Travel has always stirred my heart. I love the idea of adventuring to new places, experimenting with new foods and cultures, and learning as much as I can. I’ve never been afraid of being somewhere new, and I’ll always advocate for someone to experience this, too, as early as they can.

So, for anyone considering studying abroad, here are six reasons why you absolutely should.

1. Studying abroad will scare you

It’s good to be scared, to be pushed out of your comfort zone, to be challenged to do something new, or to go somewhere you’ve never been. Travel does all of this, and it has a beautiful way of both humbling you and showing you who you really are.

If you’re scared, it’s because you’re on the edge of something really exciting. Change is always terrifying, but when you lean into the fear,  you’ll allow yourself to experience something far greater than you imagined.

2. You’ll learn—both about yourself and the world

When you study abroad, you’ll learn so much. You’ll learn about life in other places; you’ll learn about different belief systems, truths, art, culture, food, and history; and you’ll learn about how different civilizations and people thrive.

But that’s not even close to all you’ll learn.

When you’re outside of your comfort zone, you’ll see the world beyond your bubble. You’ll see some of the most majestic sites. You’ll learn about history and people and artists who have shaped the world. You’ll stand under the Sistine Chapel for almost an hour, craning your neck to study the brushstrokes, to imagine the hours and the diligence in creating something so powerful.

You’ll understand the subway system, the sculptures, the different tastes and smells. You’ll learn your limits. You’ll learn that almost anything is accessible by foot. You’ll learn to spend money wisely. You’ll learn to spend money on experiences. You’ll learn to love the world outside what you’re used to.

And you’ll learn about yourself, too.

3. You’ll become more humble

When you’re overlooking the thumbnail-sized towns from your airplane seat, when you’re standing under the 17-foot statue of David with his perfectly chiseled muscles and realistic facial expression, when you try a meat sauce that’s been handed down for three generations, when you think about religious persecution as you stand in the middle of a famous church—you’ll realize how minuscule you are in the big scheme of things.

And you’ll become humble, simply listening and taking it all in.

4. You’ll experience life differently

Studying abroad allows you to see life through a new lens.

Suddenly, the world is exciting and new. The sites, ruins, sculptures, and artwork aren’t just pictures in a textbook. They become tangible, something you can touch, admire, and ponder.

The world suddenly becomes this place you can discover, and there is so much to learn, so much to see, and so many new experiences to say ‘yes’ to.

5. You’ll learn to slow down

That’s the beauty of studying abroad—you learn to slow down.

In a foreign country, you can turn off your social media and live a life without distractions and drama. Other things will become more important, like sharing stories and ideas with others, slurping rich and cheesy Carbonara pasta, staying up to watch the sunrise over Anacapri, riding in a gondola across Venice, trying different wines and gelatos, dancing ridiculously to Americanized techno in an Italian club, or just sitting quietly and admiring nature.

Suddenly deadlines, demands, and decisions won’t have as much relevance. You won’t have to stress about what you need to do. You can just be.

6. And finally, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the life you live

While returning home after traveling can be bittersweet because you’ve learned to love the places you’ve been, there’s something special about reconnecting with the place that feels the most like you.

Suddenly, you’re able to see the little things you’ve taken for granted, the special people around you, and the simple beauty of the world outside your bedroom window.

While you’ll miss—and parts of you may even grieve—where you traveled to, you’ll also be reunited with what feels safe, wholesome, and familiar.

And that’s beautiful in its own right.