A study abroad exchange is an opportunity to learn to adapt, step outside your comfort zone, and embrace the unknown. Here are five destination ideas to help you experience mobility on your own terms and cultivate your uniqueness.
Santiago, Chile
Nestled between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Santiago offers something few capitals can: mountains and beaches just a few hours’ drive away, as well as a sunny climate for much of the year. From the capital, neighboring Argentina, Patagonia, and the Atacama Desert are all within reach.
The School of Economics and Business at the University of Chile (FEN) is recognized for its programs in economics and management in Latin America. The experience is also shaped by the people you meet: “The local students are very welcoming, and the exchange student group encourages us to step outside our comfort zone,” says an EM Strasbourg student studying at FEN. The student adds, “Chile is a country that deserves to be better known.”
Studying abroad is an experience that fosters both open-mindedness and a spirit of adventure.
Indore, India
“You can go to India with a lot of preconceived ideas. My experience? It's a wonderful country: the Himalayan mountains, the beaches of Goa, the Rajasthan Desert, the backwaters of Kerala,” says Laura, who's on exchange in Indore.
At the Indian Institute of Management Indore, she is also discovering a different approach to management through courses in geopolitics and data analysis. “The professors make international students feel comfortable and included,” she says. On campus, shops, a gym, a swimming pool, and restaurants are part of student life, along with Bollywood nights organized by the International Student Association. It is an immersive experience that is perfect for developing intercultural openness.
Riga, Latvia
Latvia’s capital, Riga, charms visitors with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center and Art Nouveau architecture. The University of Latvia welcomes international students each year to a capital where the cost of living remains affordable. It is also easy to travel around the region from the city without spending a fortune: the Baltic countries, Poland, and Finland are all within easy reach.
Latvia joined the European Union in 2004 and the eurozone in 2014, making it one of the Union’s newest members. For students seeking to embody a true European mindset, Riga offers a different perspective on Europe. “The balance between studying and free time is perfect, and I fell in love with Riga and Eastern Europe, which I had the chance to explore at a low cost,” says Clémentine, who went on exchange to Riga.
Tasmania, Australia
Less well-known than Sydney or Melbourne, Tasmania offers a different side of Australia. This island off the south coast of the continent is known for its beaches, mountains, national parks, and unique wildlife.
In Hobart, the capital, the University of Tasmania campus is close to the ocean and the natural environment. Its distance from major cities and its island setting make an exchange there a particularly different experience. Studying here also means learning to adapt to a new environment and make the most of the opportunities it offers to meet people and explore. It is a hands-on experience that can help you demonstrate your curiosity and adaptability.
Varna, Bulgaria
Situated on the Black Sea coast, Varna offers a very different lifestyle from Europe’s major student destinations. “At first, I didn't know the country at all, and I had a lot of preconceived ideas. I thought I would be bored,” says an EM Strasbourg student who went on exchange to the University of Economics–Varna.
Her experience led her to discover a lively city where “people are very open” and there is plenty to do. The city’s proximity to Turkey, Greece, and the Balkans also makes it possible to explore a region that is still relatively unfamiliar to French students. “For a student, Varna is one of the best places to go, especially for the beach,” she adds. This exchange destination invites you to discover a different side of Europe.
Five destinations, five different ways to experience an exchange and grow from it. The only question is: which one will you choose?
Still not sure where to go for your exchange? Have questions about your international mobility plans?
The International Relations Office is here to help you shape a program that reflects who you are. Explore our more than 200 partner universities around the world, from must-see destinations to more unexpected ones.