OK, people, this is a serious topic, so listen up. Ask ANYONE who has ever traveled abroad and they will talk for hours on end about how amazing their experience was, how incredible their new friends are, and how changed they are as a person because of it. I mean, these reasons alone should be enough for you to sign up for a summer, semester or mini-semester abroad, but if it’s not, then here are my reasons as to why I think that everyone should take a leap of faith and hop on that plane.
1. Think of the stories.
Oh my goodness! Once you go on a study abroad trip, whether it is for two weeks or for a full semester, you’re going to have stories. Stories of adventure and craziness, of getting lost and being OK with it, of getting words wrong in the language you’re trying to learn and being laughed at, and stories of just pure fun. You’ll remember these stories for years to come, and one of these stories may even convince someone else to go on a study abroad!
2. Think of the people.
Whether it’s the people you go on the trip with or the people you meet while there, you’re going to make so many friends, and it’s going to be so, so great. These people will become not only your best friends and people you rely on for many things while abroad, but they’ll become your friends for life. No one else will understand your stories like these people because these friends were on the trip and living life with you!
3. Think of the food.
Holy shmoly, I don’t even know if I can write about this without drooling. Just wow, the food on study abroad is different, distinct and delicious. If anything, just go abroad for the food. It won’t disappoint.
4. Think of the Instagram pictures.
I mean, c’mon, people…unfortunately this is a thing nowadays, but it’s important to some people, so I added it. I’m not going to go into detail, though, so moving on…
5. Think of the history.
Everywhere you go has a story. Learn about it! History is actually really cool. Just find what you’re interested in and learn the history behind it. Everywhere you turn, there will be something new, and you’ll realize that most things are placed where they are for a reason. History is interesting, and you should read all the little plaques you can and go on a few trolley tours to learn about the cool history of the city you're in!
6. Think of your future job interviews.
This is a biggie. When you’re in a future job interview after you’ve graduated from college, your study abroad experience is going to be popping off the page at your potential future employer. They will be impressed, and you will have something to talk about with them. Talk about how you grew in that time period abroad, talk about how that shaped your major or minor, just talk! They’ll be interested and impressed that you left your comfort zone to experience something new.
7. Think of the travel opportunities.
You’re young. Travel while you can. Study abroad is a great way for you to earn credits while traveling the world, and that’s pretty darn cool. After college, it is going to be harder for you to take time off work to travel, so do it while it’s easy for you!
Ultimately, study abroad is just the greatest thing you will ever get the chance to do in college, so why wouldn’t you want to partake in something that great?? SIGN UP, PEOPLE!!!
