The Best Cities in the World for Studying Abroad

If you are of college age, you have likely heard of the term 'Erasmus'. This exchange program offers mobility opportunities for higher education students to continue their studies in another destination (if you seek a cultural encounter within your city, we provide you with five apps to help you do so). Within this educational project, various modalities are available, such as undergraduate studies, master's, doctorate, or even internships, although the maximum allowed duration cannot exceed 12 months within an academic cycle.

In university towns, it is quite common to encounter numerous groups of students embarking on this adventure. Many of them assert that this experience not only enriches their academic background but also opens their minds to a new world, filled with diverse cultures, languages, and everyday challenges.

The program is associated with a specific number of countries, totaling 34 eligible nations, including the 28 member states of the European Union, in addition to four countries from the European Free Trade Association: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, along with Turkey and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. However, among all these options, some centers are more popular than others due to their rich offerings in entertainment, leisure, and nightlife.

Italy is one of the favorite countries for young people participating in the Erasmus program, mainly due to its climate, vast tourist offerings, and a relatively easy language to learn for English speakers. While there may be high demand from young college-age students, Italy is not one of the most expensive regions in Europe, so relatively affordable apartments can be found.

Particularly, Rome stands out as the most prominent city. The Italian capital has a fascinating history, marked by landmarks such as the Roman Colosseum and the Vatican. Additionally, its vibrant nightlife is ideal for the student vibe: in this location, you will find countless Erasmus events and social gatherings, as well as the opportunity to join clubs or sports teams.

The Erasmus program in Antwerp offers a chance to immerse yourself in its rich art and culture offerings. Through proposals that combine innovation and tradition, this metropolis provides opportunities to visit venues such as the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the Museum aan de Stroom, or the Red Star Line Museum.

Moreover, this European city is also recognized for its beer production. In some bars, a menu with up to 100 different types is even offered. If you are looking to enjoy nightlife, the famous Meir Street is filled with shops, bars, and restaurants.

Regarding language, Antwerp - like other centers in Belgium - has a strong multicultural tradition. In this sense, while the official language is Dutch, English is widely used by the locals.

In the center of the Portuguese country lies Coimbra, an ancient city that was once the capital of this state. In the medieval district, one of its main attractions is the University of Coimbra, which dates back to 1290 and is considered one of the oldest in all of Europe.

In addition to its picturesque architecture and aesthetics, the great variety of leisure offerings - such as the old town bars or 'party houses' like Casa Vermelha - and the hospitality of the Portuguese make it economically favorable for university life, with many offers and discounts for students.

If you are looking for a more personalized experience, then Prague is for you. This metropolis is ideal for those who prefer smaller environments, as it is not very large but presents a substantial amount of medieval monuments.

As a curiosity, the capital of the Czech Republic is known as 'The City of a Hundred Towers' due to the numerous fortifications that rise on its horizon. It is estimated that the current landscape includes a total of 500 towers, not counting the various spires of houses and apartments.

Another neighboring country that does not fall short in its offerings for university students is France. Montpellier, in the south of the territory, stands out as a perfect destination for young people, mainly due to its great geographical location, very close to the French Riviera.

Montpellier enjoys excellent weather year-round, so entertainment, party, and leisure activities will not be lacking any of the 365 days. On the other hand, it is impossible to pass through France without tasting its cuisine. In this sense, the city offers a multitude of very good and affordable restaurants to try traditional dishes such as filet mignon, snails with butter and garlic, a wide variety of cheeses, or steak tartare.