When I was in college, some of my buddies had the chance to study abroad. They’d return, their eyes sparkling with tales of adventures in foreign lands, new friendships, impromptu trips to exotic places, romantic encounters, unusual cuisine, and life lessons. Their stories painted a picture of a transformative journey, almost like a coming-of-age film.
Imagine that! Being in a different country, learning a new language, reinventing yourself, meeting people from different cultures, and experiencing the freedom of legal drinking. To a college student, it seemed like a dream.
But, despite having the opportunity to apply every semester, I never took the leap to study abroad. Time passed, and I let these chances slip away. Why? The answer is simple: FEAR. Not the fear of failure or the unknown, but a more insidious kind: FOMO, the fear of missing out. I was constantly worried that I’d be left behind, forgotten as life at home moved on without me.
What would my friends be up to? What parties would I miss? What if there was a major event at school and I wasn’t there? What inside jokes would I be left out of? What if something monumental happened? As a shy, insecure college student, I was terrified that if I left, I’d return to find myself a stranger in my own life.
I didn’t want to hear about the fun my friends had while I was away. I wanted to be part of those experiences. I knew I’d have my own stories to tell if I studied abroad, but the fear of missing out on stories at home held me back. So, I stayed put.
Eventually, I did travel, spending a decade exploring the world. But I still regret not studying abroad. We can’t change the past, and who knows, maybe if I had studied abroad, I wouldn’t have traveled later or created this website. But I regret letting fear dictate my choices. I chose the familiar over the unknown, stayed in my comfort zone, and missed out on a great experience because I was scared of what might happen.
Missing out on studying abroad taught me a hard lesson: you can’t let fear hold you back. Even those with a burning desire to travel can be paralyzed by fear. But as the Dutch say, "He who is outside his door already has the hardest part of his journey behind him."
Talk to any traveler, and they’ll tell you the same thing: life back home doesn’t change much. Sure, people might switch jobs, start new relationships, or even get married. A favorite restaurant might close, or a popular bar might lose its charm. But the day-to-day life remains the same. Once you realize this, you’ll be grateful you didn’t let fear hold you back.
Life doesn’t give you the same opportunity twice. Once a door closes, it usually stays shut. But the good news is, traveling is easier than you think. Whether it’s a two-week vacation in Bali, a year-long global expedition, or a family trip to Disney, start now. There’s a big world out there waiting for you.
I regret not studying abroad. I can’t change my past decision, but I can ensure I never let fear stop me from stepping out the door again. And I can help others avoid making the same mistake. Because, in the end, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the things you did.
