1. I'll gain an understanding of another culture.

As a strategic communication and Spanish double major with an international business minor, my ideal post-graduate career will be one where I can travel. Though my classes teach me about the business environment in other countries, there's only so much I can learn about the world in a classroom setting. Studying abroad provides me the opportunity to immerse myself in another culture, learning about Spanish fashion, cuisine, sports, arts, architecture, and the day-to-day habits of Spanish citizens. I'm excited to gain real-world, firsthand experience with international publics.

2. I've never been to Europe before, and I may never get the opportunity again.

Up until now, I've used my passport three times: for a trip to the Bahamas, on a visit to Mexico, and on a cruise through the Caribbean. While these trips count as international travel, I've barely strayed away from North America. My little girl dreams of eating a croissant in Paris, visiting the Cavern Club in Liverpool, and floating along the Venice canals in a gondola have always been just that: dreams.

Now, I have the ability to live those dreams at a comparable price to a semester at college. I can earn credits toward graduation, meaning I'll stay on track to graduate on time with ease. Never again will I be able to spend such a significant amount of time away from home with such a low opportunity cost.

3. My foreign language skills will greatly improve.

In high school, I had friends, classmates, and coworkers who gracefully helped me improve my Spanish conversation skills. These conversations sparked my passion for the language, so I declared Spanish as a minor when I entered college and eventually bumped it up to a secondary major.

Still, like I mentioned previously, there's only so much I can learn in an American classroom about another language and culture. As part of my IES Abroad program, I'll be in an intensive Spanish course where I will spend seven hours per week improving my Spanish skills. Additionally, I'll have opportunities each day to speak Spanish to locals. At the same time, the majority of Barcelona residents speak English, so I can switch back to English and confidently and comfortably ask for help if absolutely needed.

I will feel so much more secure using my Spanish secondary major in a future career after I've cultivated these skills in Spain.

4. Studying abroad provides the perfect opportunity for self-discovery.

Since entering college, I realized I am someone who values physical space to have headspace. Next year, I'll be a college senior, and it'll be time to pursue a career, find a place of permanent residence, and begin the rest of my life. Here at school, my judgement is clouded by my day-to-day tasks and frustrations, so I haven't been able to truly sit down and evaluate what I want in life. Leaving these to-dos behind will allow me to learn more about myself and the world, and I am confident I will have a better idea of what I want my future to hold as a result.