“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
1. Discover New Things
Studying abroad is the best time to try all kinds of new things. As Americans, it’s easy to feel judgmental toward others and stereotype those who are different from us. Traveling provides the opportunity to understand the difference between our traditions and the rest of society. Meeting diverse people from around the globe will inspire you and open your eyes up to the world. Embracing new cultures means trying amazing ethnic foods, learning a new language and experiencing art and fashion. It means adapting to a different way of life and committing to adventure. Whether it be surfing in Australia, skydiving in Switzerland or riding camels in Morocco, there’s adventure waiting out there for everyone!
2. Challenge Yourself
Dropping your comfortable life at home and going to see the world is a big decision. It may leave you feeling nervous, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. Between language barriers, nonexistent Wi-Fi and public transportation in a foreign place – cultural differences can be tricky. At first you may be frustrated, confused and uncomfortable. You might feel homesick and you will miss out at things going on at school, but what you get in return is much more. You will feel immersed and connected because you are embracing a new and unfamiliar culture that is not your own. You will learn to be present in the moment without constantly looking down at your palm. You will gain communication skills and intercultural awareness. You get to look inside the minds of people with different beliefs, and at times you might even question your own. If we are not constantly pushing and challenging ourselves, we are not growing as human beings. The things that scare us, excite us and make us nervous are quite possibly the greatest and most necessary things involved in living the best lives we can live.
3. Become A Better Version of Yourself
Not much will change back at home, but you will change. At no other time are you traveling so many places and doing so many things – it’s impossible it wouldn’t be transformative. You become more in-tune with your hobbies and interests. You will grow as an individual and realize what matters. You will come to terms with who you are and what kind of person you would like to be. You will rely on yourself because you will quickly find out you cannot always rely on others. This will boost your self-confidence. You will gain a tremendous amount of knowledge and unique experiences, and you will be forced to become independent. Isn’t that what college is all about?
4. Learn Outside the Classroom
You will learn more than you would just sitting at a desk. If you take on-site classes, you will have class at world-famous locations, churches and museums. You will have more of a cultural awareness about news, current events and other serious issues that countries are facing this very minute. But just as much as you learn about other cultures, you learn about yourself, too. You gain powerful life lessons that can only be learned through personal experience. This newly gained worldview is something you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
5. The Experience
The experience of being abroad will shift your mindset and provide you with a positive outlook, cultural awareness and friendships that will last a lifetime. Life is not only about having a good time, but rather actively seeking opportunities to give our lives meaning and trying to make an impact, no matter how small it may be. All it takes is hopping on a plane and getting there – give or take a few stress-filled moments of planning. The world we live in has more to offer than you or I could ever imagine. Taking the road less traveled is the way to go – we just have to take the first step!