Life changing experience

My experience with this program was amazing. This wasn't my first experience abroad, but it gave me such a great sense of self. My host family embraced me as if I was truly part of the family and the adventures with friends will never be forgotten. I would and do recommend a study abroad for anyone.
My only regret was not keeping in touch with friends from the program.
This experience gave me such a level of confidence and self sufficiency, it has continued to influence my decisions. When you are capable of thriving in another culture in a distant place; it changes how you view not just the world but more importantly your own abilities.
I would recommend staying flexible. Some of my favorite memories are from last minute trips with no plan. We just went. My favorite memory is of a friend and I taking out a map, closing our eyes and pointing to the next place we were going.