If I went to Austrailia or Africa and lived there for a good portion of my life - I’d fucking tell the whole world about it and share my experiences.

And nobody could blame me.

In fact, I spent my whole summer talking about and missing Japan. I must have annoyed maybe 99% of everybody I knew. Though I spent only two months abroad, I already knew I accomplished something most people did not. What people don’t seem to understand is just how big of a commitment it is to sign yourself up to pay thousands and thousands of dollars to be alone in a new place, with new faces. 

“I bet you he’ll go on and on about his trip”

“Oh god, he’s talking about Asia again”

No shit, Einstein. People who study abroad are actually risking a lot. They spend months, even years away from their families and friends - risking relationships to change and fall apart. They put themselves out of the loop and out of the comfort of well, ..everything. There were times when I was terrified and there was nothing I could do, no one to reach. There were times when I had the time of my life and all I wanted to do was share it with my loved ones back home. There were times when I would just wish I could teleport and go home to my babies. And there were so, so many times when I wish I had my dog with me.

So when people say they’re thinking of studying abroad, I’m ecstatic. I recommend it, I push them to go (no really, go). It’s something you don’t do very often - if ever, at all - and its something that can and will change your life. And if my life changed because of my experiences, I’d love to share my knowledge with the rest of the world. I would want them to get excited to travel, and maybe embark on their own adventures. I would want them to be happy for me and listen. Like, really listen. Because when they came back, I would also love to listen. I swear to god, study abroad stories are almost always amusing. 

They say people who spend their money on experiences are happier than those who spend it on superficial things. Maybe because people with superficial things are too busy talking smack about those who are actually living life. 

Do things, buy nothings.