College gives you more options that just learning in a classroom. You can study abroad in your dream destination while earning college credit. When I came to college I knew that I wanted to study abroad, and when I found out that there was a specific program for my major, I applied right away. Now It's just a few days before I set off on the biggest adventure of my life, but the steps leading up to this moment and the prepping for this trip have been an exhausting and long ride.

Of course, you have to apply to study abroad, as well as complete everything on the checklist, such as things like getting your passport and getting a doctor's signature saying you're in good health. These are the easy things you have to do for your trip. The mental part of preparing is more difficult. But besides the things you have to do before leaving, there's also some things you should do.

One of the most important things you should do is mentally prepare for your trip. While the actual classwork and assignments aren't something to stress over (because you're obviously smart), the traveling and the unknown are something I personally have been stressing over for weeks. For me, and I assume most of you, this will be my first time out of the country without my parents, the farthest distance I've ever been from home, and I'm a planner so having plans to do weekend travel that Isn't set in stone scares me. Not to mention the huge and gruesome flight. With a week left before I leave I seem to be getting more and more nervous, but what I think scares me more than anything is the unknown, all of the growing I will do while I'm gone, and a new place so far from home.

Some of the great things about studying abroad is that it not only looks great on your resume and you get credit in a foreign land, but how much experience you'll actually get. Having to live in a foreign culture for however long you're staying (definitely if you're living in a home stay like I am), having to use their local transportation, learning the cultural differences and language, and getting to get away from your everyday life.

So for all of you that are studying abroad this summer, have the time of your life! Say yes to new experiences while you're overseas, don't forget to keep in contact with your loved ones, embrace the culture and food, and take as many pictures as your camera can hold.