Of all my college experiences, my time abroad was by far the best thing I ever decided to do. It quite literally changed my life. Like others, I was afraid of missing out on things on campus, missing my friends and family, and afraid of being set back with my courses and credits.
With enough planning and preparation, however, almost any issue can be worked out. And as for missing out on campus life, don’t worry, it will still be there when you get back.
If you still need some convincing, take a look at the 5 ways studying abroad will change your life.
5. You get to experience a new way of thinking and living.
No matter how much you’ve previously traveled, nothing will prepare you for actually living in another country with a completely new culture for a semester. Even if the country you go to speaks the same language as your native country, they will have an entirely different way of living, talking, and interacting.
While it can be shocking at first, it’s refreshing to see how other people live, and you’ll adopt some of those values as your own for the rest of your life.
4. It will humble you.
When living at school, it’s easy to think that the world starts and stops on campus. Traveling around the world will remind you how small your life and problems actually are in comparison.
You may have to live without the comforts of home for the first time, and it will make you appreciate things we take for granted, like having a laundry dryer to dry your clothes.
3. It will empower you.
You’re practically guaranteed to face difficult situations and new challenges while abroad, but you have no choice but to deal with them. With no one but yourself, and possibly a few new friends, you’ll learn to navigate a new city and handle the unexpected. It will feel scary, but you’ll feel empowered as you realize you’re more capable than you thought you were.
2. You’ll gain life-long friendships.
The friends and relationships that I made while abroad are still some of my closest and best relationships to this day.
I made a point of meeting people beside other American students studying abroad, and it transformed my experience. Not only was their local knowledge useful in directing me to the best beaches, bars, and neighborhoods, but they became genuine friends who helped show me a different way of living.
1. You’ll learn what it means to trust.
As I mentioned above, you will encounter surprises and difficult situations that you have little to no control over. However, instead of finding the solution in your smartphone, you’ll have to trust the people around you and trust that things will be ok.
When I found myself lost and alone on the wrong bus line, I had to trust a stranger to get to my intended location. I was shocked as the bus driver actually went off route to drive me where I needed to go, and was reminded that every once in a while you have to put your trust in others.
Did going abroad for a semester change your life? Share with us in the comments below.
[Featured image credit: sinvellocastellon.es]