Studying abroad is a fantastic way to experience a new culture while still attending school. Most students look forward to the prospect of studying abroad and why shouldn't they? It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! But with all the amazing places to go and things to do before departure, simply applying is a journey in and of itself. Here's that journey as told by the cast of Friends.

1. Research

You want to go to Italy, but the only classes that pertain to your major are offered in London. And when you look into London's program, you see that they only accept 20 kids because they don't have enough housing. When you try to research a different country entirely, all of their classes sound cool but they don't have that one specific class you need to take in order to graduate on time. By the end of it, your head is spinning and you've rethought your life choices at least five times.

2. Attending informational meetings

Sitting in a room of people who all want to go to the same place as you are a bit intimidating. You nod along as you listen to the list of 20 requirements you must have in order to even apply for the program.

Of course, there's an entirely different set of requirements once you've gotten into the program. You tell yourself to focus on one thing at a time even though during the meeting, you've rethought your life choices at least five times.

3. Actually applying

When it comes down to applying, you put off the application until the last possible second. You're 96.397% sure you'll get into the program, but the idea of filling this thing out is intimidating. The application is easy until you get to the question 'What do you hope to gain from your study abroad experience?'.

Do you tell them the truth or do you make up a B.S. answer and hope they buy it? Eh, let's say that you hope to gain a different cultural perspective and make connections abroad and leave it at that. While writing this answer, you've rethought your life choices at least five times.

4. The waiting game

Sure you pay attention in class and feign comprehension, but all you can think about is when you'll be accepted. Today? Tomorrow? WHEN?! Every day that goes by feels like it's dragged out to its fullest extent and with every passing minute, you start to rethink your answers.

Did you put down the right student ID number? What if you messed up one number and they think the application belongs to someone else? Or worse, what if you totally misread a question and wrote about zebras or something? This overthinking has made you question your life choices not five, but six times a day.

5. Receiving your email

Just when you've forgotten about applying, you get an email in your inbox! But you're in class and can't read it! You sneak your phone by the side of your leg and subtly look down to find that...

6. ...You've been accepted!

All of that reassessing of life choices and overthinking was worth it! Congratulations!