Studying abroad in college is what some of us like myself dream about for years even before we get to college or what others would never want to even give a second thought about. There is nothing comparable to studying abroad. I studied abroad in Nicaragua for a semester and it was the best experience of my life thus far. Everyone should have this experience in their life.

1. TRAVEL

Most of us want to travel to a new place, but sometimes life gets in the way. We might tell ourselves that we will take it when we graduate or find a good job, but why wait? Studying abroad combines traveling while you continue to work toward your degree. Nothing beats going to school during the week, then exploring a new city every weekend.

2. MEET NEW PEOPLE

Throughout your entire life you will meet new people who may have an impact on your life, but you will no doubt meet the best people while studying abroad. You will run into people from all around the world who share the same passions as you and will just click automatically. You will create life-long friendships with the other study abroad students who you will see every day, but in the end it's never enough time together.

3. GAIN SELF-CONFIDENCE

Nothing can improve your self-image more than leaving your comfort zone and moving to a different country. Don't get me wrong, it is hard sometimes to be alone in a strange place where you know few people and you can't speak the language; however, overcoming these obstacles on your own will boost your self-confidence through the roof. You will feel like you have the power to take on the world- which that is exactly what you are doing.

4. LEARN SO MUCH

You will not only learn new information in your classes at the university (believe it or not, you actually have to do the study part), but you will also learn so much about yourself as a person, about people from the area you are studying in, and how the world works as a whole. There is no better way to learn a culture or language than to fully immerse yourself in it for a few months. When everything from the language to the food is different than your home country, you start to learn new things without even noticing it.

5. RESUME BUILDER

During our four years of college, we are all trying to improve that one piece of paper that will get us the perfect job when we graduate. Studying abroad is the best experience you can have that will prepare you for your future and all the employers will love to see on your resume. When you return, you will have amazing insights of the world that you can contribute to any of your endeavors.

6. GAIN INSIGHTS ON FAMILIARITIES

Studying abroad in a foreign country without all of your usual things makes you have a new appreciation for all the things that you might overlook or take advantage of when you are at home. For example, you might start to appreciate that A/C that doesn't work 100% all the time, the slow service at your favorite restaurant, or those times that your little brother is annoying you. When you are in a new place, especially one that is not as developed as your home country, you start to miss those little daily things that make like comfortable.

7. MEMORIES THAT LAST FOREVER

Learning to embrace being the outsider and having fun in every situation you encounter can leave you with the best memories of your life. No one can take these experiences away from you. You will have them forever and be able to tell everyone about.

So do what it takes... pick up that extra shift, have that conversation with your parents, and take that leap of faith!

I'm telling you, you will not regret it.