Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Student Life

How Studying Abroad Changed My Life

It can change yours too.

Jacob Marler

Nov 04, 2015

Morehead State University

Jake Marler

When we were young, things were so easy. The curiosity and passion we had rooted into our spirits turned the most mundane of activities into an adventure. There was no argument or debate within ourselves. We played sports, dug up worms, and pretended to be monsters. We didn't have to analyze our every decision. If you liked something, you just did it. If you hated something, you could just stop. There were no repercussions. Fast forward several years through secondary education and now we've landed into an entirely different realm.

COLLEGE.

Yes, college. The promised land of opportunity and success. The place where you need to have your life figured out. Where you are expected to have a plan for your future. For most of us, it is no longer a time for us to be that child fulfilling his hearts desire. It is about following society's mold.

Go to college, make good grades, get a job, and make money.

But isn't there more to life?

Studying abroad gives those of us who have always wanted to travel a chance to turn our dream into a reality, regardless of our circumstances. There is an unbelievable amount of aid out there to support students in their pursuit of seeing the world. With the help of scholarships and other financial opportunities at my university, I was able to pay for a five week program in Bregenz, Austria. With the weekends to travel, I was fortunate enough to venture throughout 7 European countries.

Every single aspect of studying abroad forces you out of your comfort zone. Leaving your friends and family, getting over the fear of flying on that plane, and knowing you are about to be 5000 miles away from home. These are the moments in which you will feel the most alive. These are the moments in which you will discover who you really are, and not who people want you to be. Whether it be the powerful relationships you build with others, the new perspectives on life and your home country, or the challenge of learning a new language, the time you spend abroad will be some of the most defining and meaningful days of your life. For me, I discovered that international travel is something that I am extremely passionate about, in fact, It is something that I will be pursuing upon graduation. Give that inner child of yours a chance, you never know where they might lead you, they might even show you who you're suppose to be.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Lifestyle

10 Truths About Being In A Sorority

(For Girls Who Are Interested In Greek Life)

LaGrange College

305

Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less

sorority life

Entertainment

10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break

You've gotta do something.

Grand Canyon University

Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less

must watch

Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

Truman State University

1236

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less

last semester

Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

University of Dayton

1027

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."