When choosing a university, one of the things I focused on was making sure I had the option to immerse myself in another culture by studying abroad. While not all of my time living in another country all semester has been Instagram-worthy, it has given me an immeasurable amount of growth. Not only have I learned a lot about food, language and culture, but I've also been able to take away lessons that apply to all aspects of life.

1. Things will not always work out according to plan, but sometimes that can be a blessing.

Before studying abroad, I liked to have my planner well-organized and color-coded by the hour and my calendar booked in advance. This semester, I have learned that sometimes plans go the exact opposite of what you intended, but with that comes a more relaxed view of life and spontaneity. 90 days in another country looks totally different until you actual start living there, but even when plans fall apart something great is usually around the corner.

2. Experiences mean more than "stuff."

I have never considered myself to be a minimalist. I used to travel with a separate bag just for my shoes, but going to different cities and countries each weekend makes you realize how little you really need to take (and how little you want to carry in a backpack — if you're me, then it's a men's backpack that doesn't fit me, anyway). Even when I'm re-wearing the jacket I've worn in every single photo, I've realized I'm happier being in the place rather than focusing on what I'm going to buy next or the clothes I'm wearing.

3. Communicating is important, but being glued to your phone is not.

I like people, and one of the hardest parts about studying abroad is leaving your circle and finding yourself in a foreign place with people you've never met. Every chance I get to FaceTime and have conversations or hear a familiar laugh means so much more now that I'm not nearby. However, there have been times that I have to tell myself to get off of social media and be present where I'm at, because scrolling through pictures makes it that much harder to not wish to be in two places at once. As much as I like to communicate, it's unrealistic to try and keep in contact with everyone 24/7.

4. Politics really do matter (no, really).

I know, go ahead and roll your eyes, but during my time in Europe, I have noticed that the majority of people pay close attention to not only their local governments but the governments of other countries as well. I can't count the number of times in Italy, Switzerland, Germany and the UK I have been asked about my position on Trump or Clinton and how I feel about the future of the United States. It's unfortunate that many times Americans do not have a definite, educated answer to questions about our own government (myself included), and my experiences have reiterated that it is my job as a citizen to know what is going on in our political system.

5. Despite the amount of evil present in our world, we have a lot of good to be thankful for.

In a time where terrorist attacks and bad news are becoming more and more frequent, it's easy to look at where we are as humans and think that hope is lost. It's scary, it's unfair and it's wrong, but hopelessness is not the impression I have been left with during my time abroad. I've met so many people from all walks of life that took me and my friends into their homes and made us feel like family; they didn't let the culture or language barriers stop them from loving us well, and neither should we in return.

My time in Italy has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my college career, and despite the inevitable ups and downs, I think every student should gain global experience and live in a foreign culture. You'll leave with heavier bags and emptier bank accounts, but you'll also leave with countless life lessons as well.