Studying abroad is something we all dream about at least once in our lifetime. Whether you know what you want to do with your future self or not, traveling to a different country is always an experience for the books. As someone who just returned from a study abroad trip, I advise you to take a look at my top 10 reasons to join in on the study abroad experience!
1. Travel while in college – it’s way cheaper.
Obviously it’s going to be expensive to travel, whether it’s out of the country or not. But if you do it through a school program, most of it is all-inclusive and you get class credit for it. Basically it’s a win-win situation here.
2. Find that missing piece with a study abroad.
I thought I had my life figured out when it came to a career after college. When I traveled abroad, I discovered a whole new passion. College is meant to be that time in our lives where we find who we are. Being tossed into an unfamiliar place surrounded by languages you’ve never heard helps build character. It widens your knowledge of the world we live in. Returning to the states will make you realize that there’s so much more out there to discover.
3. Expand your “comfort zone” with new experiences.
Nothing feels greater than the feeling of zip-lining through a Belizean rainforest, hundreds and hundreds of feet off the ground. I hated heights so much, you couldn’t get me on a Ferris wheel if you paid me. But being challenged to step out of my comfort zone made me feel like a whole new person, and I wouldn’t take it back for anything.
4. Take the trip while you're young and independent.
The older you get, the more responsibilities can hinder your freedom to travel. So travel while you’re young! No kids, no full-time “adult” job, and those last vestiges of parental help can make this the best time to take that trip. We are the future, and there is so much more to learn and contribute to while we’re young and influential!
5. Think of that resume!
Jobs love to see that you have studied abroad! It shows character and flexibility. Not only is the experience so worth it, but it also gives you great conversation starters when it comes to job hunting or interviews. Studying abroad might even help you find what you want to do as a career!
6. Appreciate how privileged you are.
Studying abroad in a third world country really opened my eyes. I’m so thankful for all that I have and that I have a house and family to come home to. Never again will I take our everyday “first world struggles” for granted. It’s so easy to get caught up in the minor things of life, but studying abroad can make you grateful for all that we are spoiled with -- even if it’s just clean drinking water!
7. Make new friends.
Whether you sign up with friends or you take the risk and sign up alone, you’ll have made close friendships with just about everyone in your group by the time your trip is over. These are the people you are experiencing life-changing events with! They understand your struggles and fears, and they are there to see you try new things up close and personal. When you get back home to the States, you’ll always have those people to turn to when reflecting on your trip or remembering those inside jokes.
8. Discover new and exciting foods.
Food is life. Food is everything. We all live to love food. What could be better than being exposed to an entire new menu of foods? Even though it’s always a risk because we never know what our stomachs can handle, it’s still so worth it. The only bad thing is, you really start to crave those ethnic dishes when you get back to the States.
9. Gain independence.
Being independent is definitely not easy. It’s something a lot of us have learned over time through a series of events. Being far away in another country teaches you a great deal of independence in a short period of time. But what better trait could someone ask for? Friends and family are comforting, but being independent can get you places!
10. Be spontaneous -- it’s the perfect chance!
When you’re so far away from home, being spontaneous and adventurous are the best things you can be! How many times will you get this opportunity? So make the most of it while you can. Meet new people, try new foods, and step out of your comfort zone. Make a list of 10 things you wouldn’t normally do, and do them! Life is too short to stand on the sidelines and be a worrywart.
So, take my advice and study abroad. I promise you won’t regret it. Capture lots of moments, write journal entries, and maybe beg your parents for that waterproof GoPro because... Why not?
