Last week, my Facebook account kindly reminded me that I left Ireland exactly one year ago. The thing is, I didn't really need a reminder. May 19, 2015 will be a day ingrained into my brain forever. it may sound stupid, but that day was one of the hardest days of my life. Ireland is my happy place. It became my home faster than any other place I've lived in my life. The genuine hospitality of the people, the scenery that never failed to take my breath away, and the comforting food and drink wooed me in a way no guy has ever managed to do.

I went into my time at Ireland cautiously optimistic and left with thicker rose-colored glasses than I had when I got there. There's a magic to Ireland that I can't really put into words. It's in the air, the ocean, the fields, and the people. I was never a person who enjoyed the outdoors, but in Ireland I hiked up hilly terrain, crossed over fallen tree trunks suspended over rivers, and explored castle ruins. I was ballsier and freer there than I've ever been before.

Trying to explain the bond and admiration I have for a place to people that didn't have the same experience is nearly impossible. Most of the time, people seem to think I'm trying to brag about my time there. I can promise that that is not what I, or anyone who has studied abroad, is trying to do. We're grieving. Seriously. We all left a piece of ourselves in the country we lived in for a summer, semester, or year. After the first few weeks homes, however, people aren't interested in hearing about it anymore. It leaves us to figure out our lives again with part of us still dreaming about our home across the sea. Believe me I feel ridiculous typing it, but it's true. If anyone would have told me I would still feel this way a year after I left, I would have laughed in your face.

All of my days in Ireland feel more and more like a beautiful dream the longer I'm home. The only time it truly feels real again is when I talk with my study abroad friends. They remind me I wasn't there alone. They have the same memories. They were there too. It all wasn't some dream I made up. It happened. I will always be thankful that it did.

So, now I've told you about the one negative that comes with studying abroad. The rest of it is worth all of the culture shock and confusion you'll experience when you come home. Study abroad. Go to Ireland. Just travel. It will help you realize how wonderful this world truly is.