Studying abroad has given me the opportunity to look at life from a new perspective. It has made me see that there is an endless supply of information to learn and things to see, and all this causes many... realizations. Maybe Kylie Jenner knew what she was talking about after all when she said that it was "the year of realizing stuff."
Here's a few things that I have come to realize while abroad:
1. Foreign dogs will have more confidence than you.
Honestly, I’ve never seen animals so independent. From walking around the streets without a leash to chilling in restaurants that are too pricey for me to even step in, these dogs have their life together.
2. You’ll probably gain a little weight, but honestly, who cares?
At least your fat will be higher quality! Let’s face it, at home you’d gain weight from Taco Bell, but here it’s from fancy wine, cheese, bread, and chocolate! Take your pick.
3. There’s no need to make time for an amusement park.
All you need to do is ride public transportation somewhere that has winding roads! The buses hit record speeds and throw the passengers around more than any rollercoaster ever would! Plus, buses only cost a few Euros! What a bargain!
4. “I’m dehydrated” will probably become your slogan.
Seriously, how do Europeans stay hydrated? Where are the water fountains? These are serious questions. Please get back
to me.
5. Your memory will be full.
There’s so much to take in everywhere!! Whether it’s your literal memory or your camera memory, there’s not enough space to store all the beautiful views and cool experiences! Even that 32 GB memory card and that 100-page journal won’t do the job.
6. You might as well be wearing an American flag because they know.
I don’t know how they know, but they do. You can be walking down the street not saying a word, and the stares you get are incomparable. You may catch yourself thinking, "Did I accidentally write 'American' on my forehead this morning?"
7. Shopping is great!
Everything is so cheap! ...that is, until you check your bank account and remember conversion rates.
8. You’re not as smart as you think you are.
Chances are you’ll meet someone about half your age who speaks three languages, knows about EU and U.S. government, and could beat you in common trivia any day.
9. You're living the dream.
When else can you say that if your weekend trip to Greece falls through, you can just go to Monte Carlo instead?
10. You’ll constantly feel like your walking through a fashion magazine.
Honestly, where are they hiding the cameras for this photo shoot? This can’t be normal.
Everyone looks so chic every single day.
11. You’ll get laughed at on the regular.
I never thought trying to say, “where is the sugar?” in French could be so funny. Can I at least mark doing stand up comedy off my bucket list now?
12. It's an indescribable experience.
You can try and try and try to explain it to your friends at home, but honestly, you can never quite share exactly what it's like. However, the friends you make on your trip will be friends family for life because they experienced it all right by your side! 
