Imagine combining the thrills and spills of uni life with an extra long holiday? Well opt to study abroad for a year at one of these top destinations and you can do just that, whilst living out all your foreign exchange student dreams.
1. Berlin
Amazing party scene, cheap living costs, great beer and a vibrant art community has helped make this city a magnet for fun-loving students looking to broaden their minds.
Where to live?
Secure some student digs in trendy Kreutzburg or Friedrichshain to stay in the thick of the action.
2. Tokyo
Live out your Lost in Translation fantasies in one of the coolest cities on the planet.
When you’ve finally acclimatised to this bustling metropolis, learn to blend in like a local by scoping out some the city’s most stylish neighbourhoods.
Where to hang out?
Splurge your student loan in the fashionable Harajuku and Roppongi districts, or jostle through the crowds at Akhibara ‘Electric Town’ for all the latest gadgets to show off to your friends back home.
3. Dublin
If you can avoid spending your entire time in a Guinness haze, then you’ll actually find out that Dublin has plenty of other worthy attributes.
The hometown of literary legends like James Joyce, prepare to be inspired by this city’s fascinating past.
What to see?
From classic castles to the city’s free museum and galleries, there’s always something to suit your mood in Dublin.
4. Sydney
Sun, sand and city, what more could you really ask for? Sydney couldn’t be a better place for sun worshippers to spend their most studious years.
And you won’t feel like a stranger for long – Australia’s largest city is a melting pot of culture and diversity.
What to do?
Enjoy the beach life bysigning up for surf school and learn to ride the waves like a pro down at Bondi beach, or take a break from studying and venture further afield on a wild bush walk.
5. Rotterdam
The Netherlands’ second city is more than just a quick weekend getaway.
Home of cool contemporary architecture, great nightlife and an array of interesting design boutiques, Rotterdam is a fast-paced cultural hub that will ensure you’re never short of things to do, whatever the hour.
Where to party?
Head to Café De Witte Aap for an evening drinking session or dance until your feet hurt at the huge warehouse club and events complex, Maassilo.
Feature image © pojoslaw/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
