A couple years ago, I would have told you that I didn’t have what it takes to study abroad: I didn’t have the guts to be away from home for months at a time or in another country, and I definitely would have not been able to afford it. For the most part, I still couldn’t really afford it, and I could not do your typical semester-long study abroad, but my attitude towards the experience has changed drastically. I wholeheartedly recommend it. I believe you will reap the benefits of studying abroad, like becoming a more outgoing and cultured individual, no matter the duration of the program you choose.

 

Studying abroad is usually thought of as a semester long stay in another country, taking a handful of classes and immersing yourself into the culture of your choice. But that long of a duration may not be for everyone, myself included. The three trips I’ve went on since May 2011 have allowed me to take three different classes, for a cumulative one and a half months spent somewhere other than small-town Wisconsin.

 

Now tell me, how is that any different than your typical study abroad experience? I spent nearly two months in different places throughout Europe and the United States and gained credits towards my education. Although it wasn’t a full immersion, I was still able to get a sense of the area and the culture. As long as you are able to learn something from your experience abroad, the duration of your stay does not make a difference. Time abroad is time abroad.

 

When I first came to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, I was a shy, reclusive student who barely left her dorm room and went home every weekend. I’m not saying this is a bad way to go about your college experience, but I was fully aware that I was missing out and I no longer wanted to go about my life this way.

 

That was January, a year ago. That was also when I heard some friends of mine discussing a class that I had wanted to take that was only available abroad; I knew that this was my chance to change and I haven’t looked back since.

 

I’ve changed so much since my first college days. I’ve since gained the confidence I’ve always wanted, I am more outgoing and I’ve made so many new friends. Yes, you can gain these things by going to events or joining organizations on campus (and I’ve done it that way as well this past year), but I really was able to discover myself and the world around me via the study abroad programs.

 

Studying abroad is not something you simply jump into; it is a big commitment and sometimes an even bigger sum of money added on top of your current tuition, but really, can you put a price on an experience like this? Trust me when I say it will be worth every single penny. Your biggest dilemma will be deciding where to go. The world is at your feet and deciding to study abroad is just the first step.