I was browsing the website of NAFSA: Association of International Educators (the professional association for all of us in international education) and came across the "Student Diplomat Essay Competition": http://www.nafsa.org/public_policy.sec/study_abroad_2/student_diplomat_essay.
The winning essay, "Conquering Fear, Embracing Differences" and the runner-up, "Going Abroad to Find the Meaning of Home", both illustrate how study abroad can make a tremendous impact on our lives. I encourage you to read both these essays !