“Study abroad” is a chance to pursue your college studies in a foreign country. Students attend lectures or carry out research at a foreign university or through their home university's study-abroad program. Participants typically live in a residence hall, apartment, or with a local family through a homestay. Some students enroll in an international program for a semester or a year, but others take the full plunge and earn their entire degrees in a different country.
Everyone has different reasons for studying abroad. Your college counselor will tell you that studying abroad looks great on your resume, which is certainly true. You might feel giddy at the prospect of your Instagram feed looking like a glossy travel guidebook. Plus, few people would deny the opportunity to eat delicious, authentic foods like Spanish chorizo or Italian risotto. But why you should study abroad isn't just about the photos, food, or even a nice line on your resume; it's also about self-discovery.