Growing up I never really took any family vacations, mostly short weekend trips to my neighboring state of Wisconsin. It was not until my junior that I really decided that I wanted to start traveling. A few of my cousins study abroad, so I decided that I would give it a shot and apply for to few options.
With my major being quite specific a full spring or fall semester was not an option, so I opted to due a summer abroad. I narrowed it down to a few different options to South Africa, New Zealand/Australia, or Denmark. All of the options had to deal with sustainability, wildlife economy, or a combination of both.
I ended up going with South Africa, for a few reasons. First, it had the best scholarship option, I ended up getting a scholarship for $6.000. This pretty much cost the whole trip, minus my plane ticket. Son in total for 3 weeks in South Africa it cost me about $2.000. Always look for scholarships, some of them are really easy to get.
The second reason I picked South Africa was to get out of my comfort zone. I am one usually keeps to himself, but I decided I wanted to give it a try, and this was probably one of the best parts. I met my now best friend by spending a 12 hour layover in Doha together.
Studying abroad really changed my views on travel, and honestly made me fall in love with it. If I did not take this opportunity I do not think I would have the passion to do it today. If you have the chance to study abroad, do not second guess it. Instead go live the dream and enjoy it to the fullest.
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