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I’ve been home for three days and I already want to go back to Prague. Don’t get me wrong, being home is great and my mom’s home cooked meals never get old, but I miss Prague already. The trip home was long and tiring, but I got into Boston just before the huge snowstorm. I was lucky not to get stranded anywhere in Europe or the US, like many of my friends unfortunately did.

As I sit at home, catching up with all of my friends and reflecting on my trip, I can’t believe its over. All I have left of Europe are too many pictures, a whole lot of souvenirs and some awesome memories. Since being home, everyone I see asks me about my trip. I usually respond with a  huge smile, and tell them it was awesome. I say how it was the fastest three months ever, and I want to go back.

So, if you’re thinking about studying abroad here is my advice…. DO IT!!! No matter how  nervous you are, or how much you think you’ll miss your family, friends and school, it’s worth it. I was in tears the night before I left the US because I was so apprehensive about going alone and because I wanted to go back to SMC so badly. As soon as I got to London and met some kids in my program, my nerves were eased. I still missed everyone from time to time, but that’s why they invented Skype.

So, some reasons to study abroad? I guess it’s different for everyone. If you choose a homestay in Ecuador, or decide to hang out on a beach in Costa Rica, your experience is going to be a lot different from mine. Everything I’ve read says things like you mature, gain greater perspective on the world and have a new appreciation for other cultures, which I feel are all true for me to some degree. However, in my opinion, the main reason to study abroad is because it’s fun. It’s unbelievably fun. I had classes three days a week, and then had four days to do whatever I wanted. We explored Prague, went to the bars and clubs, attempted to speak the language (without a whole lot of  success), traveled to other countries, ate delicious foods, met awesome people, and the list goes on…

If you’re looking for a program to use find one that best suits your interests and needs. I was lucky because AIFS provided me with everything I wanted and more. I really can’t say enough good things about the company. They took care of our flights and housing, gave us a pre-paid debit card for meals, and took us to 4 other countries. The staff in Prague was there for us 24 hours a day, and was willing to help us with anything. The cultural activities, from the tours to the weekend trips to the ballets, operas, soccer games, hockey games, etc. were all great. They gave us maps, showed us the good restaurants, where to do our laundry, how to buy cell phones, where to take our visitors and so on. The student center was open 5 days a week, and we could use the computers, print for free and just hang out. It was all really convenient.

My experience in Prague was easily the best three months of my life. I’m sure I probably changed in ways I don’t realize yet, and there are definitely going to be things I miss about the city and Czech culture in general. If I had to the opportunity to go back, or study abroad again, I would without a doubt. So, if you have the chance, study abroad!! I guarantee it will be a positive experience.

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