Once you spend time in a country other than the one you were born, in some way it becomes a part of your story. In the summer of 2014, I was given the opportunity to study abroad for three weeks in India studying Philosophy while visiting the cities of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

If you've studied abroad or visited another country, you can probably relate to several of these.

1. You meet some interesting creatures

Whether you hear a bird call that's unlike any you've heard before or you suddenly have to be weary of monkey-hijackings, visiting another country has its own surprises in store within the animal kingdom. Enjoy the different sites and the frisky critters that inhabit them.

2. You may encounter different modes of transportation

Transportation by horse, anyone? Or how about a camel or elephant? It was not uncommon to look out of the window of our bus and see a camel or elephant strolling by in the street. There are also tuk-tuks, which we found out can hold five people at once. (And sidenote: our guide also told us that the only traffic rule is that there are no traffic rules. How comforting.)

3. You will likely be flagged down

By street hawkers, that is. In some cultures, bargaining in itself is an art form, and completely welcomed and acceptable--most of the time. Don't be afraid to barter, but remember the value of the item will likely outlast the price you pay now.

4. You will say: "What did I just see?"

No matter what country you visit, you will be left with many moments and memories that will leave you in awe, astonishment and at times grief. Whether it's a show put on for foreigners or it's a revealed part of reality for locals, there are some things you'll never forget.

5. You will have the chance to impact lives

While in Jaipur, my class was able to participate in service learning with the organization, Shrestha, which provides a safe learning environment for children of a local slum area. We were able to interact with the kids and visit where they lived. Saying this was eye-opening is an understatement.

6. You won't be able to look away

Yes, there are some beautiful sites. It's hard to stop yourself from feeling completely surreal as you touch the marble of the Taj Mahal or discover picture-perfect surroundings. However, what you may not realize is that sometimes that beautiful site is impossible to see from a distance due to smog.

7. Everyday moments can be the best

Sometimes after the constant shuttling around, crazy schedules and early mornings, it was nice to just see life as it happened. During one of these "down" moments, we were visiting a Jain temple and I was able to look down and see a group of kids playing cricket. Those times I could see life from a local perspective gave me new appreciation for my surroundings.

8. You will experience some good--and not-so-good eats

One of the most exciting things about visiting a different culture is the food! I thought I enjoyed curry--that is, until I was faced with some in India. All of us got sick at least once during the trip, and "Delhi belly" was referred to as an actual thing. Let's just say, don't forget the anti-diarrhea medication when you visit another country and prepare to take on the food.

9. You will be inspired

There's something undeniably stirring about experiencing a culture full of its own customs, religions and languages. At Nahargarh Fort, we were able to look down upon the city scene and hear sounds of worship drifting up to us where we stood. This was my favorite place and I enjoyed having a view that not many others get to see, high above the busyness of the streets.

10. You will bond with those you travel with

This is hands down one of the best parts of traveling, and honestly it can be one of the most difficult. Bunking with people I didn't know prior to my three-week journey in another country was hard at first. But we all grew and learned to lean in on each other during the long bus rides (sometimes literally) or during the various bouts of sickness we dealt with. And let's just be real: once you've been the lookout for someone else going #1 behind a building at a fort with limited bathroom access, you're bound to bond.