One year ago I was two-weeks into my study abroad experience in Christchurch, New Zealand. I couldn't tell you what friends I'd made already at this point or what the exact places I had traveled were, but I can say that even a year later, I am still so grateful and happy that I was able to take part in the opportunity to study overseas.

I believe that anyone lucky enough to have the opportunity and the resources to spend a semester or more abroad should fully take advantage of it. The extremely depressing moments of homesickness I went through were nothing compared to the thrills of seeing beautiful places, planning my own trips and excursions, and being able to be in charge of myself instead of counting on adults I've known for my entire life.

I got to learn about how each and every country on this earth is unique. Despite the fact that New Zealand is a fairly "American-friendly" country, there were still major differences in the cultures that I was able to take note of that made me look at American culture a new way. I've learned that certain things about American culture simply make more sense to me, like political-correctness, and others don't, like how ridiculously unhealthy the food gets so quickly.

Aside from cultural epiphanies, I also was able to meet people from all over the world, something that I know students who study in Europe also get to do constantly. I met people from New Zealand, Australia, the U.S., England, France, Spain, Vietnam, Malaysia and probably a few more. Not only did I get a better view of what life was like in that one country I lived in, but also what life is like all over the world. More people smoked cigarettes, and less smoked pot. Alcohol was available to anyone 18 or older, and the school had its own pub.

While my abroad experience will not be identical to any other person's, especially if they traveled to a different country, most people get to experience all of these things. Studying abroad adjusts your world view, even if it's only a little. But hopefully, it's a lot. So, next time you get an email suggesting a study abroad fair, I would go, because I would jump at the chance to study at another new place in the world.