I think the whole studying-abroad concept is such an amazing idea.
I was on the other end of the stick...when I applied to GMU, right outside of DC, they ran out of freshman housing, so I lived on the International Floor, with all the exchange students from other countries. These girls and guys were from Whales, Spain, Malta, Sweden, England, Africa, Nicaragua, Australia...pretty much everywhere you can imagine. The friendships that we all made are cemented for a lifetime..plus I know I always have a place to stay wherever I travel! I'll actually be going to Australia this coming Christmas to visit my old roommate, and as soon as I have the number of credits GMU requires to be able to study abroad...I'll definitely be doing it! Truly the best experience I've ever had, and I was only 20 miles from home.
I can't even imagine what it'll be like when I'm on another continent!