Study abroad is a growing fascination seen in college students in today's generation. You are likely to learn the education system a foreign country has to offer which is an excellent way to expand your learning experience. Study abroad also teaches you about lifestyle and culture of the foreign land. While study abroad is expensive, scholarships have made it attainable.

I have been an international student at Troy University for 18 months now and the experiences I am gaining is invaluable. So, I wanted to share the major achievements of my study abroad education.

1. Self-sufficiency

One thing that studying abroad has taught me is independence. Back home, I used to depend on my mom for breakfast, laundry, cleaning my room or whatever one can possibly think of. My dad used to drop me to college, give me pocket money and manage my budgets. But now, I have to take care of me by myself without having my dad and mom reminding me to do every single thing.

This has prepared me for my future. You don't know if you will have to move for your job in the future, so learning to live by yourself is always a good idea.

2. Maturity

Anyone who knows me can certainly tell how much I have grown in the past year. From learning to treat others to maintaining relationships, I have seen improvement in me. You have to take many decisions by yourself without consulting with your parents. Many times you wind up making a wrong one and that really prepares you to think thoroughly in the future. Besides, you learn to be far-sighted. When you start thinking about long-term consequences, you can tell you are mature!

3. Confidence

Coming from a small country, one of my major weaknesses was nervousness. I have always been a shy person and it was really difficult in the beginning to cope up with broad-minded people here. Since presentations are required in almost all classes, I have certainly become more confident after lots of practices.

Though I still have stage fright, I can now talk to any person without hesitation.

4. Respecting the differences

America is a really diverse nation with so many international students. I have had the opportunity to make friends from countries all over the world. I have learnt about their cultural beliefs and values. This has taught me to embrace the differences we have. Though we might have different native languages, different nationalities. different religions, I have known that they are all wonderful human beings and I respect them all.

5. Adaptation

The most important and useful experience I have gained is adaptation. The United States is different from Nepal in geography, politics, education, development, language, economy and opportunities. When I first came to the States, I was excited to start a new life but gradually I understood how difficult it was to settle in a new environment.

You have to start talking in English to everyone, you don't find your native food and the climate varies widely. There were times I wanted to run back to home because everything new was so overwhelming. But I am glad I hung on and now I am confident enough to live in any part of the world.

Studying abroad is a golden opportunity. It is your preparation phase that is going to help you a lot in your career. I would recommend anybody to consider studying abroad even for a small time, as you are gonna have the time of your life!