Article courtesy of DiversityAbroad.com
“Adventure is out there!”
If you watched the animated film Up, you probably recognized its message and can relate to it. You’ve spent your early years learning in classrooms, from teachers and books and tests. But there’s that yearning and restlessness, and the need to explore outside the confines of a school.
“Adventure is out there!”
If you watched the animated film Up, you probably recognized its message and can relate to it. You’ve spent your early years learning in classrooms, from teachers and books and tests. But there’s that yearning and restlessness, and the need to explore outside the confines of a school.
Students get the chance to expand their horizons in the classroom, but pursuing further study abroad will help you take that experience to the next level.
Asia
China
One of the main seats of Asian civilization, China gives
visitors many opportunities to learn and enjoy: the Great Wall, the
Terracotta Warriors, the pandas, the Shaolin monks, even the food, which
is much better than the Chinese takeout you’re probably used to (or
tired of). As one of the world’s economic superpowers, it’s an ideal
place for those who want to learn how global business works while
experiencing an inarguably exotic culture.
Thailand
If you’ve never tried authentic Thai food before, go to Thailand and discover what study abroad destinations
are all about. Aside from its singularly spicy cuisine, Thailand is
home to Buddhist temples, deep blue oceans, exotic jungles, and
thrilling martial arts (many boxers cringe at what Muay Thai fighters
are subjected to).
Singapore
The city-state of Singapore has established itself as a
major global financial center. Comprised of 64 islands (one main island
and 63 offshore islands), its main attractions include man-made
waterfalls, the world’s first night zoo, and a colorful musical fountain
show. Visitors will also have fun listening to (and trying to decode)
Singlish, a unique mix of English and the local lingo. To experience the
best of Asia’s urban lifestyle, Singapore is the place to go.
North America and the Caribbean
Jamaica
The birthplace of Bob Marley, Jamaica boasts of a rich
musical heritage that includes influences from West Africa and
neighboring Caribbean countries. The island is covered with a blanket of
green, its edge a rim of soft sand that sinks into the clear ocean.
Eating Jamaican food is a religious experience, with rich tropical
fruits, spices, root crops, fish, meat and rice coming together to
create a uniquely hearty flavor. Students have their pick of various
courses, ranging from health science to architecture.
Canada
This Northern American country exudes a strong European
feel. Canada is famous for its friendly and tolerant residents. It’s not
just hockey games and maple syrup that make Canada special, though—the
seas where you can surf and fish, sub-arctic regions where you can
marvel at the Northern lights, and urban metropolises like Toronto and
Montreal where you can enjoy city life are all reasons to consider
visiting America’s friendly neighbor to the north.
South America
Argentina
A land of extremes, Argentina’s climate runs from
subtropical to subarctic as you go from north to south. Its unique
geography is home to a wide variety of wildlife, ranging from armadillos
to penguins. Dubbed as the “Paris of South America,” its architecture
and metropolitan feel will surely appeal to Europeans and Americans who
want just a dash of the unfamiliar.
Brazil
The world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer keeps watch
over the country of Brazil, a country blessed with a vibrant culture.
Its popular powder-sand beaches attract tourists who want plenty of fun
in the sun. With its fair share of Spanish colonial history and a
national obsession over football, Brazil a great place to spend your
summer and brush up your Portuguese .
Ecuador
Straddling the equator where it derived its name, the
country is known for its Andean peaks and volcanic islands that are home
to fascinating flora and fauna. Ecuador is perfect for nature lovers
who want to experience summer programs that focuses on the environment.
Peru
The home of the Incas, Peru offers visiting students a
chance to explore nature and the ruins of ancient civilizations. The
climate can be tropical and humid or cool and wet, depending on where
you are in the country. If you’ve always wanted to climb mountains and
trudge through rainforests, this is a great destination.
Africa
South Africa
Museums, bistros, mountain ranges, vineyards, and Victorian
houses—you’d think you’re in Europe, but you’re actually in South
Africa. Students can visit wineries, mansions, and villas—attractions
one would normally expect under the Tuscan sun. With an active art scene
and a laid-back academic atmosphere, students can get a chance to enjoy
leisurely overseas learning in an unexpected place. It’s also home to
Robben Island, where human rights advocate and apartheid fighter
President Nelson Mandela spent years as a political prisoner.
Morocco
Morocco has a predominantly Muslim culture, though it was
exposed to most major religions in the world. It’s also a former French
colony and home to diverse sun-beaten landscapes dotted with oases.
Souqs, sultans’ palaces, ramparts, and parapets give Moroccan cities a
unique feel. Those who want to learn about international relations,
particularly involving Middle Eastern countries, will want to explore
the unique study abroad programs here.
Oceania
New Zealand
One of the many benefits of studying abroad is that you get
to experience an unusual education, a kind of learning that comes from
experiences. That’s exactly what you can expect from New Zealand. With
the country’s soaring mountains and verdant but jagged plains, there’s
plenty of opportunity for thrilling activities like bungee-jumping,
hiking, and river rafting. One can also experience the best New Zealand
cities offer by using their walking tour apps. So if you believe that the unlived life is not worth examining, a trip to New Zealand could be just what you need.
Australia
The Land Down Under is the place to go for endless
exploration. Home to geographical attractions like the Great Barrier
Reef, Bondi Beach, and Ayers Rock, Australia also has a vibrant urban
scene, with numerous theaters, art galleries, and music festivals. Their
food is a fusion of European-style cooking and fine ingredients from
Asia. As the only country that’s also a continent, Australia’s vastness
is the perfect place to have a satisfying educational excursion.
Those are just some destinations you can consider. The world is an
open book with many pages you can flip to. One of the most important
tips in life is to not ignore your wanderlust: listen to it, think about
the kind of education you want, and chase after the adventure that’s
out there.
by TRIXIE CORDOVA
Trixie is the Student Outreach Coordinator at Diversity Abroad. She studied abroad in Italy as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley, then went on to be an Assistant Language Teacher on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program for 2 years. She has her MA in International Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Read the full article from DiversityAbroad at: http://www.diversityabroad.com/study-abroad/articles/22-unique-study-abroad-destinations-every-student-consider
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Search for study abroad opportunities in more than 50 countries at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
Search for study abroad opportunities in more than 50 countries at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
