I see London, I see France...

Every time I scroll down my Instagram feed, it’s there… haunting me. There’s a picture of my friend Alyssa, standing amongst the beautiful Greek architecture, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. There’s a picture of my classmate Ben, gazing upon the Cliffs of Moher. Oh and look, there’s Megan pretending to hold up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I enviously stare at all these pictures amongst my feed as I look up and see the walls of my apartment; the walls I wake up to every morning and fall asleep to every night.

I wouldn’t say there is too much I regret about college. I think most every experience, good or bad, has taught me something and has happened for a reason. That being said, I wish I would have dug my nose a little deeper into the Study Abroad programs offered on my campus. Taking the opportunity to advance one’s education, while gaining experience in a different country should be utilized. It may be too late for me to delve into a college abroad trip, but if it’s not too late for you, GOOOOOO! There are overwhelming amounts of reasons to study abroad, and here’s just a few:

1.) You get to learn about a different culture, and ultimately your own:

According to report done by Open Doors in 2014, only 10% of students study abroad. But how can we live in such an interconnected world, when so many of us haven't gained experience in other countries? With actual travel and education within a new culture, you are given the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and knowledge for youself. You get to experience culture shock and from there you are able to dismiss stereotpyes (like all British peole have bad teeth - SO NOT TRUE!!!). You'll see their differences from your culture, but you also see their similarities. You might be completely shocked by what you think you know versus what you actually learn!

2.) What's a classroom?:

This is your chance to learn outside of the boring, confining, four white walls. You will learn through experiences, moments, interactions. Sure, you may have some class time, but in general, you will experience more just embedding yourself into the culture than anything. It also breaks you out of the everyday routine you find yourself in at school. Take in everything you see as a learning experience and say goodbye to the repetitive presentations!

3.) Make memories that last a lifetime:

You're young, life is exciting and you can have all the fun you want! Make the most of it. Put yourself in situations that make you feel scared, vulnerable, and uncertain. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. That is where the best stories are written, ad those will be the times you look back on and smile. How cool would it be to say to yourself in 30 years, "Hey, remember that one time in Italy?"

4.) Hola! Como Estas?:

How many foreign language classes can you take until you realize, it's useless. I think between middle school andd high school combined, I took six years of Spanish classes and would retain nothing between the semester breaks and holidays. The best way to learn a language is to emerge yourself into it. You kinda don't have a choice but to learn it!

5.) L is for the way you look at me:

How romantic would it be to fall in love in a foreign city. Although life isn't always a Mary-Kate and Ashley movie, there's still a chance! Be young and naive and go for an abroad love affair, you never know where it might take you. And hey, if you don't find anyone, just fall in love with the food, because that might be even more romantic!

6.) Job recruiters are not just looking for professional experience:

Study abroad programs are offered through universities: hence EDUCATION. With today's internation job market growing exponetially, employeers are looking for employees with knowledge of the global world. In this case, ignorance is not bliss. Traveling also sets you apart because it shows you are willng to put yourself in situations you are unfamiliar with. This shows bravery and commitment. Bonus points if you learn the language. Fluency in more than one language gives you a huge step-up as a candidate for a job.

7.) Cha-Ching:

With opporunties through colleges to study abroad is also financial aid, scholarships, and grants! Take every advantage possible as a student to travel for cheaper costs. Also, be sure to look for student discounts and programs (you will miss this when you graduate!). Traveling abroad can teach you a lot as a student about finances. Between saving, spending and differences in currencys, you will gain a lot of wisdom in the finance department. But be sure to spend wisely because being broke in a foreign country is even worse than the broke at school where you have to sacrifice on your week's groceries.

8.) Friends foooo life:

This is a chance to meet people all around the world, and expand your networks. Learn others stories and make friends, you'll be quite lonely if you don't. You might even make lifelong connections that could allow you future visits back to where you studied. This gives you a chance to get close contact with someone else's culture and also really appreciate them. Don't be afraid to expand your clique!

​9.) You get to be spontaneous (which lead backs to #3):

You're in a place where you know limited people and limited things. You don't have a choice but to go with each day uncertain bout the outcome. This relly helps you grow as a person and learn to have fun in the moment. You'll more than likely wind up learning more about yourself thn you could ever imagine.

10.) Did you really study abroad if you didn't come home with some extra pounds?

Let's be honest, the main reason to study abroad is the food (kinda kidding, but not totally). Food is a huge indicator of a culture and really allows you to learn. Be brave to try new foods. You might like it, you might not. This is the time to have real Chinese food or Italian, or wherever you go, instead of the Americanized version. Food can grow bonds and create lasting memories. You might even be able to bring home to your friends a delicious new recipe. Eat, drink, and be merry!