The world offers no shortage of destinations to consider when studying abroad. However, it seems that many students often favor the same Western European options. While Spain’s assortment of flavorful “tapas” and the romantic atmosphere of France land these countries among the top three on the U.S. News and World Report for best countries for tourism, the other six continents and other parts of Europe also have so much to offer.
Europe
It’s true that Europe has a rich history and many terrains to choose from, and their rail system offers an easy, affordable way to travel between countries. This means that students can visit top tourist spots while studying in other parts of Europe.
Budapest, Hungary
Although known for its fusion of Roman, Ottoman, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture, Budapest is highly overlooked as a study abroad destination.
Its numerous natural thermal springs won the city its reputation as the “Spa Capital of the World.” There’s no better way to de-stress after class than to submerge in the heated waters of the Széchenyi Baths, one of the largest spa compounds in Europe.
Also in Budapest, history buffs can explore the House of Terror, a museum and memorial offering a somewhat palatable look into what Hungarians endured throughout the country’s fascist and communist regimes in the 20th century.
And music lovers can enjoy the distinct genres ranging from classical to electronic music in Budapest, whose melodies contribute to the city’s bountiful culture.
Budapest also hosts many international students. In fact, 15 percent of students who study at Corvinus University, an affiliate study abroad university, are international. It’s considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and the cost of living in Budapest is significantly lower than in Austin. This means students can save money while experiencing the charming elegance of Budapest.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Segmented away from the larger continent, Scotland holds a culture and society all its own. Images of the country depict vast stretches of lush greenery and historic brick castles. Although they’re often overshadowed by the royal grandeur of neighboring London, Scotland boasts 1,500 castles of its own.
Fans of “Game of Thrones” will be pleased to tour Scotland to revisit scenes from the show. Harry Potter fans can also experience J.K. Rowling’s inspiration firsthand while roaming around Edinburgh. The city center upholds a historic atmosphere, lacking modern skyscrapers in favor of the baronial architecture revered by Scots.
Aside from its many architectural and cultural offerings, Scotland has two of the top universities in the United Kingdom. Fortunately, UT’s Education Abroad offers programs with the University of Edinburgh, as well as the University of Glasgow, which lies just a short hour train ride away from Edinburgh. Ranked by Condé Nast Traveller as the third-friendliest city in the U.K., Edinburgh is sure to offer a welcoming stay.
Africa
People often overlook the continent of Africa as a whole when choosing study abroad locations, but its alluring offerings are revealed if you can imagine past the traditional Western European locations.
Cape Town, South Africa
As the southernmost city in Africa, South Africa’s Cape Town features soft white sand beaches edged with clear blue waters. Its mountainous landscapes call hikers to embark on adventures up and down Table and Lion’s Head Mountains.
For serenity, students can escape to the Cape of Good Hope, where the cold Atlantic meets the warmer Indian Ocean on the rocky southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. There’s even a place for animal lovers, who can explore Boulders Beach, where they’ll be surprised to find penguins!
The University of Cape Town (UCT) campus is beautiful — but beware: The campus has steep elevations. Unlike the one main hill on The University of Texas at Austin campus, UCT has many hills, but it will reward you for traversing them when you reach Sarah Baartman Hall on the university’s main plaza. Tall mountains tower behind the plaza, which makes for a beautiful view.
Additionally, UCT’s student body consists of 5,000 international students from more than 100 countries, so you will surely be exposed to a variety of languages and cultures. I studied here and had the best time ever. I still think about it every day.
Asia
When it comes to Asia, students usually stop their search after South Korea and Japan. While these countries offer world-renowned cuisine and the vast cultural universes of K-pop music and anime, the rest of the continent should not be ignored. UT Austin offers special scholarships for students studying in this region, such as the Freeman Award for Internships in Asia.
Singapore
Upon landing in Singapore, students are greeted by the lush botanical gardens at the Singapore Changi Airport. With a waterfall pouring from the ceiling, it looks like a scene from a mystical garden rather than an airport.
The city offers a hub for technology, with modern architecture spanning its borders. A short 25-minute drive from downtown will lead you to Palawan Beach, where you can walk across a 330-foot bridge suspended over the water.
For a more sophisticated feel, you can lounge by day at the Tanjong Beach Club, which lies on the heart-shaped coast, and enjoy an upscale dinner at night. For an adrenaline rush, students can spend their weekend at Universal Studios Singapore to ride roller coasters, enjoy live shows and indulge in festival foods.
Singapore offers no shortage of prestigious universities. Though they offer a diverse range of areas of study, the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University both offer specialized programs that hone in on technology and natural sciences. As English is the official language of Singapore, the majority of university courses are taught in English.
Taipei, Taiwan
Students can choose to study at National Taiwan University, Taiwan’s premier university, in Taipei. By day, Taipei offers an amazing beginner-friendly hike up Elephant Mountain and a relaxing decompression in the Beitou Hot Springs.
If nature isn’t your jam, you can learn more about Taiwanese culture and customs by visiting a Buddhist temple or Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
By night, colorful LED lights give life to night markets, where tourists can eat delicacies and buy souvenirs. You can also find comfort in the city’s status as one of the safest cities in Asia.
Latin America
Similar to Africa, many students overlook Latin America when deciding to study abroad. Students who want to improve their Spanish language skills usually opt for Spain, but there are many countries with that native tongue.
San José, Costa Rica
Visitors to San José can visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum or find gold adorning the walls of the National Theater of Costa Rica. The bright orange and yellow hues of the city’s architecture are sure to brighten up your day.
The captivating flora of the Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden appeals to adventure junkies and nature lovers alike.
Students can explore Spanish cultures, practice the language and explore their environmental impact through sustainability studies with affiliate programs like the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) and API.
Mexico City, Mexico
As the country’s capital, Mexico City reflects the rich, historic culture of Mexico. According to Britannica, it ranks among the world’s most heavily populated metropolises, so students will have ample opportunities to interact with locals and develop new friendships.
Historians can explore the preserved Aztec ruins and French-style architecture from the colonial era, while Modernists can roam around the rehabilitated buildings downtown.
The Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education campus in Mexico City invites around 200 exchange students to participate in their program each semester. Students are offered an opportunity to bond with both host students and those from around the world. The school also maintains campuses in Monterrey and Queretaro.
Bryn Palmer is an Education Abroad Peer Mentor providing support to students interested in studying abroad. Learn about this position and its services on the Peer Mentors Program webpage.
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