You’ve probably noticed that most people studying abroad create blogs.

They detail their exotic adventures and reflect on culture shock, while others live vicariously through each post they peruse. But why did most of these world travelers never blog beforehand? From what I have noticed it seems to be one or more of five reasons.

So, why don’t you, still living in the US, have a blog? Why will most abroad bloggers stop writing once they return home?

Here’s why-

1. Your lives aren’t interesting

Everyone thinks it takes living in another country to have something valuable to write about, let alone share.

The reality is, if you don’t think your life is unique enough for you to detail the events or for others to read about it, why is that the life you are leading?

People are made up of stories and experiences just as much as we are of cells.

No one has seen the world (the small town, the college campus, etc.) exactly as you have. Everyone is an expert in something or has insight to share, it’s only a matter of recognizing that in yourself.

2. No one wants to read it

Blogging is a vulnerable hobby. You think, “Who am I to assume anyone wants to read this?” Well, who are you to assume no one cares about your point of view? Or maybe you worry, “If people read this out loud, it’s going to sound cliche and cheesy.” Why yes, yes it probably will. But at least someone’s reading it.

People are naturally nosy and curious about those who surround us. We yearn for the opinions, experiences and humor of others. People will read it.

And the best part is- once they do, you won’t care.

3. It’s a waste of time

Like most of my habits, we can probably trace this one back to all the yoga. I love to reflect and find deeper meanings, connections and value in everyday occurrences.

So I can’t really understand how people could find doing just that as a silly use of time.

Communication, writing especially, is one of the most powerful things we are able to do. Fine tuning writing skills through grammar, finding a voice and developing a point of view will always be worthwhile, regardless of occupation.

It also doesn’t hurt that something of value that displays your intelligence and curiosity will surface next to the picture of your drunken keg stand when employers Google your name.

4. You have nothing original to say

Maybe you don’t.

But that’s what makes blogs relatable. They are written by real people, not paid researchers looking to share findings in encyclopedias. They don’t need to be on new topics, but rather just a new perspective.

Our majors, living situations, schools, families, and upbringings make how we experience each day, even the most mundane event, completely original.

Think of all the various news shows, and try to say you can’t interpret the same event in different ways. Furthermore, each one of them has a blog (not sayin, just sayin).

5. Everyone has a blog, you’re over it

Do you think people considered not writing books because there were already a lot out there?

As we continue to move to a more digital age, blogging is a way to be engaged. Instead of just reading and sharing all these pages on Facebook, you could also be creating them.

Experience with various digital and social media skills are becoming essential, and will only make you stand out to employers, especially if your blog is regarding topics in your field of study.

Ultimately, whether you choose to blog or not is up to you. All I ask, is that you take the time to reflect, appreciate and enjoy each and every experience you are so incredibly lucky to have. Taking the time to value and make the most of each day is something that doesn’t necessarily require a public blog, or a semester abroad.