For nine months you are constantly planning for this one day. The date has been in your calendar, but it doesn't seem real until you step on that plane, and there is no turning back. At first, when you made this decision, you were excited for the "glow" that came along with it. Little did you know that there would be so much stress from anticipation or tears from the unexpected. All you can really do is plan, plan, and plan. You have a support system of people going through the same thing, as well as people holding your hand along the way. Although when it comes down to it, it is all you. You are out of your comfort zone. Ready or not you are about to participate in one of life's many joys. At the end of everything, you look back and say it was all worth it. This life-changing event allows you to have a new perspective. Studying abroad is like having a baby, so you better prepare!