I am a huge advocate for studying abroad. As a past, and luckily future, exchanger, I am of course pretty biased on the subject. However, there are aspects of studying abroad that are indisputably beneficial to both the individual and the world as a whole.

These various lessons and experiences are, for the most part, characteristics of all study abroad trips; they are not thing that I alone experienced. With the world becoming more globally connected by the second, it is so important that we each do our best to become just as connected.

Studying abroad, whether for a few weeks or years, is a fantastic way of doing so and its benefits are insurmountable. Here are just a few of these benefits obtained by exchange students.

1. Studying abroad is the best way to experience and learn a new language.

Total language immersion makes learning a language much easier -- and necessary. Even if you’re in a country that speaks English, you’ll learn the slang!

2. You will find amazing friends in the native population.

These will be the people who show you all the hidden secrets of their country, and also probably a bunch of curse words.

3. You will become family with other exchange students you meet along the way.

It’s an instant camaraderie. None of you know what you’re doing and you’re always broke; at least you’re going through it all together.

4. You’ll be getting out of your comfort zone!

It’s easy for us to stay in our little box for our whole lives, but pushing yourself to experience new things will make you more likely to do so in the future, whether is socially, academically or within your career!

5. Opening your mind and being able to see different viewpoints and ways of life can affect you greatly.

You may be shocked, or curious, or it may fit your own viewpoints better than anything else you’ve been introduced to in your home country. Either way, you’ll be a much more well-rounded person.

6. Similar to being privy to different ways of life is actually being able to assimilate into a different culture.

Most prevalent in longer-term exchanges, this is the moment that you are no longer a true “tourist” in your host country. You are part of the culture and traditions. You live in this country now; it is a home and somewhere special you will always want to come back to.

7. While being an exchange student can make you develop a love for your host country, it can also strengthen your love for your home country and help you appreciate your life there.

This doesn’t mean that your host country isn’t as good as your home country. It is normal to miss aspects of home that you never noticed before, but notice now because you don’t have them.

8. Living in a different country, without the normality of friends and family nearby, changes a person.

It doesn’t matter how long the exchange is, it almost always is an experience that makes a person more independent and helps them mature.

9. Being an exchanger can also be a wonderful way of “finding yourself,” as cliché as that sounds.

You will be faced with situations you have never been in, in a culture you don’t know, and might find out certain things you are good at doing or enjoy doing, that you never would have found otherwise.

10. Studying abroad looks great on resumes, if nothing else.

It shows so many positive traits that an employer would look for in an employee, such as adaptability, dedication and an ability and willingness to try new things.

11. Another awesome thing about study abroad, while not necessarily a result of it?

It isn’t always super expensive! It is extremely important in today’s globalized society for people to travel and make ties around the world. Most colleges and universities have study abroad programs and scholarships, and independent organizations (Rotary International, for example) sponsor students and workers to go abroad.

12. Last, but definitely not least, is one of my favorite reasons to study abroad: THE FOOD.

It may sound trivial, but food is often one of the most unique aspects about a culture. Don’t be afraid to eat new things! You may not like some of the things you try, but you also might find the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten!

As I said before, I’m pretty biased when it comes to studying abroad, but I hope this list gives a little taste of what being an exchange student is like, and all the good things that come with it! I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, and if you’re curious about traveling abroad, do some research on it.