2015 was the best year of my life so far for one reason and one reason alone: it was the year I spent abroad in Europe. Those who have never spent a significant time abroad cannot understand, but those who have studied outside of the US can completely understand exactly the love and devotion that comes with studying somewhere, anywhere outside the States. Not that I do not love America; I am proud of my country, despite its reputation, and would not give up my citizenship for anything. There is just something so tantalizing about living outside the comforts of the city/state/country I have always known.

There is one very clear, very obvious marker for when someone studying abroad has officially immersed themselves in the culture where they are living and that is when they pick up the accent. It took 2 months for me to pick up a British accent when I was living in London and I just spoke with a friend studying in Melbourne and let me tell you, she TOTALLY has an accent now.

While Americans tend to see picking up an accent as "deserting the United States" as someone who went abroad, I think its a good sign that someone is fitting in and assimilating to their new home. You wouldn't want your best friend to be miserable abroad, would you? A new accent is fun and makes for a great icebreaker when trying to display your acting abilities. Enjoy your time abroad and enjoy your new accent all!