I’ve had the privilege to travel to many different countries in my life and I’ve been a different person ever since. Traveling abroad changes a person in more ways than one. Most can be good however the learning process that goes along with it is unmatched. I’ve missed my time abroad every day since I’ve come back.

The Summer of 2015 was life changing. Prior to my trip, the furthest I had ever traveled was Los Angeles. At the time, I was unaware how daunting traveling Europe alone was going to be. I left just after school ended around June and I was beyond excited. My trip began in Frankfurt, Germany and continued to Geneva, Switzerland where I took a flight to Toulouse, France and ended in London, England. My time away was special, however my time in Toulouse was something I could never forget.

I landed in the southern French city towards the end of June originally to see my sister. She was doing a study abroad program for Fresno State and I had to bring her medication. Toulouse was a smaller city compared to other large cities in France. The population was a younger mix of kids due to the large university in the city. I stayed in a three-story hostel about five minutes from the city center which was a great thing but also a curse. Every night I was there, a parade of partygoers would come down my street as they blasted music.

The time I arrived was during the summer solstice or the celebration of St. John the Baptist. The week-long event culminated in an immense festival every night. The festival was a mixture of French culture from all parts of the world. French-speaking African countries along with Spanish-speaking countries as well. I met an amazing friend from South Korea my first night and I continued to meet people from all corners of the globe. The social aspect of traveling alone is something special.

There are many resources to search potential destinations. Take five minutes out of your day and just give it a shot, it may be worthwhile.

The last night of the festival was the biggest party of them all. I was in a group of four people that night but eventually grew to about 10 or 11. That morning I would’ve never guessed I’d be hanging out with someone from Australia, Norway and Brazil. The more I opened myself up, the more I realized how much in common I had with these my fellow travelers.

My trip became characterized not by the things that I saw but the people I met. The friendships I built after letting go of my insecurities are special. Get in touch with the Fresno State study abroad program or look up potential destinations outside of school.  Traveling can have a positive impact on your life, give it a shot.