Advice to Future Study Abroad Participants: Stay in a home stay. It's totally worth the awkwardness at first because it is so rewarding to have a family type atmosphere when you're off traveling on your own. 

Experience with culture shock or reverse culture shock: They say that you go through different stages. I would say that my culture shock wasn't too bad. I was confused by a few things like how there is no free water in Spain or that the meals of the day were served at different times but nothing I couldn't become accustomed to. 

What you know now that you didn’t know before going abroad: I like a lot of food! I used to be a very picky eater. Now... I can try everything! I might not like everything but I am now willing to try stuff.

Going abroad versus staying on campus, discuss: I definitely think it depends on each individual. For me, the opportunity to meet new people was the best part of being abroad. My program was only 30 people so I made some really great friends. Also, studying abroad was my main priority in my university years, so I'm glad I made that happen. I wish everyone had the opportunity to, so if you do, take the opportunity no matter what!