For some people going away to college a couple of hours away or a state away is a big step for themselves, imagine visiting or in this case living in a whole other country. With four years of college, anyone has the opportunity to study abroad for a semester. That's eight semesters, just pick one!

I know studying abroad for a semester in my senior year sounds weird, but sometimes life gets in the way of things. You just can't let that stop you! It's important to plan out the classes you need to take in order to graduate in time in general. In this case, it will also help you decide when and if a semester abroad is best for you.

There are ton of programs available for different majors, with some research you can find a program that is right for you. Between semester, summer and winter programs, college students have the amazing opportunity to make a life changing decision.

Studying abroad is beneficial in many ways:

1. Personal Growth

Every experience someone faces affects one's personal growth; with study abroad you get the opportunity to experience new cultures, which helps people to think objectively about their life versus other people. Personal growth helps people to be able to assess themselves and the impact they make in the world. Someone who gains this is able to set goals and reach their maximum potential in life.

2. Benefits Future Career

Studying abroad is an experience that just keeps giving. According to survey that the study abroad program, IES Abroad provided to their alumni, 97 percent of people was able to find a job sooner after graduation and 90 percent of people got accepted to their first or second choice of graduate school because they studied abroad. They also received an average of $7,000 more in their starting salaries compare to other graduates.

3. New Cultural Experiences

The best way to learn about another culture is immerse yourself into it. After graduating from college, people will have less of the opportunity to travel the world because of starting a career or family. Study abroad for some is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many dismiss study abroad because of the price but with help and the correct planning, people can find scholarships or programs that can help.

4. Gain Independence

Maybe college is the first time you've done anything remotely on your own, but study abroad will really challenge you to become a individual. You alone will make decisions and will look out for yourself in a completely new country.

5. Lifelong Friends

Whether you stay at a college campus or with a host family, study abroad is the perfect opportunity to make friendships with people from diverse backgrounds. Email, social media and the good old fashioned postal mail, can help you stay in touch with the friends you make. The courage it takes to build these new relationships is also a helpful experience that will reflect in your networking skills for your future career.

I personally hope to study abroad in England in the fall semester of my senior year. Like I mentioned earlier, it is important to be able to take classes that will go towards the credits you need in order to graduate and a program in England is known to have a smoother sail when it comes to that. If English is your primary language, you might go to England if you don't want to face a language barrier when it comes to your studies. However, the great thing about studying abroad in Europe is the opportunity to hop onto a train and visit neighboring countries.

For State University of New York school students, you are also able to travel through other schools. This means if your school doesn't offer a program you like, you may find one in another SUNY school. Click here to find a program that fits you.

Not convinced? They're tons of blogs with people experiences available for people to read online. Don't give up before you even began.