1. Australia:

Among Iowa State students, Newcastle, Tasmania, and Canberra are among the most popular places. Some of the advantages of studying in New Castle, Australia include: beach scene filled with surfing, fishing, sailing, and more, year round nice weather, famous wineries, and an upbeat nightlife. If you are more interested in the natural wonders of the world, travel to Tasmania which is filled with mountains, rainforests, beaches, and 16 national parks. And if you’re the opposite of a natural wonder seeker or an ocean-goer, head to Canberra, where there’s a city full of 315,000 people and an abundance of recreational activities. The biggest con in traveling to Australia is the similarity to the United States. If you are looking for a culture change, I would suggest something else on the list.

2. Costa Rica:

Veritas University in San Jose, Costa Rica is number two on the list for the most popular places to travel among Iowa State students. Costa Rica is well known for it’s summer session. For both summer and semester sessions, the trip begins with a 2 week excursion in the rainforest at Veragua. The excursion consists of night hikes, a butterfly garden, insect and frog collecting, canopy and flower tour, and an organic farm activity. If you enjoy nature, hot weather, and the interesting animals that Costa Rica has to offer, this is the trip for you.

3. Greece:

Thessaloniki, Greece is one of the top 3 most popular places among Iowa State students. The city is over 2,000 years old and is a great combination of parks, museums, ancient churches, shopping, and nightlife. Thessaloniki is also less than an hour away from some of Greece’s greatest beaches. Greece is the home of much ancient history and Thessaloniki offers many ways to explore this, such as access to the Pella. Both ancient history and modern life are waiting for you in Greece!

4. Ireland:

If you want to experience a little bit of everything, then Iowa State’s 4th most popular destination, Corks, Ireland, is the place for your study abroad adventures. Corks is the home of 200,000 people and the second largest city in Ireland. Not only is it busy city but it is located on one of the busiest seaports, which offers mountains and river valleys. Much like Greece, Corks has museums, art galleries, historic castles, and modern day shopping centers and movie theaters.

5. Italy

Lorenzo de’ Medicini is one of the top places to study abroad in Italy. They have campuses located in Florence, Rome, and Tuscania. This university is most popular for liberal arts students due to the courses offered, but also for those who want to experience the heart of Italy and their culture. Italy offers galleries, palaces, gardens and museums for students to explore. Each campus has a different feel due to their placement in the city and the number of students they enroll. Rome and Tuscania have a smaller feel, where as Florence enrolls near 1,000 students. There is a unique option that allows students to spend a month at each campus. Last but not least, Lorenzo de’ Medicini is well known for its top-notch wine courses! No matter what campus a student attends, there is much to explore and acknowledge through these beautiful Italian cities.