Time is a precious commodity, which is why many people try to embrace life and live it to the fullest.

Although many people adopt the philosophy of living life to the fullest at a young age, this approach garnered greater attention thanks to a 2007 movie. Directed by Rob Reiner, "The Bucket List" starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman introduced a larger audience to setting goals and doing as much as possible to make those goals a reality. Freeman and Nicholson played two terminally ill men who set off to complete their personal to-do lists before their diseases catch up with them. The movie helped coin the term "bucket list," which is a reference to things individuals want to do before they "kick the bucket."

Although the two main characters in the film are terminally ill, the idea of creating a bucket list is something anyone hoping to live a full, adventurous life can do. In fact, several bucket list organizations have sprung up, and other groups help make trips and other goals happen. People can even meet up with others who share the same desires and do them together.

While anyone's bucket list is a personal endeavor, there are some goals that are quite popular and desired by many. The following are some ideas to get a person started.

1. Throw a party on a rooftop in a bustling city or urban center.

2. Take a parent on his or her dream vacation.

3. Immerse yourself in the culture of a foreign country.

4. Go back to school to embark on a different career.

5. See the Northern Lights.

6. Become fluent in another language.

7. Go on safari and see endangered animals in their natural habitats.

8. Take friends on a skydiving adventure.

9. Drive cross-country.

10. Tour every continent.

11. Do a professional photo shoot with you as the model.

12. Meet your favorite actor, athlete and/or author.

13. Be an extra in a movie.

14. Publish a book of any sort.

15. Participate in a festival, such as running with the bulls or Oktoberfest, in the festivals' countries of origin.

16. Dive at the Great Barrier Reef.

17. Fly a plane.

18. Gather your entire family together for the biggest family reunion yet.

19. Try a new hobby that is out of your comfort zone.

20. Travel to the top of the tallest building in the world.

Study abroad programs give students unique opportunities to experience other cultures while pursuing their degrees. Such programs appeal to students who want to see the world without interrupting their studies, and many students who study abroad develop an affinity for travel that remains with them for the rest of their lives.

When considering studying abroad programs or attending college overseas, recent high school graduates or current high school students should consider a few factors before committing to a program.

Language barrier

Students, particularly those who are not fluent in a foreign language, may find it easier to live in countries where English is the primary language. While study abroad students can expect to work with professors who speak English regardless of where they go, life outside the classroom can be difficult for young students who do not understand the primary language spoken in the country where they will be studying.

Life overseas

Students who want to attend school full-time overseas may benefit by first studying through a study abroad program before committing to a two- or four-year program in another country. This gives students a chance to get a feel for a country and its culture and lifestyle before making a long-term commitment to living and studying there.

Program size

The safety in numbers philosophy is applicable for all travelers, but it can be especially beneficial for young students studying abroad. Students may feel more safe and comfortable when signing up for programs that include many students as opposed to more exclusive programs that include only a handful of students. Large programs provide a built-in social network, and students may feel safer exploring foreign cities in large groups made up of fellow students than going it alone or traveling in small groups.

Documentation

Students should speak with program directors about the documentation they may need to make the most of their time overseas. CEA Study Abroad recommends that students bring photocopies of all important documents, including passports, driver's licenses, airline tickets, health insurance cards, and student identification cards, with them when studying overseas. This protects students should their wallets or backpacks be lost or stolen while they're overseas. Students also should include a list of any medical conditions or medications they take among their documentation and include their emergency contact information on this list.

Studying abroad can be a very rewarding experience for young students, who must consider a host of factors before committing to a program so they can have the most enjoyable experience possible.