With the world at your fingertips for study abroad, it can be difficult to narrow down where you’d like to set down your temporary home, especially if you’ve never visited any of your options before. For those who look to Instagram for inspiration, wanderlust, or an escape from their everyday life, these are the best places to study abroad according to Instagram!
South Africa is sure to be unlike any place you’ve visited before. Not only is it one of the safest African countries to visit, but South Africa is also home to a variety of different ecosystems, including national parks, beaches, lagoons, and Winelands. Cape Town, the capital, is a perfect combination of city life and wildlife, with the beautiful beaches on land and Table Mountain for an adventure. If you have the opportunity to study abroad in South Africa, do not pass this up!
While it’s common for study abroad students to travel around Europe during their time abroad, you could spend the entire time in Italy and never get bored. The Italian language itself is similar to other romance languages and easy to pick up, and the food will have you never wanting to leave.
In terms of sightseeing, there’s big cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome, the fashion capital of Milan, the pizza capital of Naples, famous landmarks in cities like Pisa and Pompeii, and the Insta-worthy Amalfi Coast. No matter how much time you spend exploring Italy, you still won’t want to leave at the end of your study abroad semester!
For all non-Americans looking to study abroad, California is a perfect destination. Major cities include Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, and within the state of California, you can visit beaches, the Redwood Forest, hiking trails near the Hollywood Sign, and even deserts. For those study abroad students looking for an adventure and a slice of American culture, California is for you.
While tourists can be hesitant to travel to Morocco because of safety concerns, studying in Morocco is a great way to see the country from a local’s perspective. Plus, you can stay safe within the comfort of a university or tour group. Morocco is home to beaches, deserts, and Arabian markets, with popular cities including Marrakech, Tangier, Casablanca, and Fez. Similar to a South African study abroad, studying abroad in Morocco is ideal for experiencing the African continent and a new way of life. When you’re there, be sure to ride the camels!
If you want to explore Europe, especially the less popular countries for tourists in eastern Europe, spend your study abroad in Hungary. Here you can explore castles, the Hungarian Parliament building, gardens, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Since it’s landlocked in central Europe, Hungary is optimal for exploring nearby European countries including Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Serbia, and Romania. Be sure to get a train pass while you’re here and make the most of its location by traveling on the weekends!
If you have the opportunity to study abroad anywhere in the world, why not venture down to the southern hemisphere and spend your time in Australia? It’s a one of a kind country with the Outback and Red Centre region, national parks and the Great Barrier Reef. Australia is also home to unique animal species like kangaroos and wombats. From rainforests to deserts to beaches, you’ll never run out of sights to see.
While traveling, be sure to hit Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, as well as making your way over to New Zealand!
Not only is the Spanish language quite easy to pick up because of its similarity to other romance languages, but Spain also includes endless cities to visit. Each has its own unique architecture, beaches, and history. Spain’s major cities include Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Valencia, Málaga, Seville, Córdoba, and Bilbao, and Portugal and Morocco is close by as well.
Spanish food and culture don’t disappoint either — be sure to try tapas and attend a flamenco show!
The only Asian destination on the list, China offers a number of study abroad programs to students around the world. Plus, living in China temporarily can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The massive size of the country means there’s probably too many different ecosystems and sites to see while you’re there, but definitely try the local food, visit the Great Wall of China, and aim to visit at least Shanghai and Hong Kong.
China is also a mecca of business, technology, and innovation, meaning it lends itself to students with a plethora of resources at your fingertips!
Similar to Spain, the French language is easy to pick up. Its culture is familiar to most and the country itself is home to thousands of foreign students each year. France is a perfect study abroad destination if you want to get out of your comfort zone but don’t want to venture somewhere with an extreme language barrier, like Morocco or China.
Paris itself is home to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, and the ruins of Notre Dame. However, there is so much else to see in France that most students forget about. Check out the beaches in the south, cities with history to explore, and wine vineyards. From skiing to sunbathing, France is perfect for a study abroad!
For those looking to spend their study abroad in South America, Argentina is the ideal destination for safety, culture, and Instagram photos. While the capital, Buenos Aires, has a lot to offer in terms of history and food, Argentina is known more for its terrains. They have glaciers, mountains, and tropical jungles, with so much opportunity for adventure. However, be sure to make the most of its famous architecture, wine selection, and music!
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