I don’t have a digital passport. I didn’t come to this realization until I had waited in the digital passport line for over two hours, and when it was finally my turn, I was told I was in the wrong line. The Lisbon airport was bustling with thousands of tourists, travelers, locals and newly arriving students like me; it was overwhelming to say the least.  

My journey had started seven hours earlier when my mother and grandmother dropped me off at the Boston airport, and we shared a teary-eyed goodbye as I left to start a new chapter of my life. This was my first time leaving the country by myself and my first time visiting Europe. I was excited, nervous and scared, but deep down I had a gut feeling that this chapter would change me in profound ways.  

Within those first few days in Portugal, I fell in love. I was staying at a hostel in the heart of downtown Lisbon; I was surrounded by the lively and energetic streets of the city. Every morning, on my way to class, I would walk out of the hostel and be immediately taken aback by the atmosphere. It never got old. I became more aware of the life around me and the elegance of the city’s history. This shift in perspective is common among students who study abroad.  

A study done by the Institute for the International Education of Students found that 82% of alumni reported gaining a more nuanced and sophisticated perspective on the world through their study abroad experience. Additionally, another study conducted by the IES found that more than 97% of participants said studying abroad helped them discover something new about themselves. Living in Lisbon allowed me to slow down, observe more, and appreciate perspectives and ways of life different from my own. 

Before studying abroad, I believed I knew myself well. Yet the experience revealed there was still so much about myself waiting to be discovered. My newfound love for pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese custard tart, was one example. While seemingly trivial, moments like these reflected how naturally I began embracing unfamiliar experiences and adapting to a different culture.  

The transformation I experienced was not limited to who I was. It also shaped who I hope to become. 

Part of my time abroad was spent in a consulting program, where I worked with local companies to solve real business challenges. Through this experience, I learned how to approach complex problems, collaborate with a team and communicate ideas in a professional setting. These skills are increasingly valuable in the modern workforce, where employers place a strong emphasis on global awareness and cross-cultural competence. Because relatively few U.S. undergraduate students study abroad, those who do often gain a competitive advantage in the job market.  

Despite these benefits, studying abroad is not without its challenges. Leaving behind family, friends and familiar routines can be intimidating, especially for students traveling internationally for the first time. There are also financial barriers that can make the opportunity inaccessible for many, which I recognize I was fortunate to navigate. I lived through this uncertainty as I navigated airports, public transportation and life in a country where everything felt unfamiliar. Yet these challenges became some of the most valuable parts of the experience. The discomfort I initially felt gave way to confidence, independence and a greater willingness to embrace the unknown. 

While my experience in Lisbon was deeply personal, the benefits of studying abroad extend beyond any individual trip. Vanderbilt students in particular can benefit from the chance to step outside the campus bubble and engage with different cultures, perspectives and ways of thinking. Whether through language immersion, academic programs or professional experiences, studying abroad pushes students to grow in ways that are difficult to replicate at home.  

To make the most of the experience, students should be willing to embrace uncertainty, seek out unfamiliar opportunities and immerse themselves in the local culture rather than remaining within the comfort of a study abroad cohort. Some of my most meaningful experiences came from navigating challenges independently and saying yes to experiences I would not have encountered at Vanderbilt. 

It is not just about travel, but about returning with a broader perspective and a stronger sense of direction. 

Looking back, I can hardly believe that the same person who stood confused in the wrong line at the Lisbon airport was able to navigate a new country, build meaningful relationships and work with local businesses just a few weeks later. Studying abroad broadened my perspective, helped me learn more about myself and provided valuable professional experience. While every student’s journey will be different, the opportunity to immerse oneself in another culture offers lessons that are difficult to gain in any classroom. For those willing to step outside their comfort zone, studying abroad can be one of the most transformative experiences of their college years.