From cobblestone streets and bar hopping to learning about sexism in another country and spending time with underprivileged Roma kids, going abroad left me with a feeling of wanting more, wishes to be legal in the States, and thankfully a better butt from all that walking.

Traveling to Prague for two weeks during the summer after sophomore year gave me a new perspective on America and a new love for places I never would have dreamed of going without the support of family and the requirement at university.

First off, I learned how much I take English for granted. Our few days outside of Prague were spent in little cities and towns where English speakers consisted of tour guides, us American students and professors, and the occasional restaurant or shop owner. I finally understood the feeling of being speechless, literally. Communicating was rather difficult and waiters and owners often laughed at the fact that we really only knew simple Czech words, including the word for beer (pivo), of course.

Professors can be your absolute best friends. 20+ students on a trip is overkill to say the least of it but our three professors made sure we were all smiling and fed and alive (thank God). After wine tours with no substantial food in our bodies (holy drunk), six-hour bus rides, and long flights to and from, they were the saving grace. Sometimes we don't appreciate our educators and write them off as those that scold but they are smart, loving, hilarious parents that want to see you smile and take ridiculous selfies with you overlooking cities.

Besides learning about how the 'other half', for lack of a better term, live with their thousand year old castles, graffitied walls, and tram/metro transportation systems that were silent no matter how packed, it became clear to me that the friends I have are the greatest people. Of course being in a group of 20+ people for 17 days was a little overkill and stressful, we did all jump down each others throats every now and again which was expected to an extent. Despite that, we all 'cling'-ed our glasses every night at our favorite Reggae bar, the hotel bar, or at the first American bar in Prague, posters of American musicians littering the walls around us.

My advice: Go abroad. Experience somewhere new, where you never thought you would see yourself. Visit cheesy landmarks and bring your selfie stick (because my professor and I sure did!). Things may get rocky but keep your support system in the back of your mind and know they will always walk you to McDonald's (helping sculpt that perfect summer butt) when you're a little tipsy and just need some french fries to smooth things over.