3 Lessons Learned from Studying Abroad

By: Josephine White

#1: Do the Homestay, Seriously.
When I say do a homestay, I mean it with every fiber of my being. Study abroad isn’t just about traveling and snapping photos in beautiful places—it’s about diving headfirst into a culture that’s not your own. From the moment I began planning my trip to Portugal, I knew I wanted to fully immerse myself in Portuguese life, and doing a homestay was the perfect way to do that. Was I scared? Of course. The unknown is daunting. But often, on the other side of that fear is the kind of experience that shapes your life. That was exactly the case for me.

A few months before leaving, CIEE asked me to fill out a housing form. I honestly don’t remember much of what I wrote—except that I requested no young kids, please! And then, a few days before my program started, I met Carla, my homestay mom, and I instantly knew I was in good hands. Living with her and her two daughters turned out to be the highlight of my time in Portugal. Sure, I battled homesickness, but their warmth and kindness made their home feel like my own. Every night, we’d gather for dinner, debrief our days, swap stories, and laugh until our sides hurt. Even their cat, Chanel—the true queen of the house—became part of my little Portuguese family. When I think about my time abroad, I think of them first. They’re my second family and one of the most meaningful reasons I’ll always want to return to Portugal.

#2: Embrace Doing Things Alone.
This was one of the hardest lessons for me. Back home, I was used to always having friends or family close by. But in Portugal, things were different. Living in a homestay meant my friends weren’t just down the hall, ready for impromptu plans. At first, I hated it. I felt isolated, unsure of how to spend all this newfound “me” time.

But then, something shifted. I started to enjoy my own company. I could take my time exploring the things I wanted to see, reflect on what really mattered to me, and work on becoming the best version of myself. That time alone became a gift—a chance to grow in ways I hadn’t expected. Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre once said, “If you are lonely when you’re alone, you are in bad company.” I learned how to be comfortable with myself, and honestly, that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me for life.

#3: Just Do It.
I know it’s a cliché, but hear me out—if there’s something you’re hesitant to do, just take the leap. You’ll waste so much time overthinking and talking yourself out of it. Rip off the bandaid and go for it.

One of my favorite memories is from a solo day in Morocco. My friends had already left, but I had one more day, and I really wanted to visit Essaouira. I was nervous to go alone, but after doing some research and planning, I decided to just go. It ended up being one of the most magical days of my life—horseback riding on a beach, eating incredible food, and feeling completely alive in the moment.

Of course, safety comes first. But beyond that, don’t be afraid to take a risk. You never know what beauty and joy could be waiting on the other side of your hesitation.

Wrapping It Up
Studying abroad has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It’s helped me grow independently, broaden my perspective, and deepen my appreciation for our beautiful, diverse world. The planet is vast, and now I’m even more motivated to explore every corner of it. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, do it. You’ll come back with stories, growth, and memories that will stay with you forever.

Get out there and see the world.

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