Here are the top five reasons why you should travel abroad:

1. Exposure

The college experience is all about exposure to new things. In college, you are introduced to new perspectives, lifestyles and choices. Your exposure to these new ideas, identities and incidents will shape your own view of the world in ways you can't completely calculate. If you have the opportunity to expose yourself to another country, you have to take it. Immerse yourself in this new cultural experience, and embrace difference.

2. Language development

There is no better way to learn a language than traveling abroad. When you travel abroad, you never turn off your language skills. You are forced to employee what you know on a daily basis. Your vocabulary, pronunciation and overall comfort-level can't help but improve in such an environment. And unlike classroom learning, the language skills you will pick up while living abroad aren't easily forgotten. Your language abilities are imprinted with practical functionality, so they tend to stick in your mind longer.

3. Add variety to your academic experience

Four years at the same institution can lag a bit. You have to mix it up when it comes to your academic development. Trying new things and taking classes outside of your comfort zone is always recommended. Physically removing yourself from your own country creates an interesting learning opportunity. You aren't sidetracked by the typical distractions. You work hard and learn more, because it's a more exciting and streamlined learning environment.

4. Networking

You always hear how college is all about networking. What's cooler than having an international member in your network of associations? Imagine traveling back to the place where you studied abroad, after about ten years have passed. Wouldn't it be nice to meet up with your local contact, who you've kept in touch with through the years. Friends in foreign places can come in handy in a variety of situations. Having a friend with a different perspective is a good idea, but having a friend based in another country is brilliant.

5. Travel while you learn

When you travel abroad, you get to travel! While in total school mode, you can still do fun touristy things like explore museums, architecture, places of historical interest and so on. Traveling abroad lets you play while you work, because as soon as you are out of class, you are in full discovery mode. Embrace every travel opportunity that comes your way, especially one where you are guaranteed to learn.

You owe it to yourself to travel abroad. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that's available for a limited time only. Take full advantage of it while you still can.