I arrived back from Lisbon last night after a 17 hour travel day. Three flights and two connections was all it took to bring an end to my time abroad. Looking back on my study abroad experience, it feels like it started yesterday and months ago at the same time. I was gone for two and a half weeks and visited five cities across four countries. Yes, it was a lot and yes, I am exhausted. I have now been through more airports and learned more public transportation systems than I originally knew existed. I have returned home with greater perspective, a desire to continue traveling, and an appreciation for other cultures.
I highly recommend taking any opportunity that comes your way to go anywhere. If I have learned anything, it’s that there really isn’t a bad place to travel for at least for a day. There are so many more scholarships available for study abroad than you might think and it does not take that much effort to seek them out. I have yet to meet a person that has regretted going abroad. If you are like me and going abroad for the very first time, I think a shorter trip is a great way to dip your toe in the water. If you are a little more adventurous and free spirited, try a semester. Whatever you do, take advantage of the opportunity to do it while you’re young, because 26,000 steps in a day won’t always feel so good.
