15 Best Cities to Study Abroad in Europe
Europe is full of an amazing variety of cities that anyone would be lucky to study abroad in! When choosing your study abroad/Erasmus program, check out the cities that are perfect for international students to study abroad in Europe.
How to choose your study abroad program
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing your study abroad program. Some of the most common include:
- Length of the program – Are you wanting to leave for a whole semester, or just for a few weeks in the summer? What about immersing yourself for an entire year?
- Courses available – Which programs can be adapted to your major/specialization?
- Language – Are you wanting to learn a new language? Do you want somewhere with the same native language as you or are you wanting more of a challenge?
Studying abroad is an amazing experience no matter where you choose to study, but some cities may be easier to integrate in than others.
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15 of the Best Cities to Study Abroad in Europe
1. London
London is super international, so there’s really something for everyone! In addition to that, it’s English speaking, so if you’re reading this post, you will have no problems with communicating. London is a perfect city to feel at home with the language, while still enjoying an international experience.
London is also a great hub with many different airports, so it’s easy to base yourself out of there and travel around Europe, or to travel to other parts of the UK.
2. Madrid
The Spanish capital is vibrant, full of culture, and overall a really great time! There are many international students studying here with tons of events such as language exchanges, tapas tasting nights, and international bars. Additionally, the cost of rent in Madrid is low compared to other parts of Europe, so it’s a perfect place to be ballin’ on a budget and living that broke student life. Culturally speaking, living in Spain is amazing, so you definitely won’t regret choosing your study abroad in Europe program there!
3. Rome
Rome is a vibrant, cultural, and amazing student city. When visiting Rome you may only stay in the tourist areas, but the student area, such as Trastevere, is where the real experience begins! Imagine an entire summer or semester dining on Italian pasta and living your Lizzie McGuire dream on a vespa. Rome is definitely one of the coolest cities for internationals to study abroad!
4. Prague
Prague is a colorful, Bohemian type of city. It’s definitely a different experience than studying in other Western European countries, but still amazing! Prague’s walkability, party scene, and cheap prices make it an excellent city for any student to live in.
5. Budapest
Most people are either a Prague or a Budapest person, but they’re both amazing cities! Budapest is a very green city full of amazing nightlife, beautiful architecture, and a cheap cost of living. People from far and wide come to Budapest to soak in the uber-famous thermal baths and party in the cave bars. If you decide to study abroad in Budapest, you’re sure to have an amazing time!
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6. Paris
Many people dream of living in Paris, and when you’re a student, you have that very chance! In Paris you can study in the same cafes that housed some of the world’s amazing authors and artists, and visit world class museums in your free time. Paris is also well connected to other cities in Europe and in Southern France, so you’ll have to chance to do some exploring on the weekends. There are many international students in Paris, so you’re guaranteed to make lifelong friendships.
7. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a magical town that is big, but not too big, and small, but not too small. It’s great for students due to University of Edinburgh being located inside the city centre, and you’ll find all kinds of bars and restaurants that offer student discounts due to the massive student population. People speak English of course, and you may even come home from studying with a cute Scottish accent!
8. Berlin
Berlin – the city that defines “underground.” People from all over the world flock to Berlin for the unique atmosphere. Studying abroad in this city will be an amazing and unforgettable experience. Berlin is the city for those wanting a freedom of expression and an international community. It’s cheaper than most European capital cities, and you can definitely survive in the city without speaking German.
9. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is an amazing city for those wanting to study abroad in Europe! You can spend your time outside of class picnicking on the canals and bike riding through the city. The population is very international, so you’ll never have to worry about someone speaking English. From Amsterdam, you can easily visit other parts of the Netherlands and of Europe!
10. Barcelona
Barcelona is the quintessential student city! The city is international, vibrant, and sunny throughout most of the year. You’ll get to experience the uniquely Catalan culture, while being located on the beach. What more could you ask for?
11. Lisbon
The Portuguese capital of Lisbon will show any study abroad student an amazing time! This colorful city welcomes students and digital nomads all year round, as visitors come to enjoy the sunshine. I guarantee that you’ll love spending a semester here.
12. Copenhagen
Copenhagen has that taste of Scandinavia, while still being attached to more of Western Europe. If you decide to study abroad in Copenhagen, you’ll find a fresh and clean city full of bicyclists, amazing cafés, and modern Scandinavian fashion.
13. Dublin
Dublin has such a welcoming vibe and population that any student would feel right at home here! The university brings in a huge international group of students every year, so it’s quite easy to make friends! You’ll enjoy the Irish culture and how walkable this city is while living there.
14. Florence
Florence is probably the most picturesque of the bigger Italian cities, and you’ll enjoy admiring the architecture and the views every single day of your trip. Near to Florence you can go wine tasting in Tuscany, see the medieval villages in the area, and visit the famous Cinque Terre. Not bad for a pretty small city!
15. Vienna
Vienna is a cultural and cosmopolitan city. It may not have the WOW factor of some of the other cities on the list, but the people are welcoming, the city is great to live in, and you’re in close proximity to other European countries for traveling. You can find a variety of concerts and museums in Vienna, and shop til you drop in the city centre.
