My Favourite Places To Visit While Studying Abroad In Europe
Scandra Ortega, a student at New York University, recently finished a program studying Marketing & Entrepreneurship in Spain and interning with Expanish Madrid. Here she shares how to make the most of your experience studying abroad by exploring other parts of Europe.
Read Scandra's other articles about her study abroad experience HERE.
One of the best parts of studying abroad in Europe is how easy it is to travel. There are so many places you can visit without needing a long break from your school or intern program. Weekend trips ended up being one of my favorite parts of studying abroad in Spain because they gave me the chance to experience so many different places in a short amount of time. You do not need a huge budget or a perfect itinerary to make the most of it either, so based on my personal experiences, here are some top destinations for a short trip within Europe:
Malta
If you are looking for a place that feels fun, sunny, and different from the typical European city weekend, Malta is such a good option. It has beautiful water, a really fun social scene, and a mix of relaxing and adventurous things to do. It is one of those places that feels like a mini vacation within your study abroad experience. Malta is especially great if you want a trip that feels warm and more beachy. You can spend your days exploring Valletta or St. Julians, going to the beach, taking boat trips, or just walking around and enjoying how pretty everything is. At night, there is also a lot going on, which makes it a really fun place to go with friends.
Morocco
I feel like this is a really popular study abroad trip for a reason. It is such an amazing experience that offers activities that are different from other places. Morocco is such an unforgettable trip and one of the most unique places I visited while abroad. If you are studying in Spain especially, it is surprisingly accessible and feels completely different from a lot of the typical weekend destinations in the region. That is what makes it so worth it. Whether it is visiting markets, seeing the desert, or just experiencing a totally different culture and environment, it is one of those trips that feels really memorable. It is a great choice if you want your weekend trip to feel more like an experience than just a quick city break.
Czech Republic
The capital, Prague, is a great weekend trip destination if you want a city that feels beautiful, walkable, and full of character. It has that classic European charm that a lot of people in the US picture when they imagine studying abroad in Europe. One of the best things about Prague is that it is easy to enjoy even in a short amount of time. You can spend the weekend walking through the city, seeing historic buildings, crossing the Charles Bridge, and finding cute cafés and restaurants along the way. It also has a really fun energy at night, which makes it another top weekend trip to do with friends.
Canary Islands
If you want sun, beautiful views, and a more relaxed trip, the Canary Islands are such a good option. I have been to both Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and both were amazing in their own way. You can go for beaches, hiking, sightseeing, good food, or just to enjoy the year-round good weather. There’s so many activities, like I went parasailing and jet skiing in Gran Canaria, while Tenerife especially has such beautiful landscapes and feels very different from mainland Spain.
Spain
Yes, I was already here studying, but in your eagerness to discover all corners of Europe, you should not forget to explore around where you’re living. Spain is such a diverse country — from traditional Andalusia in the south, the sunny Mediterranean coastline to the east, and the mountainous (and often rain-soaked) northern regions like Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country. Each place offers something unique, and it really shows how much there is to explore even within one country. While I was studying abroad in Spain I spent time in Barcelona, Mallorca, Toledo, Valencia, and Tenerife, and they were all amazing in completely different ways.
Honestly, Anywhere...
If you find a flight that is cheap, get on it. It’s such a privilege to be able to travel so easily while studying abroad, especially at this stage in life. Even a quick two-day trip can turn into one of your favorite memories.
Want to have your own study abroad experience? Check out our full range of study abroad programs, including our new semester programs, now available in Spain, Argentina and Costa Rica.
