Not Studying Abroad: What it Taught Me.

My 38th birthday is this Sunday. And it took me 37 years to finally make it to Europe. Something doesn’t seem right about that.

But the younger me once had the opportunity. I didn’t take it, and it’s one of the biggest regrets of my life.

During the fall of my sophomore year at Ole Miss, I started investigating options on studying aboard. I honestly can’t remember how or why, but I was somehow led to a program at Florida State University to study in London that coming summer. I applied, was accepted and started figuring out how I would do it, pay for it, the whole nine yards. Interject - a boy.

As luck would have it, I met a guy early that spring semester and “love” swept me off my feet. I quickly declined my acceptance and put London in the rear-view mirror.

Sure, the dude and I grew to be serious, and I spent too many years with him, letting the world pass me by. When I became single at 24, I was busy building my career and learning a new dating world (because I thought EVERYONE was married by 24, ha!). I was more focused on the present, rather than pipe dreams of jumping the pond.

But then I met “the one”. The right one! And so, we got busy making memories, going to the beach, then eventually got married and had kids. You know the drill, don’t you!? So here I am, inching toward 40 and hadn’t taken the time to venture to the other side of the Atlantic; until about a month ago. My sister-in-law and mother-in-law did it! Paris and London!

Reflecting on the 15,000 miles I have traveled in the past 28 days, I thought of the importance of conveying to you sweet parents about the treasured opportunity your student is presented with; to study abroad at this tender age, before “life” really happens. We will be bringing you a series of articles in the coming weeks from past students who have studied in different parts of the world. I am so looking forward to reading their experiences and perspectives. Tune in tomorrow for Part 1: Costa Rica!

Ole Miss offers a great plethora of opportunities to study abroad. Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that you can study abroad for the same cost of tuition at Ole Miss? You are already paying for tuition, why not pay the same and study where ever their heart is content?!

This might be the best gift you could ever give your student! Check out the Ole Miss Study Aboard Office here.