Before coming to college, I actually had never thought about studying abroad. I was too focused on picking classes, sticking to my major, and having fun during my university years.
However, it wasn't until a couple of girls (who were a few years older than me) came back from their abroad travels, and continued to tell me numerous stories of all of the amazing destinations and opportunities that they participated in, that I decided that studying abroad was just something I had to do.
After I had it set in my mind that this was an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up, I started planning. I spent hours and hours trying to decide where to go and what to do (which I probably should have spent doing homework but…¯\_(ツ)_/¯). I also had to break it to my parents that I am planning on being across the continent for four months, but it actually wasn't too bad. It just took a lot of reassurance and proof that I am capable of experiencing this adventure, and they have been nothing but supportive since then.
Coming from someone who has never been out of the United States, I am most looking forward to traveling abroad for the simple fact of gaining a better understanding of the world around me. I honestly can’t wait to immerse myself into the different cultures, and come out with irreplaceable memories and experiences.
Along with all of the benefits I mentioned above, here are some other reasons why I am most looking forward to traveling the globe:
1. You get the opportunity to be independent.
There’s nothing quite like going 5,000 miles from home that will make you feel quite as self-reliant. I think that studying abroad in college is the perfect opportunity for you to get a taste of “adult-life”, and will make you grow in so many ways.
2. Meet new people from all corners of the world.
Another part of visiting different countries that I am looking forward to is meeting all of the amazing people (!!!) I have been told that you will make some of the most genuine friendships while you are abroad, and I couldn't be more excited to connect with people who are so different than I am.
3. Experience different cultures and cuisines.
You can’t forget about the amazing food, fashion, and history that each country has to offer. I can’t wait to be able to have a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, or buy flowers from a local market in Positano. I feel like traveling abroad is one of the only opportunities you will have to travel to so many different places in such a short amount of time, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic to dive in and experience everything these beautiful cities have to offer.
4. It isn't outrageously expensive.
One of the questions that I have gotten the most when I tell people about my plans to go abroad is “How are you going to afford that?!” And don't worry, it was one of my biggest concerns too. I thought that there was absolutely no way that I was going to be able to afford my plans for global adventures, but I found that it really is an attainable goal. The best piece of advice I could give is to set up an appointment with your Study Abroad Office at your school, and go from there. There are hundreds of different Study Abroad programs, so trust me when I tell you that there is always an option for you to make it work.
5. Learn more about yourself.
When I was listening to my friends talk about all of their abroad experiences, it was obvious that one of the best things taken from their trips was their heightened sense of self. over and over again I was told that traveling the world teaches you more about yourself than you ever thought possible, and also puts into perspective your goals and values, which is something that you really can’t put a price tag on.
6. Branch out of your comfort zone & be spontaneous!
Flying to the coast of Greece for the weekend? Renting ATVs and exploring the towns of Prague? Sure, why not?!
I feel like going abroad opens up so many unforgettable opportunities, how could you not be excited to go? I get butterflies in my stomach and my heart starts to race a little faster whenever I think about all of the once-in-a-lifetime adventures that I know are to come!
I hope that this inspires you to not only broaden your horizons when it comes to saying yes to new opportunities, but that you look into going abroad and take advantage of everything it has to offer.
