Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime. Here are five places you should seriously consider when making your decision on picking a location:
1. Paris
Image by Moyan Brenn, Flickr
This should come as no surprise. Paris is an obvious choice as one of the best cities for, well, probably everything. Although known to be incredibly expensive, Paris offers relatively low tuition fees for students, making it a top contender amongst students. There is also no shortage of great universities in the French capital for basically any program you are interested in.
The best way to enjoy the city is to grab a good book, head to a café and sip an espresso until content. Check out some museums, or just leisurely walk around this beautifully planned city. Leave the Eiffel tower lines to the tourists. You are now a Parisian.
Highlights: Everything…
2. Barcelona
Image by Moyan Brenn, Flickr
Imagine if every day felt like a vacation in Barcelona. Well, here is your chance to make that a reality. With great weather, food, architecture and people, Barcelona may be the destination you have longed for.
Home to the prestigious University of Barcelona and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, the city has a lively and diverse student population. This could be your opportunity to brush up on your Spanish skills, or learn how to speak the local language of Catalan.
It’s difficult to talk about Barcelona without mentioning the illustrious “party scene” which is more than often associated with the city. If this is your cup of tea, you probably don’t need to read the rest of this list. Just be sure you save some time to study.
Highlights: Great weather, relaxing, party city
3. Florence
Image by Chris Yunker, Flickr
Are you looking to be inspired? If so, look no further. What is more inspiring than the birthplace of the Renaissance? Florence’s beauty has roused the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, so there should be no difficulty winning you over. Located in the Tuscan region of Italy, Florence is home to the University of Florence, Accademia Italiana, and Lorenzo de’Medici, all of which have many options for international students.
The city is home to some of the best restaurants in the world and will leave you speechless with its beautiful architecture. Use your spare time to learn Italian or take a cooking class. The Tuscan region is also world famous for its wine, so be sure to indulge.
Highlights: Culture, cuisine, art
4. Buenos Aires
Image by Gisela Giardino, Flickr
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is the perfect city if you are looking to immerse yourself in Latin American culture. With some of the most prestigious Universities in South America, this large metropolitan city will surely cater to all of your needs.
The city is defined by its dynamic culture, encapsulating a mix of European and South American traditions. Exploring the city on foot will allow you to fully appreciate the artistic beauty Buenos Aires has to offer, with murals and European-style architecture blending together in a way that truly makes it a unique destination.
Be sure to take advantage of the location by visiting neighbouring cities or even touring South America. This growing metropolitan city is definitely one to take into serious consideration.
Highlights: Location, architecture, art
5. Manchester
Image by Pablo Fernandez, Flickr
World famous for its music scene, Manchester has produced some of the biggest and most talented names in music: The Smiths, Joy Division and Oasis are just a few of the bands that have come from this famously industrial north west English city.
The city has a large student population, gravitating around the well-known University of Manchester, as well as University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University. The clash between old and new is apparent throughout the city, as industrial architecture remains to be a distinctive quality.
Known for its nightlife, music events and intense football rivalry, you will not have any difficulty keeping entertained.
Highlights: Music scene, large student population, nightlife
Well, there you go. Hopefully this has helped you narrow down where your new adventure will take place. Studying abroad is all about completely immersing yourself in a different environment, so be open to everything that comes your way. Also, be sure to travel as much as you can during your free time; long weekends are a perfect opportunity to check out neighboring destinations. Most importantly, just have a great time.
Good Luck!
OH and be sure to set aside time to “study”.
Studied abroad in the past? Any suggestions on where to go? We want to hear from you! Speak up in the comment section below.
This article was contributed by guest author Rahim Madhavji of Knightsbridge Foreign Exchange.