When I went on my first study abroad exchange in 2019, my entire perspective on the world changed. It wasn’t until after my experience that I started to notice shifts in my thinking and approach to different situations. I began to realize that studying abroad was one of the most educational experiences I had ever encountered.

You may not realize it at first while you’re immersed in the adventure of traveling, but later on, you’ll recognize the countless little things you took away from the experience. These takeaways begin to influence how you think and act. They appear in unexpected moments—a new way of seeing the world, a broadened perspective, or even something as simple as a recipe you picked up along the way. Traveling is an eye-opening experience, one that no history textbook can truly replicate. To understand the world, you have to step out and experience it firsthand. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about feeling them, living them.

I’ll never forget walking into the Colosseum in Rome, trying to absorb the sheer magnitude of its history and beauty. I remember feeling like I needed to pinch myself because it was almost surreal to be there. That moment wasn’t just about admiring an ancient structure, it was about experiencing the depth of history in a way that no classroom lecture ever could. Traveling teaches in ways that books cannot; no amount of reading about Rome could have given me the same knowledge as standing within its walls.

Without a doubt, I had the best four years of college I could have ever asked for. Northern Arizona University provided me with experiences and friendships I will always hold on to forever. My study abroad experiences played a significant role in that. The guidance and support from the International Exchange Office allowed me to take full advantage of these opportunities, and for that, I am forever grateful.

We can listen, read, and stay within the comfort of our classrooms, but experiencing the world firsthand is an entirely different kind of education. Take it from someone who has set foot on two continents, there are still five more I have yet to explore, and each one offers a wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered. The world is full of opportunities to learn, and if you have even the slightest curiosity about what lies beyond your home country, book the flight and go. The education you will gain is far greater than what you could learn in two weeks at a 9-to-5 job or a serving position that feels repetitive every time you clock in and out. If someone tries to discourage you—whether it’s a boss, a colleague, or a friend, remember that they may have never stepped outside their own comfort zone. There is no better time than now.