This article was published in this semester’s second edition of IMAGE Magazine, available on newsstands around campus.

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will open the door to people and experiences that would never happen while staying on the TCU campus for the semester.

Take a selfie with a kangaroo — check. Ride an elephant in Bali — check. Explore the Australian outback — check. Make friends from around the world — check. Snorkel in Australia — check. Study abroad 10,501 miles away from TCU — check.

Everyone’s study abroad experience is unique, but how many people can say that they lived in a different country for five months?

The sports games, the late night Fuzzy’s, the Greek parties and anything else that you might miss while you are studying abroad will still be there when you come home.

Those sports games you might miss will be filled with new athletic events in your country of choice. The late night Fuzzy’s will be substituted with new delicious foods that do not exist back in the U.S. The Greek parties will be upgraded to wine tours on beautiful country sides.

Most likely never again will you have the opportunity to pick up everything, drop your responsibilities and spend months in a country completely different than your own.

By studying abroad, you will become more marketable to future grad schools and future employers. Your new intangible skills will include independence, time management, social skills and self-confidence.

You will be forced outside your cultural comfort zone which will teach you more about yourself than you would have expected. You will see our country through an outsider’s eyes. Your views may be challenged, but you will become a better person for it.

Why not study abroad?