Why Studying Abroad Should Be on Your College Bucket List

I recently came home from a Summer A-Term program in Rome, Italy, with the University of  Washington’s Creative Writing Program. I can say, without a sliver of doubt, my time in Rome was the best five weeks of my life.

Since beginning college, countless people have told me their biggest undergrad regret is not studying abroad. I took note, and planned on doing UW’s quarter long English in London program my junior year.

But of course, plans change! In January 2017, God nudged my course away from a government internship and toward the Rome program this summer, and off I went.

The program was truly unforgettable. My group of students spent Monday through Friday seeing sights in Rome, completing writing assignments, and attending class at the UW Rome Center. Our professors took us on field trips to places like Gubbio, Assisi and Sperlonga, and gave us weekends off, giving my roommates and me the opportunity to go to Florence, Naples and even London (for a four-day weekend).

It was whirlwind of learning, adventure and exhaustion. I grew as a writer, as well as a person while making memories I’ll hold close for the rest of my life.

With that being said, I urge every college student to study abroad. Here’s why studying abroad should be on your college bucket list.

1. Save money by seeing the world and earning college credits at the same.

Traveling isn’t cheap. And neither is college. Might as well combine the two and save some $$$! Studying abroad was my first trip to Europe. I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to travel there if not for my study abroad program. Instead of taking classes at UW, I spent my time learning and traveling hands-on in another country.

2. My program was just a quick five weeks, but it was a full fifteen credits.

If you choose the right program, you can swap a quarter on campus for a quarter abroad (which is much more fun)! My program was a full fifteen credits in just five weeks. Because of the fifteen credits from the Rome program and a few other factors, I’ll be graduating from college after just three years.

3. Learn how to be independent, confident and street-smart.

I came back from Europe with a new and genuine confidence in my abilities to ‘adult’ and travel on my own. In tackling taxis, foreign languages, strange new airports, different cultures, and potential dangers, I learned how to navigate stressful situations with a level-head. I learned how to pack and travel, while also learning street-smarts applicable in the United States and abroad.

4. Gain a global perspective of people and culture.

There is a world beyond the United States (whhhaaat?). Whether you go to a highly industrialized country or a poorer one, the global perspective gained from an experience abroad is priceless. As human beings, we face similar trials, emotions and struggles despite location, culture or language. Use studying abroad as an opportunity to be thankful for your blessings and appreciate other cultures.

5. (Especially for writers) Explore new settings and ideas.

This one is HUGE (for me at least). I’m a very visual person. Seeing new places and having new experiences greatly helps me improve as a writer.

6. Learn flexibility and resilience when things don’t go as planned.

Things will go wrong. You will get lost. Something will get stained, or lost, or broken or stolen. It’s life. Time abroad teaches you to let the little things go and focus on the things that matter.

7. Make new friends.

I had five roommates in a two bedroom apartment. Fortunately for us, all six of us became close friends immediately. We got along really well, and this was part of why I had such a positive experience. Whether it turns out to be your roommate(s) or people in your program, you are bound to make special friends! You will be sharing a unique experience that will keep you connected for years to come.

8. Make international friends.

You never know who you’ll meet! I met a few people in Italy and the UK. Though I didn’t make any close friends, you might! Studying abroad is also an opportunity to reconnect with friends who live abroad. I went to Naples for a weekend to see one of my friends from high school (shout out to Bianca!) and had an AMAZING time catching up, rekindling our friendship, and having the chance to see her city.

9. Connect with professors for advice and recommendation letters.

It is hard to get recommendation letters at big school like the UW. Quarters are short, classes are big, and office hours are super awkward. Studying abroad is a natural setting to get to know a professor on a personal level. Afterward they should easily be able to write you a genuine and authentic letter for grad school!

10. There are often great scholarships to go, so don’t let the cost stop you!

I wrote a few essays and earned $2,000 for my Rome program. Yep. It was that easy. A lot of people don’t know how many resources are available to them! All it takes is a little digging. Studying abroad isn’t as expensive as you may think.

11. Country-hopping on the weekends.

For my four day weekend, two roommates and I flew to London. We just bought cheap airline tickets and went. It was crazy! It was a quick bit of time there, but we had the adventure of our lives. Everything in Europe is so close. Don’t limit yourself to the country you choose to study abroad in!

12. It’s the best time to be away.

What better time will you have to see the world for several weeks or months at a time? In college, we don’t have full-time jobs, spouses or children to keep us in one place. So with no long term commitments, why not go?

13. Get in shape.

I walked EVERYWHERE. I stayed in better shape than I thought I would (even with all that delicious Italian food I ate).

14. Try awesome food.

This may depend on the location, but I can definitely attest that Italy has amazing food. I must recommend the gnocchi and gelato.

15. Make your favorite college memories. 

This is the time to have an opportunity and memory you’ll never forget. Take a leap of faith to create what will be one of your most unique college memories, and most likely your favorite. 🙂

Happy traveling!