It might be scary to leave all that you know behind-your friends, your family, your familiar routines, even the very culture in which you grew up.
But that is exactly what many students choose to do when they study abroad.
The study abroad program at The University of Memphis helps send an increasing number of students overseas to further their studies, according to the Center for International Programs and Services on campus.
"I want to do it to get out of my comfort zone," said Foster Logan, a junior biology major, who is planning to continue his pre-professional studies at the University of Queensland in Australia.
"I want to meet new people and see new places," he said.
Hassan Mohammed, a graduate computer engineering student, is currently doing just that. He came to The U of M from Nigeria because there were no schools in his country that offered what he wanted to study.
"But it has been difficult to learn a new culture," he said.
Some people would never consider studying abroad. Vincent Pirani, a freshman biology major, said it would be a cool experience, but he likes to be around people that he knows.
"Plus, I wouldn't leave the country to study something I could just do here," he said.
To others, the experience is a valuable part of the educational process.
Monicque Larocque, a French instructor at The U of M, studied in Paris more than 20 years ago.
"The experience is wonderful and I highly recommend it," she said. "To practice foreign languages in a cultural setting is an awesome experience. You gain confidence in your language abilities and experience the real culture, not just view photos in a book or watch a video."
Larocque immersed herself in the Francophone culture.
She said she must have visited 30 museums during her stay in France.
"How could you not enjoy local French table wines at reasonable prices, and fresh baguettes and cheeses?" she said.
For students afraid of fitting into a new culture, a few minor faux pas are nothing to fear, Larocque said.
"American students are more than likely to be excused for not knowing better as long as they come equipped with at least some language skills," she said.
The only drawback she experienced in France was that she didn't know what is considered proper attire to avoid attracting unwanted attention by the opposite sex.
"Do not wear a jogging outfit in the park," she advised.
