The semester I spent abroad was the best time in my life. It saddened me to have to return, but I got over my post-being-abroad blues when I realized that the time I spent in Australia is (hopefully) just the beginning of a lifetime of unforgettable travel experiences.

Students abroad are given the amazing opportunity to create a life for themselves , completely removed from all the influences of home. That can sound like an intimidating concept, but it’s liberating to discover how silly it was to think you couldn’t do something.

Studying abroad helps you discover what’s important to you, and helps you to shape your life in the image you imagine (not to mention it lets you see parts of the world you probably wouldn’t otherwise). My fellow study-abroad students and I all started at baggage claim in Australia, but from there we were free to make decisions that contributed to all the ups and downs that we cherish so dearly.  There were those who spent most their time engaged with their host university, those who rarely made it to class and those who were able to strike a balance between class and recreation. There was even a guy who decided to stay in Australia.

Eeveryone was encouraged to learn about themselves and explore . Though I had some negative experiences like getting disgustingly lost, having to learn things the hard way, embarrassing myself quite a bit and spending a bunch of money,  the majority of my experiences were positive. I hugged kangaroos and koalas, learned how to pack well and experienced extreme generosity from strangers. I saw unbelievable sights , fell head over sneakers for a city and  drank the best coffee of my life. , I made lifelong mates, slept under the stars, snorkeled the great barrier reef, drove on the left side of the road and even mastered public transportation.  Most importantly, I walked away with a new standard for my life. Even on the bad days I smiled because at least I was in Australia. .

Through my adventures and all my interactions with people from different walks of life, I was able to shed my misconceptions about life and my own limitations. I’ve never been so awed and inspired by a place, and I believe I’ve been  immensely fortunate to come home with more than just a suitcase full of souvenirs and an inappropriate amount of Australian candy. I came home with a newfound confidence  I never knew I had.  I can’t imagine not having gone abroad.