When I first came to college I knew that studying abroad was going to be a priority for me. Growing up my parents instilled the importance of traveling in me, so I have always had wanderlust. Before studying abroad I had been to Mexico 10 times, Jamaica twice, and once to the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Germany- traveling has always been a huge part of my life. But none of those trips compared to the three weeks I spent studying abroad, working with children in Mexico. My study abroad experience may be a little different than the student who goes to Europe, but I know that no matter where you go, you will come back changed forever.

1. You get to truly experience a culture when you study abroad, unlike when you go on vacation to a nice resort.

Before studying abroad in Oaxaca I had been to Mexico 10 times, but none of those times truly helped me to understand Mexican culture like my study abroad. Being able to throw yourself into a culture for three, six or even 16 weeks is an experience incomparable to anything else. Not only will you be able to see how locals live, but you will be able to appreciate the culture even more because you are actually living in it. You can even meet up with some local college students and have them show you the most authentic place to eat in your host city!

2. Being required to complete assignments helps you to think more critically about your trip and what you are learning — you are not there to just soak up the sun.

One of the best things about studying abroad was that I was always being pushed to think more critically. One of the assignments for my class was to keep a detailed journal about our experience each day. This ensured that I was thinking more critically about every single thing I did, from going to the market to planning English classes for the kids at the orphanage. Instead of going through the trip without reflection, I sat down each night and thought about every single thing I did throughout the day. I was able to learn so much more about the culture and myself by doing this.

3. You may meet your best friend like I did.

Traveling is easily one of the best ways to meet new people. I definitely met my best friend on my study abroad trip and we are even living together next year. Traveling has the ability to cultivate a friendship in such a short amount of time, especially if you are spending weeks with someone. You are able to bond so much more because you are literally traveling the world with that person and it is hard to come by a bond stronger than that

4. You gain a sense of independence.

Studying abroad is really intimidating at first. There, I said it. But it is such an incredible learning experience that fosters a strong sense of independence that is hard to beat. You are literally traveling to a foreign country by yourself or with a small group of college students, so you have to figure out everything on your own. For example, I traveled to Mexico which is known for getting its visitors very sick. Of course, I got sick and I had to figure out how to take care of myself on my own, in Southern Mexico. Studying abroad will certainly teach you how to take care of yourself and solve almost any problem.

5. You also gain a sense of appreciation for living in a country as amazing (and free) as America.

This is probably one of the biggest reasons that studying abroad is so incredible. We live in one of the most amazing and free countries, yet there is so much that we take for granted. Traveling to another country and studying abroad truly allows someone to critically examine all that they have in life. We have so much in comparison to people around the world and it is amazing to be able to recognize that first hand after living in another country for an extended time. This is a lesson that will truly change your outlook on life forever.

Coming back from a study abroad trip will be sad because you won't want to leave, but you really will come back as a new person and that's such an indescribable feeling.