Entertainment For Students Studying Abroad

Studying abroad in college is possibly a once in a lifetime experience and becoming more popular for students in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, the top five most popular destinations for students to study abroad are the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France and China (2012-2013).

Whether you are studying in another country for a semester or a month or two over the summer, it’s important to have fun and explore the country you are visiting as much as possible. Here are some sightseeing and entertainment options to explore when studying abroad in the top five foreign destinations.

1. United Kingdom (12.5 percent of U.S. students)

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Palace of Westminster & Big Ben

Located in the center of Westminster, London, is the Palace of Westminster with extraordinary architecture and years of British history behind its walls. However, the building is only open on weekdays, so if you can only visit on the weekends, you can always just admire the outside of the building.

Big Ben is a famous clock tower that is actually attached to the north end of the Palace of Westminster (both are shown in the photo above).

Natural History Museum of London

One of the most popular museums in the United Kingdom is the Natural History Museum of London. This museum contains artifacts and exhibits of life and earth science including botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology. If you enjoy animals and science, consider spending a day or afternoon at this interesting museum which is open every day of the week.

London Eye

Looking over the River Thames of London is a giant Ferris wheel called the Coca-Cola London Eye. From the wheel you will be able to see the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and other sights of London.

The wheel runs every day and each of the 32 capsules can hold up to 25 people at a time, with each ride lasting 30 minutes. Visit London Eye for discounted tickets and more information.

2. Italy (10.3 percent of U.S. students)

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Grand Canal

The Grand Canal — or Canal Grande, as the Italians say — is one of the most beautiful places to see and experience in Italy. The water canal is located in Venice and is used as one of the major forms of transportation in the city. If you were to visit the Grand Canal you would see gondolas paddling through the blue water between the colorful buildings, like the picture above. Seeing this is a must if you are studying abroad in Italy.

Colosseum

One of the major attractions in the city of Rome is the Colosseum. This monument is the largest amphitheater in the world, built in 70-80 AD. It carries much history, like being used for entertainment then years later used for housing, workshops and religious quarters. This would be a very interesting and for some a bucket list destination that is more than worth making the trip for.

Trevi Fountain

Probably the most famous fountain in the world is the Trevi Fountain which is also located in Rome. This fountain has such amazing architecture and beautiful detail. It has also been featured in several movies including “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” (2003). Virtually everyone can enjoy the magnificence of this Roman fountain; day or night, the fountain is definitely a sight to see and to toss a coin into.

3. Spain (9.1 percent of U.S. students)

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Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is a masterpiece of the famous Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi, with very unique construction in Barcelona. The building is open every day of the week with a museum of different architectural structures. If you find yourself looking for an adventure, look into going here!

Costa del Sol

This beach is located on the coast of the city of Malaga. If you are studying abroad in Spain, Costa del Sol is a great way to spend your weekend off from class and homework. You can swim in the blue water or lay on the beach and tan. There are also many street markets and a zoo, Bioparc Fuengirola, just off the beach in Malaga. You can definitely make a fun weekend trip to Costa del Sol.

Buen Retiro Park 

Located in Madrid, this public park is one of the largest in the city. There are many fun things to do and see in the park such as historic statues, a rose garden, fountains, a pond to boat in, and a museum and art galleries featuring historic paintings. This is definitely a spot you can spend all day in, and if you are living in the city of Madrid you could study or do homework right in the park.

4. France (5.9 percent of U.S. students)

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Eiffel Tower 

This landmark is one of the most famous in the world: the Eiffel Tower in the city of Paris. It is over 1,000 ft. tall and over 120 years old. The tower is open seven days a week, and even late at night to get the view of the city lights. This monument is a big bucket lister for most, so if you find yourself studying in France, there is no way you can pass up the opportunity.

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is an amazing building that is used for tourism and also remains useful for political functions. This palace is huge and so beautiful with the architecture and incredible detail inside with painted ceilings, artwork, chandeliers and gold statues. There are beautiful gardens within the landscaping of the palace as well.

Gorges Du Verdon 

This river canyon is located in south-eastern France and has the most breathtaking turquoise color, like in the picture above. Aside from the incredible view of the river, you can rent kayaks to travel on the canyon or hike in trials along the edge of it.

Gorges Du Verdon is the perfect place to go if you are the outdoorsy type and is another sight that you do not want to pass up when in France.

5. China (5 percent of U.S. students)

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Great Wall of China 

The Great Wall of China is one of the oldest landmarks; built in 206 BC, it is over 13,000 miles long. This is another bucket lister for many and could be a once in a lifetime experience. If you are studying abroad in China this is something you and some friends have to do, even if you just walk a mile or two of the wall. The wall is open every day of the week; however, it does close before sunset, so make sure you plan for that ahead of time.

The Forbidden City 

Located in the city of Beijing, The Forbidden City is a palace from the Ming Dynasty and is now the Palace Museum. The museum contains over a million pieces of Chinese art including ceramics, paintings, bronzeware and more. If you are looking to go to a museum in your free time in China, you should look into going to the Forbidden City; the amount of history and the architecture is definitely worth it.

Yuyuan Garden

These remarkable gardens are in the city of Shanghai, and something that you have to see when you are in China. If you are looking for some nature and relaxation in the mix of your study this is the place to experience. The Yuyian Garden has numerous ponds with fish, rocks and several different plants and trees to enjoy. You may love it so much you’ll have to take more than one trip.

Although schooling while studying abroad is important, experiencing the country, making memories and having fun are just as important, so make sure you schedule in the fun activities while you’re traveling as well.