Part of the study abroad experience is traveling almost every weekend to some pretty amazing cities. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but some of the HC Bryant girls abroad have put together a list of their favorite cities that they have visited so far!
Stephanie Barbuto: Positano – Amalfi Coast
“Ever since I have been studying abroad, I frequently get asked the question: ‘What place is your favorite?’ Even though I struggle answering this question since the beautiful cities in Europe are endless, Positano is the town that immediately comes to mind. When I first saw the turquoise water, the steeply-stacked terracotta buildings, and the breathtaking cliffs, I knew I would be leaving my heart in Positano. Aside from being one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen, this picturesque town is full of things to do. From splashing around in the Tyrrhenian Sea, to shopping around the little boutiques, you will never get bored. If you are looking to spend the day on the water, you have the opportunity to go on a boat tour around the coast, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even cliff jumping. If you can get yourself to look away from the water for some time to explore the town, you will come across several delicious restaurants, to die for gelato and dessert places, fashionable boutiques, and shops stocked with its famous coral and turquoise jewelry. Whether you prefer to spend your time engaging in adventurous water activities or relaxing by the beach, Positano is the place for everyone. It is safe to say that Positano is my favorite place that I’ve seen in Europe and one that I highly recommend to anyone to visit.”
Katie Stempel: Prague, Czech Republic
“When I was making my list of places I wanted to see before leaving to study abroad, Prague surprisingly wasn’t too high on it. Now I can’t believe I almost overlooked visiting such an amazing place. Prague has great night life but is rich in history and full of amazing places to see during the day so your trip is really balanced. It is also pretty much the beer capital of the world, so beer is quite literally cheaper than water. The people were so nice and friendly to tourists and spoke good English, which made getting around Prague a lot easier. The fairytale city is such an accurate name because all of the buildings and architecture are truly amazing. It’s also the home of the most delicious snack ever called turtlenecks. It’s the same idea as fried dough but rolled on sticks and cooked over an open flame. They’re coated in sugar and eaten fresh off the stick for the most delicious snack I have ever tasted! The Prague Castle is one of the largest in Europe and was a great place to take a tour of. It’s also a must to stop by the John Lenin wall and leave your mark! Walt Disney had the right idea when he modeled the Sleeping Beauty castle off of one in Prague. Strolling the Charles Bridge and shopping through all the art and jewelry while admiring the stunning views was also a highlight of our trip. Prague really has its own signature look and feel unlike any other place I have experienced in Europe!”
Montanna Colburn: Berlin, Germany
“Of all the places I’ve been in Europe I must say Berlin stole my heart. Its diverse culture brings a city full of options. From the metropolis Mitte, to the romanticized Charlottenburg, to the grungy Kreuzberg everything you could ask for in a city is combined. Upscale shopping to the cheapest and best thrift stores and best flea markets around I must say I chose the best city to study abroad. The food options here are absolutely unbeatable; Indian, Vegan, German, Thai, Vietnamese, Turkish, Mexican, Italian, and so many more. Each country I visited once I would mention that I studied in Berlin the first response was; ‘Oh the nightlife there must be amazing.’ And people, it is. The clubs and bars are unheard of and so much fun. Amazing music with really cool vibes, no matter what type of person you are you can find a club fit to you, probably two! Berlin might not be the most beautiful place in Europe, but that’s what makes it so great. It’s not cliché and is as real as it comes. Not to mention, it’s not touristy so you meet really cool people from all over the world, and Germans themselves who actually live there. I hate to do it but I’m quoting Clean Bandit because there really is no place I’d rather be.”