I can't wait to go back!

I'm aware that there are a lot of people out there afraid to study abroad in a foreign country, and I totally understand. Believe me, I was terrified before my program started in Quito, Ecuador, but it was all entirely worth it! Studying abroad in Ecuador was the scariest, bravest and most adventurous experience of my life to date. Of course I was afraid to speak in Spanish for four-and-a-half months. Yes, I was worried about living with a host family. Sure, I cried a couple of times because I missed my family back home in the States. I have to say, however, that I would not have changed my experience for the world. Before heading to Ecuador, I was scared to give a five-minute presentation in Spanish. After leaving, I gave five or six 25-30 minute presentations entirely in Spanish with EASE. I can't promise that everything will be easy, but I can promise it'll be worth any pain it may cause you. My confidence in myself and in my Spanish-speaking abilities SOARED during my experience abroad, and I now feel capable of so much more than I had previously imagined.