Studying abroad for a semester in Nicaragua was one of the best experiences of my life. There were times of joy, challenge, frustration, laughter, learning, beauty, awe, compassion--just about every emotion you could feel. I learned so much more in 4 months than I ever could in a classroom.

Leaving was the United States was hard. I had friends, family, and boyfriend that I left behind. I gave up cheerleading, work, and my daily schedule. I not only left my queen sized bed but also my general day-to-day comfort. What I didn't expect was that leaving Nicaragua at the end of the semester turned out to be even harder. I left with a full heart, a new group of friends, a second family, and millions of memories all jumbled together. I left with a new view of social justice, a clearer discernment for my life and a stomach full of Gallo pinto (the national dish there). I left a different person. Here is why I studied abroad and so should you.

1. I wanted a challenge

You will be challenged in so many ways, whether that means learning a new language, climbing a volcano, leaving friends behind, or just seeing a different perspective on living. Challenging ourselves is not a bad thing or something we should avoid because it perpetuates growth and extends our personal limits.

2. I wanted to meet new people

The best part of studying abroad is the people you meet and the stories you hear along the way. There is a lost art of sharing here in the US. We prefer to stalk someone on Instagram rather than talk to them about their life. When studying abroad, I met the most amazing group of students and even though we still don't go to school together we have this special bond in sharing an experience together. The sense of community was unreal. I also have a second family now. My host family in Nicaragua welcomed me as their own and I really did become part of the family. I still keep in touch with them. It was amazing to see just how close you can become with others in a few short months.

3. I wanted to gain a greater world perspective

I'm sure studying abroad in Europe is amazing, but it just wasn't for me. I knew I wanted something unconventional and a place I wouldn't necessarily vacation to. I chose Nicaragua because I wanted to learn more about social justice issues around the world and experience a completely different lifestyle. I learned about the history and political situation and also saw it first hand. I also learned about different issues such as poverty, women's rights, machismo culture, corrupt government policies and so forth. I was really able to step outside of my "North American bubble" and gain a more accurate worldview which has changed my perspective on a lot of things.

4. I was unhappy with the monotony and stress of my life.

Before studying abroad, I felt like I worried about the littlest things and lost some of the joy in my life. I just needed a new perspective so I could realize that my grades and performance were not everything. I wanted to explore deeper into myself and discern about my life purpose. Studying abroad sure kicked my butt with this one. In Nicaragua, I became so much more free in myself. I realized that productiveness really isn't everything and there is so much more out there. I found such joy in community, awe in the beauty of nature and laughter in the day to day interaction. Nicaragua is such a people-first society and made me realize that human connection is really what is most important in this life. I also discerned that I really wasn't happy in my school or major and got the guts to apply to transfer schools, something I would have never felt comfortable doing at home.

5. I wanted to adventure.

From hiking and sledding down volcanoes, canoeing to an island on a lake, walking in four-hour precessions, and just about everything in between---Nicaragua had a lot of adventure to offer. There were so many moments of freedom and pure bliss in just being fully present. Studying abroad will be one of the best adventures of your life.

If any of these points sound like you, STUDY ABROAD!! You will never regret it. If you are on the fence about it and need some encouragement take my words--DO IT!! Find a program that fits you and your major. I know it's challenging and time consuming to plan out, but it will be worth every second and every penny. I did a direct tuition transfer program so it only really cost me a plane ticket.

When I left Nicaragua, I was sad that it was an ended chapter of my life. But as time went on I realized that I never fully left. Parts of my heart are still there with my host family, friends, and all that I learned. Now when every time I see mangos I hear the mangos that sounded like bombs as they fell on the tin roofs during Spanish class. When I complain about how much money I'm making I think of the factory workers who made 12 cents an hour there. And the sight of rice or beans make my mouth water for some Nicaraguan food.

In studying abroad you will find that although you leave the place, the place will never leave you.