I've been coming across quite a few articles on things people have learned from living abroad, such as this one and this one, and it got me thinking: what am I going to learn? While it is impossible to know beforehand, I can certainly hope to learn a lot. Here are six things I hope to get out of my trip abroad:

1. Make some close friends. I can't wait to make friends abroad, meet fellow travelers and build lasting relationships. 

2. Space, freedom, independence- something along those lines. I've always been close to home, with the exception of my study abroad trip in college. I am excited to be moving abroad alone and getting the opportunity to grow into myself more.

3. Ideas and inspiration. Its hard to conjure up great ideas while in a routine, doing the same things, in the same spots. Its like hoping to get a bagel for breakfast, but you keep going to the donut shop day after day. I am in search of my bagel. And while I may not find it right away, I may find something else full of carbs that I can spread cream cheese on. 

4. Experience. I want to experience eating food from a street vendor in Thailand, I want to drink white flats in Australia, and enjoy a shandy in London, walk the Great Wall in Beijing, and... and... 

5. Drop the guidebook. Of course, I want to see all the "must-see" attractions, but part of the reason my trip away from home is for such an extended amount of time is to really get acquainted with the places I travel to. 

6. Less is more. I've learned how to pack for a 3-day backpacking trip. Now I need to fit a month's worth of clothing and toiletries into that same pack for my trip to Thailand. I am hoping to come back from this trip with a new definition of "need" or "necessary"- Packing for a move really puts those material goods on your Christmas list into perspective.