I didn’t think I could do it. I didn’t think I could step on a plane, leaving behind the only things I’ve known for twenty-three years. I didn’t think I could be away from my loved ones for three months. I didn’t think I was strong enough to go on an overseas journey, solo. But, it’s proved to be the best decision I have made thus far.

Not enough students study abroad, and they’re missing out. If you’re even slightly thinking about it, just go for it. Don’t let the application process scare you, don’t let the flight scare you, don’t let the country and new people scare you- trust me, it’s worth all the trouble.

I was in London for three and a half quick months. As much as you want it to slow down, it doesn’t. At first, the days drag on- you’re worried you’re gonna be homesick automatically, that you won’t make friends with the fellow students, or will hate the city. But that goes away; you’re all in the same boat.

Actually, I’ve never felt like I’ve fit in so well anywhere else. Maybe it’s because you’re all out of your element; you’re all like those scared little freshmen on move-in day. You’ll literally be seeing the world with these people, a connection I can’t even say I have with most of my own family. These “strangers” abroad quickly become your family, though, for you share the newest, most monumental experiences of your life with them- seeing the inside of Buckingham Palace, walking the canals of Amsterdam, talking a selfie with the Mona Lisa in Paris.

It’s the people you meet along the way who really impact you, not the scenery.

It was the little old woman in the limoncello shop in Sorrento, Italy, who hugged me like I was her own daughter, and made me believe there are still kind people in the world.

It was the taxi driver in Dublin, Ireland, who made me appreciate my own father, as he spoke of his daughter, pride shining in his eyes.

It was the group of guys we met in Dublin and then met in Amsterdam, who showed me that friendships really can last forever.

It was the hostel manager in Amsterdam who reminded me of home, he wasn’t American, but he made me feel so welcome.

It was the group of friends I made here, who showed me how to trust without a second thought, who taught me that miles don’t mean a thing when you love someone.