Studying abroad while in college is an amazing experience. Everyone who has the opportunity to go abroad should seize it. 

Some may argue that studying abroad is an absolutely vital in regards to the college experience.  While I wouldn't go that far, I will say that being able to go to another country is a complete learning experience.

Last summer I got the chance to study in Urbino, Italy.  While I was in Italy, I learned a little Italian and about Italian culture; but I learned the most about myself. What Italian I retained goes something like this: "Ciao....si, no, ciao," but what I retained from the experience is so much more.

I now know that I am capable of getting through the airport shuffle and making my flight in Italy. Did I mention I knew very little Italian? I would miss a train and then miss another one and still make it back to my hotel in another city on time.

I found grocery stores, ordered gelato and traversed an entire metropolitan area on foot by myself.  If you asked me before I went on this trip if I could do any of these things in a non-English speaking country by myself, I would've laughed at you.  

Before Italy, I'd never been out of the United States, not even to Cancun or the Bahamas. So I was kind of anxious about foreign travel, culture, and everything; but I survived and I am better for it.  I really feel like this experience prepared me for life in general.

So is it a must to study abroad while in college? No. But will you learn more about yourself and capabilities? Absolutely! If you can't study abroad, find the time and the funds and at least go spend a week in a foreign country. Go get lost and find yourself.