So I've officially been back in the states now for  11 days. I miss the rolling green hills of England, all of my friends that are now home too, and I definitely miss being able to get on a train and head to cities like London, Edinburgh and Liverpool. Study Abroad was one of the best things to ever happen to me. So I made a list of 10 things that it has taught me. 

1. Attitude is everything. If you don't make an effort to have fun, meet new people and explore new things then maybe it's not for you. There were definitely days where I knew I was being a brat because I couldn't make going to a certain place fit in my calendar. I had to give myself a little you're in Europe and you're letting this one thing/person get to you. Talk.

2. It's not where you go, it's who you travel with. One of the friends I made on this trip told me this near the beginning of the semester. And he was 110% right. I found this out the hard way when I went to Ireland and my friends didn't go, yes I had fun, but I knew the sadness in my heart was because I wanted them to be there with me experiencing the whole thing. 

3. Public Transportation isn't scary. Getting on the bus, and the train then the tube and going through an airport by myself was a daunting thought before I left. But I did it. I probably won't ride public buses at home because I have a car, but it's not as scary to think about anymore. 

4. You'll be more independent. Because now you can ride the tube from Kings Cross to Picadilly Circus by yourself. You can take a flight to Barcelona and back to London, and also from Venice to Prague by yourself. It's nerve wracking but also thrilling when it's over. 

5. You'll miss weird things. I didn't miss my house when I was abroad, but I definitely missed things like cheesecurds and Culvers icecream when I was in England. 

6. You'll miss things about the country you lived in. I've been gone for a little more than a week and I literally miss everything about England so much. 

7.  You learn about yourself. and about what kind of people you want to hang out with

8. Time management is different when you're never at school on the weekends. I never stayed up working on homework past 1am on purpose before studying abroad

9.  Getting lost isn't a bad thing. Yea knowing where you're going is really helpful, but taking a wrong turn down a street can lead to some pretty cool stuff.

10. You meet amazing people. I haven't seen them in a few weeks and it actually hurts my heart, because we spent everyday together.

If you're thinking about studying abroad, GO FOR IT. do it. It's the best thing that will ever happen to you. And you will honestly have the best time.