An essential part of any college student’s university experience is exploring the endless possibilities college life has to offer. In no small part, a quintessential of this journey into discovery boils down to travelling, and if you’re lucky, even spending an entire semester studying abroad. Exploring different cultures, learning new languages, seeing amazing sights, meeting new people from all over the world, and letting loose at wild parties, spending time at a new campus for a while can truly be a life-changing experience. To get a better idea of where you might want to apply for a student exchange, here are the most popular cities for study and living around the world.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
The capital of Slovenia (not Slovakia, totally different country!) is tailor made for international students. Say goodbye to student loans, because Slovenia is the only country in the world which allows all students the chance to pursue their full-time undergraduate studies for free. Ljubljana is also a picturesque city, with numerous sights to explore, like Tripoli Park and Triple Bridge. The city is also really well-connected to the rest of the country, allowing you to uncover beautiful cities like Maribor and Piran, or just take a study break at Lake Bled, where you can take in the jaw-dropping scenery of the Julian Alps.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In a student’s mind, Europe’s most liberal pocket might be centered on two (legal) things, but, in fact, Amsterdam has so much more to offer. One of the best places in the world to brush up on social history, the laid back atmosphere along its strikingly beautiful canals and public parks is what makes studying here so great. So, meeting people will be almost as easy as riding a bike, especially when you consider that Amsterdam is among the world’s most bike-friendly cities, and getting around is a breeze. When you take into account an intense music scene, great museums and delicious food from all over the world, there will never be a dull moment for a student strolling along the Amstel River on their way to Dam Square.
Sydney, Australia
Once a place of mischievous convicts, Harbor City has since then turned into a playground for silly mischief and indulgence of its bustling student community. What draws students from all over the world to Sydney, apart from the oldest university this side of the planet and its dazzling variety of curriculums, is the mesh of culture, old and new. From Circular Quay, all the way to the world-famous Opera House, Sydney Harbor is dotted by beautiful Aboriginal, colonial, Asian and modern art in its multitude of galleries and museums. Then there is the Rocks district, where you can unwind and enjoy the Bohemian vibes, or get wild at Bondi Beach’s world famous beach parties, and try your luck with the favorite Aussie pastime – surfing.
Dublin, Ireland
The city of art, music, literature and the very best pint of beer and glass of whiskey in the world, Dublin can make all your dreams of studying abroad come true. Even though your alma mater will be confined to ordering delicious pints of Guinness at your nearest pub, you might also be inclined to take trip down to Trinity College Library. There you can start studying for an exam, while taking a moment to admire the 1200-year-old Book of Kells, or the first editions of Gulliver’s Travels and Ulysses. Alternatively, step into Dublin’s city center to admire St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Caravaggio’s infamous “The Taking of Christ” at the National Gallery of Ireland, or do a bit of shopping at Francis Street’s Antique Quarter while listening to Dublin’s buskers.
Montreal, Canada
If you are looking to share a glass of quality French wine over a candid and friendly, typical American conversation in French, look no further than Montreal. Canada’s second largest city is the best place to immerse yourself in old history, French culture and language in a modern metropolis located on the other side of the Atlantic. However, Montreal is much more than just a seductive tourist destination, and can boast of having the most university students in all of North America. With so much aspiring intellectuals at places like McGill University and Université de Montréal, you will easily find someone to share a trip to an exhibition at Place des Arts, take a walk down Rue St. Paul, or go to a Leonard Cohen concert (one of Montreal’s notable alumni).
From a serene natural experience in Ljubljana to a proper French experience in Montreal, were made for student travelers looking to study abroad. All that’s left to do now is apply for a scholarship, pick a destination, and travel the world in pursuit of fun and knowledge.
