My first week back in America has enabled me to reminisce on my 4 month journey throughout Europe as I spent the semester studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. Many HC-entusiasts consider studying abroad in their undergraduate future, and since I consider my unforgettable experience abroad to have been priceless (actually not, ahem, the euro), I will share my favorite memories from overseas. Each year, tons of American collegiettesā„¢ plan their abroad trips, but once they land on unfamiliar land, they are unsure of where to begin. Hopefully this list of my favorite European venues will inspire you to visit them and encounter the same unparalleled memories that I did.
Let me start off by sincerely saying that I chose the best study abroad location in the world! However, you can not make a wrong decision when it comes to choosing your very own foreign city to call your home. Whichever location you decide to spend your 4 months of culture shock you will soon have an obsession for, but I can personally call Barcelona, Spain my second home.
Where I studied: Barcelona Spain
Barcelona is currently the most popular study abroad location due to it’s compilation of a big city to the blissful beach, huge avenues to the narrow alleyways, street cafes to designer shopping areas, contemporary museums to historical architecture, and of course, the infamous nightlife.
Some of my favorite components on the Spanish lifestyle:
- Sipping on sangria while cheering on the #1 soccer team in the world
- Enjoying a much needed midday siesta after exploring the multitude of bars on every block
- Watching the Mediterranean sunrise at 7:00AM after dancing the night away at an oceanside discoteca
- Picnics at Park Ciutadella or afternoon strolls through Gaudi’s Parc Guell
- Loco Lunes (aka crazy Mondays). Even Isla Vista doesn’t consider Monday to be a regular party night
- Tapas and cafe con leche at an outdoor cafe in the Born district
The European Bucket List:
Although Barcelona holds a special place in my heart, some of my fondest memories were spent traveling on weekends, and experiencing a variety of cultures throughout Europe…
Picnic at the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France:
Enjoying a fresh baguette, cheese, chocolate, and wine with my best friend, mother, and grandmother while enjoying the scenery of the infamous Eiffel Tower and Ecole Militaire was an unparalleled memory. Delving into a picnic basket on the lawn in front of the tower made me feel less touristy than the visitors waiting in line to climb to the top of the Eiffel. Although a daytime picnic is a must-do, make sure to view the Eiffel at night while the beautiful lights are glittering along the tower.
Wine Tasting in the Chianti Region, Tuscany, Italy:
As if being allowed to go wine tasting under the age of 21 isn’t enough of a reason (the drinking age in Europe is 18), then maybe the amazing Tuscan scenery is. The day trip to Chianti was one of mine and my roommate’s most valued experiences. Driving through the rolling hills of the wine region was breathtaking, and tasting the different vino was a great way to experience Italian culture. And toasted garlic bread, flavorful cheese, and sweet cookies are an additional complement to the wine!
Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic:
Although I’m not one to try crazy food, Prague gave me a reason to become culturally enhanced through their interesting cuisine. Old Town Square is home of the astrological clock tower, and with an array of venders selling art pieces, roasted potatoes, cabbage, and dumplings, I felt as if I were in the medieval times and was definitely out of my comfort zone! After you shop around Old Town Square, make sure to walk across St. Charles Bridge, and climb up to Prague Castle, and end the day with a pub crawl if you’re up to it!
Gondola Ride, Venice, Italy:
What could be a better place to digest your pizza than on the canals of Venice? Being serenaded by a gondolier wearing a stripped shirt and straw hat feels like a scene out of a movie, and cruising the Grand Canal is the best way to view the landmarks of this city on water. And as an added bonus, most of the gondoliers would belong HC’s Campus Cutie section (my roommates and I referred to ours as “Casanova”)!
Vondola Park, Amsterdam, Netherlands:
America is home to many world-famous parks such as Central Park, but Europe constantly impressed me with their expansive, beautiful parks. Vondola Park in the Netherlands is the perfect place to have a picnic, read a book, or relax with friends after visiting one of Amsterdam’s famous coffee shops. Green lawns, huge trees, a glistening fountain, and tons of happy people make Vondola Park a relaxing hotspot for all locals and tourists.
Exploring Fira and Oia, Santorini, Greece:
Calling all fans of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants! Remember when Alexis Bledel gazed through the window to gaze at Kostos? Fira is the exact spot where she found her true Grecian love! No offense to our beloved Santa Barbara, but viewing the blue painted rooftops and sunset at Fira and Oia (regions on the island of Santorini) beat Del Playa’s view of the Pacific Ocean.
Carnaval, Sitges, Spain:
Carnaval is Europe’s version of Halloween, and is comparable to an amplified October 31st Del Playa. Sitges, Spain, is a small beach town known for their parades and parties during the week of Carnaval. Dressed as gypsies, mis amigas y yo danced through the streets that where raging with floats, thousands of costumes, confetti, and celebratory cava (Spain’s version of champagne).
Gelato, Rome, Italy:
I never thought I would find a match to Sweet Alley or Yogurtland until I came to Rome, and fell in love with gelato! Being a California native, I thought I would miss the self-serve frozen yogurt craze, but I was more than happy to replace froyo with Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Nutella, Dulce de Leche, and Coconut gelato. When visiting Italy, make sure that gelato is a staple in your diet, which is enjoyed at least twice per day (best used as a palate cleanser after pizza)!
Shopping on Oxford Street, London, England:
Do you enjoy shopping on State Street? 3rd Street Promenade? Rodeo Drive? Well, London’s Oxford Street puts those American girl paradises to shame! Although Harrod’s is a few blocks away, Oxford Street is home to an abundance of ritzy designer boutiques, affordable shoppes, and even a four-story Top Shop (Europe’s more high end version of Forever 21). If you are a shopaholic, get ready to indulge in endless peep toe pumps, classic ballet flats, cocktail dresses, sparkling jewels, and more. Maybe you’ll even pick up a hat inspired by the Royal Wedding? But hopefully not modeled after Beatrice’s or Eugina!