Hey guys. I'm thinking about studying abroad and I can't really decide what I want to do. I just need to get away from my pos school for a bit. So far I'm thinking Australia, Spain, Holland or Japan. Any input on helping me decide? I just want some new experience, see the world, be around a nice chill environment with friendly people. Thanks.

Just do it.

Personally, I'd pick a country with a different language. It helps you think differently. I spent 3+ years abroad in Europe. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything else, it will be with me for the rest of my life.

Do it now, when you have a chance. Once you settle down and have a spouse and kids, it's really difficult. I don't know your background, so it is almost impossible for me to hesitate a guess, but assuming you were raised here in America and English is a primary language, I would strike Australia off the list and try one of the other three countries you mentioned.

Having spent two years working in Germany, I echo seany's input.

Do it. I wish I did it in college. Besides its only for a semester or a year. Not very long and you will gain much more exposure that way than traveling to that country for a few weeks.

Don't wait! Go! I pushed back my graduation just to study abroad, and its a decision I'll never regret. I just spent 4 1/2 months in Japan, so naturally I'm going to vote for Japan. I met a lot of really great, kind people. I loved riding the crowded trains, discovering how the Japanese mix culture and change. I loved the entire atmosphere. Feel free to contact me if you want to know anything more!

Good luck on making your decision.

"I am American mentally with Japanese tendencies." - Lupe Fiasco

"Movies are fake." - Richard Walter, Professor and Screenwriting Faculty Chairman, UCLA

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt

I should point out that I'm glad that I waited until after college. I bought a one-way ticket to Paris. Coming back after six months or a year would have been a disappointment.

My open-ended way gave me maximum flexibility. The moment I stepped off the plane at the airport in Paris, I never had any obligations to return.

That is the way to do it.

I've spent most of my life in NYC so English is my language. How big is the language barrier in a non-eng language speaking country? What if you get lost and uhhh? Does any have any thoughts on the state of the dollar vs the euro currently?

Corzlite, these last comments appear counter to your initial post about your desire to experience something new by going away.

These are natural questions, and you should keep them in mind, but they should not stop you from going. Depending on which country to which you'd like to go, some time with online searching should net you various expat websites and blogs which should help address your questions. For example, while based and centred very much on München, Toytown Germany is an interesting place to start for Germany.

If you're going to a country where English is not the primary language, spend some time learning some of the language before you go; pick up standard words and phrases. No one expects you to be fully conversant, but the people will appreciate your effort in trying. My first conversation with my landlord/landlady was very entertaining, and there were genuine smiles all around.

As for the USD-EUR exchange, politics and foreign policy are a bitch. It hurts, but there is little you can do about it on your own.

So, go!

More Americans should go stay overseas for a bit. Good for you. It'll help stem the dumbification of the nation. Go live and come back a better man.

so has any of you guys ever felt unwelcome abroad?