I’m back in the states and still jetlagged. I’ve been reflecting on my time abroad and I have no regrets. In many ways, being abroad felt like I was gone for years, but now that I am back, it feels as though I left for New Zealand yesterday. It was such a short time period that was packed with so much experience that when I think back on everything, I find it hard to believe that it all was possible in a span of five months.

Here are some lessons I learned and some advice I would give anyone going abroad.

After leaving New Zealand towards the end of June, I have been home for about two and a half weeks now. The adjustment has been somewhat strange; however, being home and back in warm weather has made the transition much easier than I anticipated. Not only this, but being able to come back and share all my memories and travels during my time abroad has also been very enjoyable, simply by being able to relive all the amazing moments and trips I had been able to experience during my time in New Zealand.

As my days start to dwindle in the place that so quickly became my home a little under five months ago, I have just begun visiting all my favorite places around Christchurch for the last time. It has been such a rare, unique experience for me, and I really could not imagine studying anywhere else. For anyone considering studying abroad, do it. You are going to challenge yourself in ways you never thought you needed and are going to grow in so many ways you had not even thought about prior.

A couple months later, and here I am, back in the United States. I can’t say I was excited to leave, but I had an absolutely lovely and meaningful last week, saying goodbye to all of the people and places that made my time in Santiago everything that it turned out to be.

While studying abroad itself is a fantastic opportunity and privilege, it comes with a pernicious sense of missing out. No matter how much you do, there is the feeling that you could do more, appreciate more, savor more. You could’ve climbed a little bit higher, tried a little more adventurous food, lingered in front of that piece of art just a little more.

Although Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, it was very intimate and tight-knit. As soon as we arrived, we headed out to walk around the city. There were so many hills, narrow streets, stairs, and colorful buildings covered in beautiful tile (Tip #1: if you decide to visit, be sure to take comfortable walking shoes because the streets are slippery and uneven—I made the mistake of wearing sandals all weekend). The city looks very old, but it felt very young and vibrant!

Another week, another trip!! As my days abroad come to an end, my friends and I have been stressed planning last-minute trips before we leave. Having only visited Auckland in the north island so far, we felt a trip around the entire island was necessary! So, we booked a campervan for the week, hopped on a plane, and got ready for a week-long road trip all around the north island. We Landed in Wellington and immediately picked up our campervan, quickly heading along our travel route.

The Uni gives students a week off before final examinations, and in this short break, my friends and I decided to head to Sydney, Australia! Prior to our trip, we tried planning out our days and figuring out what all we could pack into a quick, five-day trip to the infamous city! We spent most of our time walking around and exploring, which took up a lot of our time during the days. We were fortunate enough to visit during June, which was prime time for the Vivid Festival that goes on for about two to three weeks each year.

When walking down the streets of Dublin, you pass numerous shops, pubs, restaurants, and (so many) Carroll's Gifts. As a current city-dweller in America, I found Dublin to be very similar to where I live in Pittsburgh. However, Dublin has a couple key differences. Dublin is older, cleaner, friendlier, and has an 815-year-old castle at its center. No big deal, right?

After being back in the United States for a while, I have been able to reflect on my time in South Africa. I absolutely do not regret studying abroad; in fact, I am so proud of myself for doing so. I realize more and more every day that studying abroad while in college is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.