Studying abroad was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Living in Antibes, France, on the Côte d’Azur for 110 days gave me the opportunity to explore not only a new country, but also myself. I traveled to cities and countries I had dreamed about for years, formed strong friendships, experienced new cultures, and learned just how capable I am. Before leaving for France, I spent a long time planning for my semester abroad because I wanted to make the most of every opportunity, but I quickly learned that studying abroad was about much more than visiting new places. It was about becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, trusting myself, and learning how to navigate unfamiliar situations independently.
During my semester, I explored the French Riviera and traveled throughout Europe. From Monaco and Nice to Amsterdam, Milan, Kraków, Málaga, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Paris, and Rome, every destination gave me a new perspective. Yet, one of the most meaningful parts of studying abroad was the friendships I made along the way. In Portugal, I took a solo trip and woke up early one morning in the hostel bunkbed, determined to explore as much of the city on foot as I could. I stumbled upon a tucked-away café, where I met another solo traveler who shared some of the most inspiring wisdom with me. We sat on the patio, sipping cappuccinos in the Portuguese sunshine for hours, talking about everything. Connection. Whether I was traveling with friends to a new city, trying delicious foods, celebrating birthdays, laughing together in our apartment, or making new friends everywhere I went, those relationships became one of the most important parts of my experience.
Studying abroad also taught me to trust myself. Every day, I had to navigate unfamiliar places, solve unexpected problems, and step outside of my comfort zone. I learned that I was capable of doing difficult things and that some of the best experiences happened when I was willing to say yes to something unfamiliar… or when I accidentally got off at the wrong metro stop! What matters most is how you pivot. It is about taking a situation as it comes and making the most of it. My favorite nights, and the craziest stories, came from the times I almost decided not to go out. My favorite trip to Rome was booked while I was sitting in class, just four days before the plane took off. My favorite walking route, which took me along the Mediterranean Sea, came from turning left instead of right. The best things were the little, unplanned moments.
I also made it a goal to fully immerse myself in every experience. I journaled, collected postcards and receipts, saved little memories, tried new foods, attended local events and parades, and took countless pictures. I wanted to remember not only where I went, but how it felt to be there. I lived fully, took advantage of every opportunity, and collected stories that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected ways traveling changed my perspective was by teaching me to appreciate home. After spending months exploring new places and cultures, I returned with a greater appreciation for my hometown, my family, and my friends. Traveling showed me how much there is to see in the world, but it also reminded me of the value of the people and places that have always been there for me.
Now, back in classes at my home university, some of the countries and places I visited are brought up in lectures, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to connect my own tangible experiences to what I am learning. Instead of simply reading about these places or seeing them on a map, I can connect them to memories, people, and experiences from my time abroad. It has given me a deeper appreciation for what I am learning and has made my education feel more meaningful. I wish every student beside me could have an experience like this. I also recognize that travel and studying abroad are not possible for everyone, which makes me even more grateful for the opportunities I had and for every place I was lucky enough to visit.
I left for France hoping for an adventure, but I came home with a new perspective on the world, a stronger sense of who I am, and memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I lived it up, said yes to the unexpected, and allowed myself to be fully present in every moment. Studying abroad changed me in ways I never could have imagined, and I will carry those lessons with me wherever I go next!