Thousands of students each year choose to study abroad. It is a great way to explore and immerse yourself in a city or country while continuing your education. However, with so many options, it’s hard to know which location is best. To help make your decision easier, we asked our audience what they think are the best places to study abroad.
Whether you choose to study abroad in Italy, study abroad in Australia, study abroad in London, or any of the hundreds of other destinations, you will learn a lot and the experience will help prepare you for life after college. If your college doesn’t have a study abroad program, think about taking these other study abroad programs: ISA study abroad, API study abroad, CEA study abroad, AIFS study abroad.
Without further ado, below are the recommendations we received from people regarding the best places to study abroad:
How to Make the Move Abroad Easier:
The move overseas, internationally or across the country isn’t easy. Trying to pack for six months to a year in one suitcase isn’t exactly realistic so consider shipping luggage for study abroad programs directly to your dorm, apartment or house to make the move easier and less stressful. You can pack as many bags as you want and they will be waiting for you when you move in. If you decide you want to continue traveling even after the semester is over, ship whatever luggage you don’t need home and get going! Don’t let your luggage hold you back.
Prague
@WanderingCarol recommends Prague. As the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, this city has many cultural attractions and history for students to enjoy. Landmarks include the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Lennon Wall. The city also has plenty to do, with more than ten museums and theaters.
Like music? Prague is perfect for you as they have music festivals throughout the year and many music clubs in the city. Also, if you are foodie, you will definitely be trying new food here! Try Koleno and Utopenci and of course, Pivo (a traditional beer).
For students looking to explore the city, you are in luck because there is a modern public transportation system – which will make running your errands much easier.
If you pick Prague for the semester, pack clothes for both warm and cool temperatures as the winters are cold with little sun (usually around freezing) and summers tend to stay in the mid 70’s (°F). This town is often windy too so make sure you are prepared!
College Majors perfect for this city: History, Economics, Music, Fine Arts, and Political Science.
Paris
@GoGrandGetaways recommends Paris if you are interested in history, art, food and architecture. Paris is the capital of France and next to the Seine River. It is home to numerous museums including the famous Louvre as well as landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
Along with this, the city houses the world headquarters of 30 of the Fortune Global 500 companies, business districts, boutiques and incredible restaurants. While you are in Paris, you must also take a trip to visit the country’s beautiful chateaus.
When it comes to packing for Paris, know that the city’s weather is mild and they have a lot of rain throughout the year. Summer temperatures range from 60-80 degrees while winter has both little sun and snow and usually remains above freezing. Spring and fall typically are in the 40s and 50s (°F).
College Majors perfect for this city: Business, Finance, Fashion, Apparel/Textiles, Fine Arts, Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Architecture.
Madrid
@Scottlara1961 told us that his son, @ELTimLara, loved Madrid! Again, Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. Although the landscape is very historic, Madrid has a very modern infrastructure. This city also has plenty to do. Whether you are into museums, strolling through parks, watching football games (soccer), or dancing (especially the Flamenco), Madrid offers students an abundance of things to do and learn.
Madrid has cool winters with temperatures dropping below freezing and summers are very hot – usually around 80-90 degrees (°F). Fall and spring maintain in the mid-40s or 50s (°F).
College Majors perfect for this city: Education, Business management, Environmental studies, Media, Science, Fine Arts, Fashion, Political Science, Finance and Economics.
The Netherlands
@KWanderlust3 recommends the Netherlands. The Netherlands is located between Germany and Belgium and has three very important and well-known cities: Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam.
If you are a nature lover, then this is where you should study abroad. With over 20 national parks and hundreds of nature reserves, students can stay active while studying abroad. With numerous canals, ports and railroads, you can also travel to various countries in Europe from the Netherlands.
The Netherlands experience cool summers and mild winters. You will likely endure temperatures below freezing in winter and summer temperatures stay around mid-60s-70s (°F) and it rains pretty evenly throughout the year. The sun and length of days vary greatly though, with barely 8 hours in the winter and up to 17 hours in the summer.
College Majors perfect for this region: Agriculture, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Social Science, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, and Recreation and Tourism Management.