The beginning of studying abroad.

When I boarded the plane for my time studying abroad, I was mostly thinking about food, sightseeing, and somehow surviving my classes in a totally new country. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the friendships I made would shape my experience—and honestly, change my life.

Italy lasted 5 months. The architecture, pasta, and weekend trips were to die for, but in the end, the people I had the please of meeting made it unforgettable. Getting tossed into a new environment is so exhilarating and isolating and bonding. It really forces you to get to know the people you’re with as you encounter this amazing and scary shared experience.. Whether it was getting lost in Venice with my roommate or navigating awkward language barriers with local students, those moments built friendships that felt deeper than some I’ve had for years.

The friendships.

I still remember when I met my friend Jess, another exchange student from Canada, at orientation. We instantly clicked, and travelled together almost every weekend. From hiking the Amalfi Coast to sipping espresso in random piazzas, we shared experiences that made us more like family than friends. And it wasn’t just other international students—getting to know locals was life-changing, too. My flatmate Luca introduced me to real homemade carbonara and took me to his family’s vineyard. Being included in everyday Italian life provided so much insight into their culture. I think it may have done more than any text book even could.

The struggles while studying abroad.

But it wasn’t always easy. I definitely experienced struggles with homesickness, especially in the first few weeks of studying abroad. According to The Guardian, over 60% of students worry about homesickness when moving away for university—and I was 100% one of them. I was thousands of miles from home, in a place where even grocery shopping was anxiety inducing. What got me through it was leaning into the community around me. Joining clubs, attending local events, even just grabbing gelato with classmates—it all helped me feel more at home.

The growth.

These friendships didn’t just help emotionally, either. I grew so much as a person. Experiencing people from all over the world challenged the way I think. I learned how to adapt, communicate across cultures, and be open to perspectives I’d never considered before. According to Educatly, networking and building connections while abroad doesn’t just help socially—it can have a big impact on your career, too. I’ve already seen that. One of the people I met abroad ended up helping me land a summer internship at an international company.

My life now.

What surprises me most is how these connections have lasted. Even though have scattered across different continents, we still text, Zoom, and plan reunions. These people are part of my life now. They were there for me when I was first lost in a new city—literally and figuratively—and helped me find my way.

So, if you’re thinking about studying abroad, do it. Not just for the travel or the classes, but for the friendships. They’ll make you laugh until you are fully doubled over, teach you things you may not have ever learned, and stick with you long after your suitcase is unpacked.

Studying abroad changed my life—but more than anything, the people I met changed me.