There’s no denying it, studying abroad this past semester was nothing short of spectacular. I saw breathtaking views, expanded my cultural horizons, made life-long friends and much more. Like most of us miscreants abroad, I enjoyed sharing glimpses of this adventure through social media to easily keep in touch with friends and family. These pictures, videos and stories, however, portray only one perspective of the semester.

It's not all crêpes and schnitzels, friends (though I did eat quite a few those).

I knew going into it that the semester was going to be different. I mean, that’s one of the reasons we study abroad, right? To challenge ourselves. However, I didn’t realize how true this idea really was until actually living it.

Before entering the magical land that is study abroad, I had created a massive list of things I wanted to do and see. After my first week of balancing school, work and living in another country, I quickly realized that time was of the essence.

So, I did what any headstrong college student would: attempt to do it all. As kids, we are taught to say no drugs but yes to pretty much everything else, so we do not miss out on opportunities. The little voice in my head said this was especially true whilst abroad. $20 flight to Scotland? Yes. Tour a world heritage site? Yes. A walk down to one of the world’s most famous food markets? Most definitely, unequivocally, yes.

I soon found out that this mindset, though ensuring opportunities are being taken advantage of, is extremely difficult to sustain. Throughout four months of studying abroad, this mindset was the most common culprit of sleep deprivation, a dwindling bank account and, last but not least, the dreaded "abroad bod."

While trying to make the most of my semester, logistical problems became a daily occurrence. Whether it was cultural differences, trying to fit a week's worth of stuff into a backpack or getting completely lost in a foreign city, constant traveling meant forfeiting the type of comfort I had been used to my entire life. It felt like wearily stepping outside of a bubble - a safe zone that I had outgrown. There was one thing I knew for certain, living in this new and exciting world was exceptionally tiring on both the mind and body.

One day I was writing a 10 page paper for school and the next I was working on a big project for my boss. On my walk home I looked around and thought about how lucky I am and hoped one of the museums on my list was still open. My winter coat was stolen early on and near the end of the trip I ran out of money and asked my parents for a loan. Traveling through Europe felt like a dream but the reality of needing a summer job was all too real as I stayed up late tailoring resumes and scheduling phone interviews, hoping that I would wake up early enough for the group tour in the morning. Social media meant I could keep up with friends and family, but it also made me miss being with them uncontrollably.

These things, well, these things make up the other part of staying abroad that isn't posted online. It most definitely is not a semester simply made up of picturesque views and divine gelato (seriously though, the gelato is unbelievable).

Studying abroad this past semester led to more mental breakdowns, angry tantrums and lost items then ever before - and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

It was messy, confusing and at some times, scary. Through it all, I learned to be more independent, confident, risk taking and, probably most importantly, culturally aware. There’s no doubt in my mind that I became a better person academically, professionally and personally.

Studying abroad was no walk in the park (despite the fact that I did, indeed, walk through many lovely parks), but it was a one of the kind, adventure of a lifetime. As I reflect upon this experience while relaxing in my comfortable, familiar home, one thing is for certain: I would do anything to go back.