You were probably really caught off-guard by the title, but if you haven't figured it out by now, it is a total joke. Studying abroad is nowhere near the worst mistake. It is the best decision you could ever make.
I recently studied abroad in London for a summer session and I've never experienced so much in such little time. Going to another country knowing no one forces you out of your comfort zone in every way possible. Lucky for me, I didn't have to worry about any language barriers, but that could definitely be a major obstacle faced.
The most fascinating part is the cultural and societal norms that differ in each place you visit, whether it's cars driving on opposite sides of the road or the local slang words used to make it feel as though they are speaking another language.
London was filled with so much rich history, it could be found in every nook and cranny of the city. Even the sidewalks (otherwise known as footpaths in Europe) that you walk on could be the sites of beheadings. There was always something to discover and so many sights that left you awestruck. Not only are you exposed to the most beautiful sights and experiences, but you also meet the most amazing people.
I went into my study abroad program knowing absolutely no one. As terrifying as it was, I hoped that I would become friends with people going on the same journey as me, and I was right! I met people from all over America and the world (A.K.A. from Australia), and they were the loveliest of people.
Everyone had their own story, dreams, hopes, and passions. It was utterly fascinating and inspiring to hear their differing lives. I heard about their hometowns, their way of life, the people they surrounded themselves with, religion, political views, etc. You name it, I probably heard it and I loved it all.
Studying abroad has a way of turning total strangers into good friends. Since you are all feeling the same way, which is a mixture of excitement, happiness, nervousness, and a tad terrified; you only have each other. So, in moments of pedestrian-caused car crashes (that's another story of its own), leaning on each other to find how to get back to campus using a transportation system completely foreign to you, and getting separated by quick closing train doors; you become very close.
They are now people that I can go and visit whenever I come to their neck of the woods. I made friendships that will last me a lifetime and memories that I will tell my kids one day. Trust me, studying abroad is anything but a mistake.
