Suddenly, you find your senses much more in tune with all of the quaint little details of modern life. The smells wafting from the bakery down the street seem that much more enticing, the children holding hands walking down the street look that much more joyful. When you're in a new place, you notice these little things more than you ever have bothered to before.
2. You take a lot more of your mother's advice than you ever thought you would.
When you're out there on your own in a foreign country, suddenly mom's warnings to "bring an umbrella in case it rains" or "make sure you wear a jacket so you don't catch a chill" seem to make a lot more sense. In other words, you learn that you know how to take care of yourself without anyone throwing you reminders.
3. You have a better sense of direction than you thought you did. (or at least you can sort it out eventually)
Many of us who grew up in small towns have never actually truly been lost. This is one fact that studying abroad will definitely change. The thing is, you learn that being lost is not always the worst thing in the world. You will discover that there is always someone willing to give you directions, or a map you can examine, or a bus you can hop on, or, suddenly you will turn that last corner and find yourself exactly where you wanted to be. Believe it or not, getting lost is one of the beautiful mysteries of studying abroad. It teaches you to be resourceful, calm and learn to trust your instincts.
4. You do not actually mind being alone.
If nothing else, studying abroad will teach you that one of the most perfect ways to explore is when you are totally alone. It eliminates any need to move at a quick pace to please others, and allows you to meander and finally duck into that little shop you have been rushing past for weeks. Wandering alone does a lot to eliminate the hustle and bustle of modern life and let you relax into your own rhythm. (Now of course this isn't to encourage you to wander out alone on your first day, let yourself get familiar with the place first, and then when you know the limits and how to stay safe, go for it!)
5. Maybe the place you came from is a lot more beautiful than you appreciated before you left.
When you study abroad, you will see a million different things. Many will be breathtaking and perfect, but not all of them will be good. In my time, I definitely learned to appreciate the elegance of my own home. The comfort of your own bed is something to be treasured every night, and the joy of being around your family is something never to be forgotten. That being said, maybe, like me, you have to go abroad to truly appreciate those things.
I suppose going abroad cements who you are as a person. It introduces you to sides of yourself that you never knew existed, but also brings you full circle to appreciate and love where you came from even more deeply. I would not trade what it has taught me for anything.
~ C. 20, Galway.
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