About this time last year, a professor came into one of my classes and spoke to us about a study abroad program through the university. We would live in Costa Rica for a month with host families, go to a Costa Rican University and take trips around the country on the weekends. It seemed like the trip of a lifetime, and it was.

I know it might seem impossible to a lot of students, be it money, time, or even support, but I promise you, it is worth every single dime and minute.

I pitched the idea of this trip to my parents and they were not too hip on it at first. I promised them that it would be safe, I would pay for all of it and that I would never have another opportunity like this. It took me a few weeks, but I somehow convinced them.

I worked hours on end for months trying to save up enough money for this trip that seemed to be forever away. I had started saving in December and the trip wasn't even until June. I felt like I was waiting for nothing which was very frustrating. Looking back on it now though, I am so glad that I pushed through those long days at work and made every penny that I did.

I had made it through finals and was ready for the summer to start. There was still about a month left until my trip, but I became more and more anxious each day. When the day finally arrived, I could barely sit still because I was so excited, and also nervous. When we landed in San Jose, everything felt new and exciting.

I was sent to my host family that day and I was so happy that they were so kind. Little to my knowledge though, they did not speak English. It was awkward to say the least, but it got better as each day went on.

We went to school on every week day at a university in the city where we learned more Spanish than I ever thought possible. On the weekends though, we got to travel throughout the country which was absolutely amazing.

The first weekend was zip lining through the rain forest on the longest zip line in Latin America. The scenery alone made everyone's jaw drop.

Each weekend was something completely new and exciting. Things all the way from exploring the rain forest with a group of friends and even swimming in natural volcanic hot springs.

Every experience was new and amazing. I became so much more independent than I ever thought I would and my people skills sky rocketed! I became closer with my host family each and every day and I learned so much more about this different culture than any text book could ever teach me. I lived with them, ate their food, and experienced their lives in ways that changed my life in the process.

The last weekend I was there we went to the beach and had the time of our lives. We swam in water so blue you could see your entire body through it. Experienced vendors and locals like no other, and we each gained a new sense of independence as well.

Not only did I gain a new understanding of a culture and a language, but I gained lifelong friends on my trip too. I connected with people who I would have never met if it had not been for this trip. We experienced things that I will never do with anything else. I fell in love with another country and with the people around me.

I know college is stressful, and most of us are just trying to make it through, but my advice to you is that this is the time of your life. Do everything that you possibly can. If you can save up enough money then I guarantee that every cent will be worth your study abroad trip. Not only are you learning things that you never would in a classroom, but you are making some of the best memories that you will ever have also.

Whether it is just for a week, or an entire semester, study abroad. Go do something that will make an impact on your life and make memories that will never fade. Yes it is a lot of money, and yes it is scary, but at the end of the day, and once you get home from your trip, you won't regret anything at all.