals counting on me to do my job, so I couldn't let them down. The whole experience helped me become more responsible and hold myself to a higher standard. I wouldn't have found that doing anything else.

7. Meet New People

You never know who you are going to meet or get to know. I met so many people from, literally, all around the world. From all over Europe to Canada to different parts of South America and everything in between. It opened me up to so many new perspectives and lifestyles, and that was incredible. I'm so grateful for all the people I got to know and only wish I could have gotten to know them longer.

8. Sight-see

I know there are numerous beautiful things to see and visit in the U.S., but there is an entire world out there to see and visit, too. Ecuador is the most breathtaking place I have ever been to, and those sights you just cant see anywhere else. It is impossible to see everything in one lifetime, but try to see as much of the world as you can. The world really is an amazing and incredible place, so go out and see it.

9. Become A World Citizen

The most important reason to go travel the world is to become a world citizen. Every person and place is so different and unique, but we all share the same planet. We are all part of the same global community, and we need to be responsible for that. Traveling has opened my eyes and my heart to what is going on in the world in a way you can't get from reading the news. Seeing the world firsthand is an experience unlike any other, and is far better than any classroom. If you ever get the chance to travel, take it.