My experience with study abroad changed my life. Beforehand, I knew that I wanted to explore the world but now I know that I crave the sense of new surroundings. Lander allowed me to take a spring break study tour to London and Paris last semester and it changed the way that I see things. Being in a place where I didn't understand the language tested my perseverance and ability to think outside the box. The cultural differences and even the way that the police car sirens made me laugh was different. I got to see the eiffel tower twinkle at night, I never thought that anything like that would ever be right before my own eyes, I never thought I would even leave the states so thank you Lander and two wonderful professors who guided us through the cities for making this dream possible. I will always remember this trip and the people that I took it with, because now I've started planning trips to Greece and Bali due to knowing the thrill of being in new places.

This trip wasn't only about having fun and taking in the area, we toured museums and I am happy to know what these places have to offer. I can still remember exactly how to get to the train station from the hostel in London. The main reason I am writing this is to say that, studying abroad even if for a short trip is well worth the risk, my parents were not happy about this at all and were scared of me going off alone, but they recognized that experiencing new cultures, and having the overseas experience on my resume can set me apart later in life. Staying in the states forever won't make you "different" in the job field, but exploring different parts of the world can. The benefits of the spring break tour rather than a full study abroad expedition is that it's more feasible, to go away for three months is very costly compared to being able to spend around two grand on a trip, which yes that is expensive but there are options for you and the occasional refund check for those that receive them can be used to help the funding if you're determined to go.

My main view, is that the time I spent away helped me to understand what being alone means in terms of not relying on my family and that helps me to be independent. I loved viewing London and Paris and looking back I would do it again in a heartbeat even if I left without a guide. The trip excited a different part of me, the part that wants to leave on a whim without explanation. If you're still contemplating study abroad, personally I was viewing the Winchester program and I believe that it is well worth the expense to spend time away. I would leave again in a heartbeat as I had said, and I would recommend anyone to take a trip abroad if able to, because it truly is a life changing chance.