College is great, not only for advancing your knowledge, but also for your social life. Lots of people who went to college talk of their time there as defining and eye-opening, and we can all agree it has little to do with education. Friendships formed in this level of school-life last a long time – sometimes forever.
Gone are the days when a student was limited in places they could study. The world is anyone’s oyster these days if they are willing to get uncomfortable, do research on great places to study outside their home country, and basically go into the unknown.
Dear wanderlust, these are some of the best places to study abroad.
French Riviera, France
If you are looking for a quaint village surrounded by famous cities and rich culture, then the French Riviera is where you want to be for university. This corner of France is a haven for luxury with its unadulterated sandy beaches and French culture, and certainly the perfect place for riding waves every morning.
The weather is mostly tropical, so you can count on sunny days most of the year. SKEMA Business School is well-known as one of the best in Europe, hence the nickname ‘Europe’s Silicon Valley.’ It has more to offer than tech studies—Engineering, Cultural Arts, and the French language are also offered here.
What makes the French Riviera so special?
About 20 minutes by train, you can access both Monaco and Cannes where a rich culture, great food, and international festivities bring people from all corners of the world. You also get to experience the luxury that makes celebrities and royalty troop to St. Tropez every year. All that aside, schools at the Riviera are rated highly in Europe and other parts of the world. Check out individual schools to see the language of instruction – mainly English and French – and scholarships available as well as entry requirements.
Toronto, Canada
If you choose to study in North America, you may as well make the most of the experience by choosing to be part of the six million inhabitants of Ontario’s capital city. Universities in Toronto are well known in academic circles for their powerful scientific base. So, a bonus that many students will like is that it is quite easy to find a coursework help service for students in Toronto (ca.edubirdie, for example) to write your papers and do extensive research on your behalf as you get acquainted with the city. This helps you progress in studies easier and it takes the load off so you can balance school with a little fun.
Thanks to its open-door policy to international students, this city receives large numbers of the best brains from all over the world. Its advanced technology allows students to study just about any course while its cuisine and social amenities keep them happy throughout their campus days. Most universities in Toronto announce scholarships for talented students. As long as they are not in the two French-speaking provinces, the language of instruction is English.
What makes Toronto special?
First, you get the chance to explore this beautiful city and experience the mix of cultures you’ve never seen before. You can check out Ryerson’s Mass Exodus for fashion, TIFF for movies and the September festival, and Nuit Blanche for art. The trains system is effective enough to take you all over the country so you can explore. Plus, Canada is not that far away from the US, so there’s little time difference and you’ll be able to visit your family any time you want.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
For a lot of people, Malaysia is a third world country but in reality this is a great place to explore the world while studying abroad. Cutting-edge Monash Malaysia university campus is located in the vibrant and beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur. As this is just a department of Australian university, there are several exchange programs and opportunities to study in a few different countries and locations depending on the program of your choice. In general, all the programs are available in the English language and there are no specific entry requirements for native English speakers.
What makes Kuala Lumpur special?
The eclectic nature of this country will bring a lot of joy to true wanderlusts as futuristic skyscrapers neighbour with ancient colonial architecture in Kuala Lumpur. While exploring the city, it may seem that you’ve visited several places within just a couple of hours. Apart from that, the cost of living in the country is quite low which provides students with numerous opportunities to explore a few other Asian countries on holidays or vacations.
Galway, Ireland
European Capital of Culture in 2020, this small town will show you life in an English-speaking country from a totally different perspective. NUI Galway is one of the best and most competitive universities in Ireland, being named University of the Year three times. It partners with several key cultural organisations in Ireland, the UK and Europe that gladly employ new Galway graduates each year. Besides, the organisation of studies is not that different from the educational system in the UK or the US so it is much easier to adapt to the rhythm of life here than in any other country.
What makes Galway special?
Galway is one of the most enjoyable tourist destinations in Ireland as it hosts multiple celebrations, festivals and cultural events. This city has preserved a lot of medieval cultural heritage. In the centre of the city lies the 18th century Eyre Square, a popular meeting place for locals, students and tourists. It is surrounded by shops and old pubs, which often host Irish folk musicians. In the stone-lined, winding streets of the Latin Block, which has preserved the remains of medieval fortress walls, visitors will find numerous cafes, shops and art galleries.
Auckland, New Zealand
There is a reason why Auckland attracts over 80,000 international students every year. The city is one of the most diverse in the world as so many of its residents are from everywhere else other than New Zealand. The city has no shortage of public and private schools, from Auckland International College to Macleans College, and Pinehurst School that offer arts, business studies and other top courses for diversity. Many universities require a 2.5 GPA and above, and students may be required to do further tests depending on the selected course. You will find lists of available scholarships either on government sites or on school bulletins.
What makes Auckland special?
All work and no play makes us all dull, but that could never be possible in this city. There are tons of places to explore and find inspiration for art such as exploring the islands of Hauraki Gulf, walking the Piha beach and surfing the waves every day if you liked, exploring music and art in the city, and festivals that invite foreigners into the Maori culture. New Zealand is the ultimate destination for a foodie with its diverse cuisine that matches its residents. Choosing it as a country to study opens you up to cultural appreciation and fun for the while your studies last.
A little play makes learning enjoyable
You are only in college for a few years, so you want to spend this time on more than essay writing. You want to explore spaces beyond the school library and student residences. The experiences you gain when studying abroad will give you enough material to write entire blog pieces should you choose, so make the most of this time.
Featured image: Austin Distel (distel.com)/Unsplash
Comments