Studying abroad as a high-school or college student means more than snapping an arm-stretching selfie in front of an iconic landmark or seeking out the most glamorous club scene. In an increasingly interconnected world, travel can expand your horizons and help you make sense of living in the age of globalization. The most backpacker-friendly cities are often the most culturally rich and might even teach you a thing or two outside the classroom. Here are our picks for the best places to study abroad.
Berlin, Germany – Lessons in Art and History
David Bowie defined Berlin as “The greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine”, and he was correct. Berlin is a city with a tumultuous history where you can relive the history of the Berlin Wall, visit its famous art museums and galleries, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant artistic scene. Be sure to visit the East Side Gallery – a public ‘outdoor gallery’ on the surviving segment of the Berlin Wall, painted with politically minded and motivational graffiti. Also, take a trip to Museum Island, a collection of five museums on an island in Berlin’s river Spree. These museums hold some of the world’s most valuable historical objects.
While in Berlin, you may be inspired to write an essay about this amazing city. That said, if you need to write a paper about it for school but don’t feel up to it, you can order essays from the best research paper writers on academized. These experts can deliver a great paper, allowing you to enjoy your adventure in peace.
Cape Town, South Africa – Diversity and Nature
In the field of biodiversity and environmental science, Cape Town is the classroom you want to attend. Perched between mountains and oceans, the natural scenery is dramatic and unbelievable.
Whant to know why environmentalists love Cape Town? Here’s why:
| Rich Biodiversity | Cape Town is home to unique plant species found nowhere else on Earth, particularly in the Cape Floristic Region. |
| Conservation Efforts | The city is active in wildlife and habitat conservation, including protecting its coastlines and endangered species. |
| Green Spaces | Abundant green spaces like Table Mountain National Park and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offer preserved natural environments within the city. |
| Sustainable Practices | Cape Town has initiatives focused on sustainability, such as water conservation measures and renewable energy projects. |
| Eco-Tourism | The city promotes eco-friendly tourism that supports conservation and benefits the local community, making it a model for sustainable travel. |
While at Cape Town, hike up Table Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the city and ocean and visit the Cape of Good Hope, a nature reserve that displays some of the area’s richest flora and fauna. With Father’s Day coming up, this trip will be a great gift idea for your dad. Cape Town is the kind of place where you can learn about nature and humanity.
Kyoto, Japan – A Walk Through History
For students who love to find out about history and culture, Kyoto is like spending your school trip in a time machine. The former imperial capital offers a plethora of temples, old tea houses, and storybook gardens you can immerse yourself in. While here, head to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), clad in gold leaf and reflected in a mirror-like pond. Explore Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, to catch a glimpse of traditional Japanese entertainment. This is a place where every side street and garden teaches you something about Japan’s heritage.
Japas is a favored place among international tourists. In 2023 alone, over 25 million people came to see this beautiful country. Here’s how many people have visited it in the recent years:
Source: Statista
Barcelona, Spain – Architectural Marvels and Language
While people associate the city with FC Barcelona and glorious football, Barcelona’s abundant architectural talent (think Antoni Gaudí) means it has a multitude of extraordinary buildings to offer. Not to mention the perfect no-pressure setting to practice your Spanish or Catalan.
Here, you can enjoy the following attractions:
- Visit Sagrada Familia: Created by the endlessly original Antoni Gaudí, its candy-colored facades are as fantastical as any dreamscape. Construction began in 1882, and it is still being built.
- Stroll Las Ramblas: Walk down the tree-lined and pedestrian-friendly Las Ramblas, a crowded street bordered by performers, shops, and cafés that runs from Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront.
- Visit Park Güell: At his whimsical, cartoonish park, Gaudí’s mosaic-covered sculptures, mushroom-like benches, walking paths, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape are on display.
- Tour the Gothic Quarter: Get lost among the narrow medieval alleyways of the city’s downtown core, which includes the Barcelona Cathedral and several hidden squares.
- Chill out at Barceloneta Beach: A must-see for everyone, enjoy the best of the sun and the sea at Barcelona’s most famous beach. Take a walk along the promenade.
Singapore – A Gateway to Asia
Singapore is a mixed culture and an example of modern development and planning. It is also an important business hub for the world. If you are a student interested in business, technology, or sustainable urban development, Singapore is a great city for you to visit. There are many things you can do while you are there.
Don’t miss the Gardens by the Bay, a biodiversity landscape that highlights innovative urban planning and sustainable practices. Marvel at the crescent-shaped clouds framing Mount Faber. Also, visit Little India and Chinatown for two of the best ‘immersion retail’ experiences, not to mention food. One finds a wide variety of learning environments in Singapore — clean, safe, technologically advanced, and at the forefront of urban living.
Beyond the Classroom
Every city has a story. Travel is about finding stories and soaking up their lessons, and, as an added bonus, learning a thing or two about yourself in the process. Pack your backpack, uncap your notebooks, and get ready to stamp your passport and get academic knowledge you won’t find in a textbook.