If you are in college like I am, your social media feeds are probably crawling with pictures of your peers standing next to Big Ben, Australian palm trees, and the Colosseum as they venture off for their semester abroad. Though I did not go abroad for an entire semester, I did spend some time across the pond taking a J-Term class this past winter break, and it completely changed my life. These constant posts keep reminding me of my European adventures, and how important it was for me to go. I know some people are on the fence about traveling for away for an extended period of time, but I am here to tell you not to fear; going abroad can be the most rewarding experience of your life, and everyone should spend some time immersed in a different culture.
Traveling is scary, that’s true no matter where you go or who you go with. Even if it just for a vacation, it takes a lot of time, planning and money to make it worth your while. Add that to the concept of going for four months, missing your friends and family and living on a college student’s bank account, and it suddenly becomes terrifying. However, it is worth it.
I traveled to London over winter break to take a J-Term class through UNH. It was not four months, but I was still terrified to go. Navigating an unknown city on my own made me seriously doubt my decision to take the class in the first place. But after thousands of dollars and my parents’ push, I got on the plane anyways. Now, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Being immersed in another culture, even if only for a couple weeks, changed my entire life. I finally saw a part of the world I had never seen before and truly lived there, instead of just sitting inside of a resort. Getting over my fear of living alone in another place opened my eyes to the possibilities out there. I finally got the chance to see things from another perspective and step outside of the bubble that is Durham, NH. I went for J-Term instead of a semester because of an issue with my credits, but, If I could do it again, I would go for longer.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to see the world, that is something I feel very passionate about. It is easy to stay in one place and grow comfortable with the roots you have put down. But if you stand in one place your whole life, you’ll never see anything from a perspective other than your own. Getting outside of where you live allows you to learn about other people and cultures, and clear up things about yourself that you never knew. My trip to London may have been short, but it taught me more things in two weeks than I have learned in three years of college. Like the fact that I love high tea, and that I really have a passion for travel.
Going abroad can be stressful and expensive, but there are scholarships and financial aid to help you through, as well as professors and advisors to get you in the right direction. Don’t let these excuses keep you from seeing the world, even if it is only for a short amount of time. When else will you have the opportunity to travel without consequences and be able to learn in a new, culturally sound environment?
So go out and see the world, because it’s just waiting for you to explore.