If you read my last column, you’re probably pretty confused, but hear me out. Kent State University is a great place to learn, but I never truly appreciated it until I left my sophomore year to study abroad.

When I came back to the U.S., my outlook on Kent State had completely changed. I realized how much more is out there, and if I worked hard enough in school, I could continue to explore different countries.

Studying abroad gives you an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, to meet people from different cultures and travel to amazing locations.

Think about it: You probably aren’t married and probably don’t have children. After graduation it’s almost impossible to pick your life up and relocate to a foreign country for four months. But as an undergraduate student it’s much easier.

Of course, there is a cost associated with studying abroad. But there are scholarship opportunities available for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Studying abroad isn’t just about traveling. It’s about the experience you get from living in a foreign country and learning about a foreign culture. It’s also a great conversation starter in interviews, and it shows employers you are able to adapt in today’s ever-changing world.

During my time abroad, I learned far more outside of the classroom than I could ever learn in the classroom, and to me, that is invaluable.

Kent State has programs in Florence, Italy, and Geneva, Switzerland. Students can search the Office of Global Education’s website for programs in all corners of the world.

There are much bigger things happening in the world than what we’re exposed to at Kent State, and I challenge you to go be a part of them.