During the school year you might get bored of the same weekly schedule that classes, work, or social obligations link you to. We often desire a change of pace and what better change than to study abroad. You may be thinking, "But when do I have the time for that?!" Well this little thing called summer which we are blessed with can be used to do something amazing.

When I entered college I knew that studying abroad was something I had to do. I already had the travel bug and anyone who has been abroad highly recommended it. For me taking a whole semester away from school seemed like a daunting task, and honestly I was worried of having serious FOMO(fear of missing out) during the school year. This summer I was fortunate enough to participate in a month long program and I am happy I did this and not a whole semester.

The following list gives some reasons why a summer abroad is the way to go!

1. Short term homesickness

If you are someone who desires to see the world but is also comfortable in the paradise which is your home, then a summer program is for you. Before going abroad I didn't realize how precious alone time is and a familiar routine. I handle myself fairly well in new situations but there were quite a few moments of frustration, loneliness, and just mental breakdown. It's necessary to take a step back and realize you are in a foreign country and will return home before you know it so why not make the best of the time you have whether it is good or bad!

2. Help yourself out, go learn

Yeah, yeah we just had school for 9 months why would you want to do it for more time than you need? Because it's the best way to earn school credit which can help you to either catch up or get ahead. You can immerse yourself in another culture, but for just the right amount of time to feel connected but not overwhelmed.

3. Summer: use it while you can

Personally I think summer is a time to take advantage of. Summers are also something that turns into just a season and not a 3 month vacation when we graduate. Making the most of summers while we still have them is essential.

You can get a basic job and spend your days watching Netflix and swimming, or change up your environment and put yourself in a new situation. You never know how it will change your life, but it does.

4. Remember, it ends.

If you don't enjoy your program you know that it will be over before you realize and can return to the comforts of your school or home without having missed a beat.

If you loved it, you can begin planning your next summer abroad. Unless you are getting an important internship, studying abroad is the most beneficial experience while in college.

5. Oh yeah there is schoolwork!

The pressure of adjusting to a new place and completing assignments is more stressful than realized. I imagined more of a vacation then a stressful time, but I realized that the work was being done in Italy, and how often do you get to do homework in another country?! The short term commitment of a summer program helps to relieve the stress that can be caused by the school work.

6. $$$$

The cost of studying abroad is a big reason why people are hesitant to do it. The cost of the programs and the amount of money you'll need for spending can be significantly cheaper if you are gone for a shorter time. This can help you to achieve your dreams of studying abroad and prevent breaking the bank especially since college is already expensive enough.

7. Adventure awaits!

After all it's summer, and the livin's easy. While in school it's still a time to make our own plans, might as well use it while we got it. If you pick a program at the right time for you, there is plenty of time for you to explore the other cities near you or even other countries. If you travel after you will be more confident in yourself and have made new friends and new interest. The best time for an adventure is anytime.

Put away your fears and hesitations and start finding out programs available with your school for you to do. Trust yourself and leave expectations to the wind, because it's time to start using your summer to improve your education and improve yourself!