Do you really know yourself? Your first inclination is probably, "Yes, of course i know myself."But you don't. Not until you have lived or studied abroad in another country. 

Studying abroad is truly a once in a lifetime experience that challenges you each and everyday. These are 11 things you will learn about you when you study or live in another country. 

1. You are capable of keeping yourself company. While it may be intimidating to face another country alone, it is worth it. Being forced to spend time, explore and grow on your own allows you to appreciate things you usually wouldn't (i.e. the super blue sky, the kids playing in the park, or the beautiful building you run past to school each day).

2. There is so much to be learned outside of the classroom walls and textbook boundaries. Take some time to explore and travel places that you have never been. You will learn so much from simply observing and experiencing the people and places around you. 

3. Your ideas and beliefs are YOUR ideas and not everyone feels the same way. Having a strong foundation of beliefs is important, however, people vary drastically in their morals and beliefs and this is a beautiful thing. Don't take differences personally, instead embrace them. 

4. You are one, small human surrounded by a large, beautiful world. Living abroad truly makes you realize that there is so much in this world to be seen, experienced and appreciated. Some of your favorite places may be places you have yet to see. 

5. Friendship cultivates when its least expected, cherish these friends. Some of the most interesting friendships may be with your professor, a coworker, a child or even an animal. Cherish these friendships and share wisdom with one another.

6. You will meet people who will change your perspective on life forever. Appreciate these people and be grateful for these new perspectives. It is okay to change your beliefs, opinions and thoughts. You're human after all.

7. If you have the opportunity to live abroad, you are very fortunate. During your travels, you will undoubtedly reach the conclusion that you are very fortunate to have the luxury to travel to all of the amazing places that you have gone. Not many people get to experience another country in the depths that you have during their youth.

8. You will get lost. And this is okay, in fact, embrace it. There is lots to explore, see and appreciate. Sometimes getting off track may actually turn out to be a great thing, or at least make for a great story. 

9. You will get homesick. Whether its the first night, the forty-second day or the night before you leave to go home, it will happen. Push through this and remember all the amazing parts about the country that you're in. Home will still be there when you return. 

10. You will start to feel like a local. And this will be a great day. You will actually be able to direct tourists, know how to get to all the main spots around the city and ride public transport like a champ. 

11. You will grow as a person. Living or studying abroad will make you grow as an individual in more ways than one. So enjoy your time, experience the country that you're in and smile.