I sat on the edge of the plane, legs dangling over 13,500 feet of open sky, a backpack pressed against my spine and my heartbeat louder than the wind. Right before we fell, one thought slipped in: If little Ella could see me right now, she wouldn’t believe this.
When I was younger, I was confident and curious. I could sing onstage in front of hundreds without a second thought, fueled by this sense of bravery. But over time, that feeling dimmed. Fear became louder. I avoided rollercoasters, risky moments, anything with the slightest chance of going wrong.
And yet, somehow, I found myself there- high above Interlaken, toes over the edge, about to jump into something I couldn’t fully see.
What surprised me wasn’t the fall. It was the clarity. A sudden reminder that courage isn’t something you lose- it’s something you can grow back into. Studying abroad felt a lot like that. Standing at the edge of something unfamiliar, heart racing, not entirely sure what comes next- but choosing to go anyway. Because once you see the world from a new angle- whether 13,500 feet up or wandering a city far from home- you realize how small fear really is, and how big life can be.
What Studying Abroad Really Teaches You
Lean on your support system- but learn to enjoy your own company.
The people around you will get you through the hard moments and celebrate the unforgettable ones. Stay connected to your loved ones at home, but also invest in the relationships you make while abroad. Say yes to the coffee runs, the spontaneous train rides, the classmate who asks if you want to explore a neighborhood you’ve never heard of.
At the same time, don’t underestimate the power of being alone. Some of the most grounding moments come from walking a foreign street by yourself, sitting in a café with your journal, or navigating a challenge without anyone else to rely on. You learn that independence isn’t loneliness- it’s confidence growing quietly.
Be open, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Meeting new people, trying new foods, speaking a language that isn’t your own- none of it feels natural at first. But the second you step outside what’s familiar, life expands. The more you say yes, the more the world says yes back.
Let go of the need to have everything figured out.
Abroad life is a constant mix of missed trains, surprising detours, breathtaking views, and tiny victories. The uncertainty is part of the magic and once you stop trying to control every moment, you make room for experiences you couldn’t have planned if you tried.
Closing Thought
Studying abroad isn’t about becoming a different person- it’s about rediscovering the parts of yourself you didn’t realize had gone quiet. It’s the moment your feet leave the edge of the plane and you remember, Oh right. I can be brave.
Written By: Ella Comparato
Learn more about our abroad experience here!
