Many students would love to study abroad but they are fearful the classes they take while abroad will not apply towards their degree or that they may not be able to afford it.

Before I studied abroad, I was really worried about financial aid and how it might affect my graduation date. Luckily, with the guidance of the Office of International education and my advisers, I was able to find a solution to all of my concerns.

Many students worry about whether or not the classes they take would count towards their degree. Well, that is why you have advisers! Your adviser can help you with any questions you may have regarding your major or studying abroad.

When I studied abroad, I made beautiful memories that helped me fight back the homesickness. Yes, it is tough to be thousands of miles away from friends and family. However, what kept me going was the realization that when I returned to the US, I would be a stronger and more confident person with great stories to tell.

When I arrived at San Jose, Costa Rica, I remember how limited I was with my Spanish speaking skills. I even doubted the simple question, “¿cómo estás?” This was exactly why I decided to go to a Spanish speaking country – to improve my Spanish.

However, I soon realized that there is so much more to studying abroad than just the academic benefits. I began having the desire to travel. I want to see what the world has to offer.

As a child, I always knew that the world is humongous, but I never thought of going and seeing it for myself. I used to believe that magazines and television showed me enough of the world, but that is no longer enough for me.

Through my classes and my experience of living with a host family, I saw the reality of Costa Rica. I even got to see the famous Arenal Volcano, the youngest and still active volcano in Costa Rica. With all this in mind, the precious memory that continues to stay in my heart is the farewel dinner that the study abroad program provided for us.

Everybody looked beautiful. We all dressed up for a night to remember. The dinner was held at night at the top of a mountain. We could see the whole city of San Jose from where we stood. The city’s lights shimmered from afar. It was gorgeous. We ate together, spoke about future plans, hugged and promised to never forget what we had gained from our study abroad experience. It left a very big impact on me.

I realized that we only have one life to experience, and we must work hard to make the best of it. We must acknowledge that the world is incredibly big and we must take chances to see what the world has in store for us. I hope that other students take these chances and are able to share in my experience.

This life-changing journey began because I wanted to improve my Spanish. Although I learned so much more than just the language, I do not regret my initial motivation to study abroad. Without the desire to learn Spanish and to go to another country, I would not be the person I am today.

If you have even the slightest thought of studying abroad, take that first step and go ask for more information! Do not let your worries stop you.