Im leaving for europe for about 1/2 a year, should I stay with my girlfriend?

Im leaving the US for an internship abroad for approximately 1/2 a year. To make things more complicated my girlfriend will be going to her first year at an out state University. I love her very much but given the cirstances is it worth the heartache for both of us? Or should I end it and tell her when I get back we can try again? How much will missing her affect my work? What can I expect if I hold on to our relationship as opposed to if I break it off?