by Studying abroad in Europe is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should be fully taken advantage of. But there are so many beautiful and historical places to visit that it can be hard to choose.
While you’re studying in Europe, you shouldn’t miss out on these top destinations:
Paris, France
The City of Light is a must-see for any study abroad student. Take a stroll down the Champs-Élysées, visit the Louvre, and enjoy a croissant at a local café.
Rome, Italy
Explore the ancient ruins of the Roman Empire, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain.
Berlin, Germany
This city has a lot of history and culture, from the Berlin Wall to the Brandenburg Gate.
Madrid, Spain
Take in the art and architecture of the Prado Museum, go shopping at the Gran Vía, and enjoy the nightlife at one of the city’s many tapas bars.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
See the famous canals, visit the Van Gogh Museum, and take a bike ride through the city.
London, England
This city has something for everyone, from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Enjoy this historic city’s stunning architecture and natural beauty, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This medieval city is known for its stunning walled Old Town and beautiful beaches.
Cultural Experiences
Studying abroad in Europe is not just about sightseeing and traveling. It’s also about immersing yourself in the local culture. Here are some cultural experiences to consider while studying abroad in Europe:
Attend a traditional festival or event
Europe is home to many unique festivals and events, such as Oktoberfest in Germany, La Tomatina in Spain, and the Running of the Bulls in France.
Try the local cuisine
Each European country has its traditional dishes and flavors. From pasta in Italy to goulash in Hungary to fish and chips in England, you’ll never run out of delicious food to try.
Visit a local market
European markets are a great way to experience the local culture.
Take a language class
Finding common ground with locals will be facilitated by your ability to speak their language.
Volunteer or participate in an internship
This is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience, make local connections, and learn more about the culture.
Take a walking tour
Guided walking tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of a city or town.
Attend a concert or play
Many European cities have a thriving arts scene, with performances of all types, from classical music to modern theater.
Participate in a homestay program
Living with a local family will give you a unique and authentic cultural experience.
Outdoor Adventures
Studying abroad in Europe is not just about exploring cities and towns; it’s also about experiencing the great outdoors. Here are some outdoor adventure activities to consider while studying abroad in Europe.
Hiking
Many European countries have beautiful hiking trails that offer stunning landscape views. Some famous trails include the Camino de Santiago in Spain, the Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Switzerland, and Italy, and the West Highland Way in Scotland.
Skiing or Snowboarding
The French Alps, the Swiss Alps, and the Italian Dolomites are just a few of the world-class ski areas that can be found throughout Europe.
Water Sports
European countries like Spain, France, and Italy are popular for water activities such as Surfing.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are popular European activities, with many beautiful rivers, lakes, and coastlines to explore.
- The Danube River in Germany, Austria, and Hungary
- The Loire River in France
- The Gota Canal in Sweden
- The Alta River in Norway
- The Ardèche River in France
- The Adige River in Italy
- The rivers in the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
Biking
From scenic routes to challenging mountain passes, Europe offers plenty of opportunities for bike touring. Some popular destinations include the Danube River in Austria and Germany and the Loire Valley in France.
Climbing
Europe has some of the best spots for climbing and mountaineering, from the peaks of the Alps to the cliffs of the Mediterranean.
Camping
Whether you want to camp in the mountains or by the sea, Europe has many options for camping, from organized campgrounds to backcountry camping.
Fishing
Europe has many great fishing spots, from trout streams in Scotland to salmon rivers in Norway.
Adventure parks
Try one of Europe’s numerous adventure parks, including thrilling outdoor activities like high ropes courses, zip lines, and more. By taking part in these outdoor adventures, you’ll see the natural beauty of Europe and create unforgettable memories.
Accommodation Options
When studying abroad in Europe, finding suitable accommodation is integral to the experience.
University Housing
Many universities offer on-campus housing for international students. This is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking to be a part of the student community while still being close to school.
Apartment or flat-sharing
Renting an apartment or flat-sharing with other students is a popular and cost-effective option for many students.
Hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option and a great way to meet other travelers.
Hotels
Hotels are available in most cities and towns if you prefer a more traditional accommodation option.
Vacation rentals
Websites such as Airbnb or Booking.com provide a wide range of vacation rental options, from apartments to villas.
Short-term rentals
Some websites provide short-term rental options for students, which can be a good choice for those who want to stay for a shorter period.
Student Residences
Some cities offer student residence options, which can vary in terms of services and amenities. It’s important to research and compare the different options to find the one best suits your needs and preferences. Be sure to consider the location, cost, and amenities when making your decision.
Airbnb & Couchsurfing
Airbnb and Couchsurfing are two popular alternative accommodation options for travelers. Airbnb is a website and app that allows people to rent out their homes, apartments, or rooms to travelers.
It’s an excellent option for those who want a more local and authentic experience and a short or extended period. It offers a wide variety of options, from shared rooms to entire homes and from budget-friendly to luxury options.
On the other hand, Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts willing to offer them a place to stay for free. Learning about the local culture and saving money on accommodation is excellent. However, it’s important to note that Couchsurfing is based on trust, and it’s important to read the reviews and profile of the host before accepting the invitation.
Both Airbnb and Couchsurfing have their benefits. It depends on the type of experience you are looking for, your budget, and your travel style. However, it’s important to note that both platforms have their own terms and conditions, and it’s important to be familiar with them before booking.
Budgeting for Travel
Budgeting for travel is an important part of planning a study abroad trip. Here are some tips for budgeting for travel while studying abroad in Europe. Before you go, research the cost of living in the country or city you visit. This will give you an idea of how much money you will need for basic expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation. Once you know the cost of living, set a budget for yourself and stick to it.
Compare prices
When booking accommodation, transportation, and activities, compare prices to find the best deals. Use websites such as Kayak, Skyscanner, and Booking.com to compare prices for flights and hotels.
Use public transportation
Europe has an excellent public transportation system, so make use of it to save money on transportation.
Cook your meals
Eating out can be expensive, so consider cooking your meals whenever possible. Take advantage of student discounts: Many museums, tourist attractions, and stores offer student discounts, so be sure to take advantage of them.
Look for free activities
Many cities have free or low-cost activities, such as parks, museums, and cultural events. Research the exchange rate and use credit or debit cards with low foreign transaction fees:
Following these suggestions, you can study in Europe without breaking the bank. But remember, it’s also important to be flexible and have a little extra for unexpected expenses.
In Conclusion
Studying abroad in Europe offers a wide range of experiences, from visiting iconic landmarks and immersing in local culture to outdoor adventures and budget-friendly accommodation options. Therefore, it’s important to research and plan to make the most of your trip, whether you’re looking for historical, cultural, or outdoor experiences.
When budgeting for travel, it is important to research the cost of living in your destination. Then, set a budget and stick to it, compare prices, use public transportation, cook your meals, take advantage of student discounts, look for free activities, and pay attention to the exchange rate and credit card fees.
You may have a wonderful time and create unforgettable experiences while studying in Europe if you prepare ahead of time and stick to a reasonable budget.
