Cobblestone streets, ancient bridges, and a hilltop castle help lend the City of a Hundred Spires its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful, brimming with architecture from every period and style in its millennial history.
Cosmopolitan, culturally rich, environmentally conscious, clean, safe, and filled with exceptional universities, students are flocking to this former Viking village to enjoy its many benefits and finding it extremely livable.
It’s no surprise London remains one of the most popular destinations for study abroad students. Bustling with must-see art, music, theater, and fashion, the capital of the United Kingdom never runs shy of excitement or attractions.
The city of Rennes is one of the country’s most livable cities and a major center for France’s growing tech industry. It’s also one of the country’s most festive cities with an abundance of arts, culture, and musical events.
The fourth largest city in France is also home to the European aerospace industry and one of the oldest universities on the continent. Yet the charm of the Old Quarter continues to lure students and scientists with its distinctive rose-tinted architecture
Students are welcomed with open arms in Germany’s capital city, where the cost of living is reasonable, public transportation is excellent, green space is abundant, and businesses – from hip tech start-ups to international conglomerates – thrive.
One of Europe’s most youthful cities, the charm and ancient heritage of Old Dublin still shines through amongst today’s emerging European tech hub and growing multi-cultural population. For a true taste of Irish culture, Dublin is the place.
Few experiences rival the opportunity to study abroad in Rome. Nowhere else can students step between thousands of years of art, history, and rich layers of contemporary Italian culture, surrounded by world-famous churches, monuments, and museums.
What was once a small fishing village in the 12th century has bloomed into both the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centers in Europe. Yet its 60 miles of historic canals lined with gable-roofed homes make this cozy city one of a kind.
Lisbon is a major economic center, tourist destination, and headquarters to multinational businesses. It also enjoys the status as one of the oldest cities in the world, evidenced by its cobblestone alleyways, Gothic castles, and ancient ruins.
Once the capital of imperial Russia, St. Petersburg retains its status as the cultural capital, hosting the Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world. The City of the Tsars is also one of the most accessible and westernized cities in Russia.
Barcelona’s art, architecture, and gastronomic reputation alone are enough to command global attention. Add its political, economic, and cultural influence to its respected higher education system and you get an irresistible destination for students from around the world.
Seated in the center of Spain, the capital city is not only the political and cultural center of the country, but an important player in global economics. Despite its present-day status, much of Madrid’s historic past remains beautifully preserved in its landmarks, museums, and architecture.
The capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region is dotted with remarkable architectural remnants from its historical past, including the Alcázar of Seville, one of the most beautiful palaces in Spain.
A vibrant port city filled with stately architecture from its European past, Buenos Aires is a wonderful place for students to immerse themselves in a culture that is rich with heritage, community, and passion for life.
Seated at the base of the Andes Mountains and the edge of the Pacific coast, Santiago is perfectly situated not only for sunbathers and mountain climbers, but for those seeking higher education. Latin America’s finest universities reside in this stable and growing capital, as do the country’s biggest businesses.
Monteverde plays host to Costa Rica’s treasured rain forest, where a staggering number of species – including pumas, monkeys, quetzal, and the endangered three wattled bellbird – are readily on display, proving the perfect location for studies in sustainability and conservation.
Your home base is Mérida – a beautiful, historic, colonial city centrally located on the Yucatán Peninsula and just 20 minutes from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The peninsula features biodiverse nature reserves, UNESCO archaeological sites, and historic towns where you can lunch alongside locals while working on your Spanish language proficiency. Researchers and students are in good company, as Mérida hosts more than a dozen universities and several national research facilities.
Multi-cultural Sydney welcomes students from around the globe with open arms. Once a British penal colony, today the largest city in the land down under is host to some 35,000 international students who enjoy Sydney’s sunny skies, outdoor lifestyle, national parks, arts, culture, and more.
Beijing is not only the center of activity in China, but also a reflection of China’s long and evolving history. Amongst its 22 million inhabitants sit some of the nation’s most culturally important sites, like The Forbidden City and The Great Wall.
Long known for its history of foreign influence, fashion, and economic prowess, Shanghai strives to become a global financial and shipping hub by the year 2020. In turn, the city has undertaken massive development projects over the past two decades.
No place is more quintessential Japanese than Kyoto. The former capital city is lined with ancient palaces, traditional teahouses, and peaceful Zen gardens where you can ponder which amazing noodle house to dine at for an unforgettable bowl of ramen. Add in cultural activities and excursions and studying abroad in Kyoto will be an experience you’ll remember forever.
Japan’s bustling capital city is renowned for its nightlife, shopping, public transportation, and cleanliness. Perhaps because of its mix of ultramodern and traditional, Tokyo also earns high marks for being a wonderful place for university students.
The capital and largest city in South Korea, Seoul is a vibrant cultural center filled with museums, religious monuments, parks, markets, festivals, sports teams, and tourist attractions, including the Gyeongbok and Changdeok palaces.
Despite its famous ruins, the capital of Jordan has plenty of cosmopolitan character and modern sensibility. One minute you’re atop Amman’s seven foremost hills taking a fascinating look back to the Bronze Age, and the next minute you’re window shopping on trendy Rainbow Street after an exquisite meal at a gourmet restaurant.
Juxtaposed against stunning mountains and seascapes is a developing nation striving for innovative solutions to solve vast economic, political, and social challenges. With homestays, cultural clubs, excursions and volunteering opportunities, CIEE study abroad in South Africa is a uniquely immersive international experience.
Gaborone is the economic, political, and cultural capital of Botswana and reputedly one of Africa’s more low-key capitals – possibly because it hosts two well-known game reserves filled with diverse wildlife that offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city.
Just three degrees north of the equator, Legon draws students and locals alike to its rainforests, wildlife parks, pristine beaches, and vibrant restaurants. The university campus comprises a good portion of this quiet suburb, but Ghana’s vibrant capital, Accra, is less than 10 miles away.
Morocco’s capital and second largest city is host to prestigious universities, international institutions such as UNESCO and the World Bank, and a wide range of opportunities for students to experience its culture through art exhibits, music, and theater.
Europe’s cultural epicenter never fails to charm with its myriad of art, culture, fashion, gastronomy, and world-famous monuments always within reach. Even a simple stroll along the Seine offers a magical taste of the City of Lights.
