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Introduction 

If you’ve been following my blog, you would have hopefully read my previous post about what you should consider before choosing to do a year abroad. If you have not, I would consider it, as making this decision is definitely a process, and the next step is choosing where to go.

Finding the right location for you is very important and not as easy as you may think to decide. Each place comes with a different experience, so picking the right one for you is essential. Like most life decisions, research is important, so let me help you by exploring my experience.

Exploring Angkor Wat: student seated between pillars overlooking the iconic Cambodian temple

1. trust your gut 

I believe each of us has a country or city we’ve always wanted to visit or a place we have strong feelings and attachment towards. For me, that was the US, as someone who had never been before and was a huge consumer of American media. I wanted to see if the movies were right, particularly if I could live my Gossip Girl fantasy by living in New York and studying at Columbia or NYU.

Unfortunately, the only spaces available for my course were in Europe and Asia, which almost made me not go, which is crazy to think about now. That being said, if your university offers a host country in a place you’ve liked, then definitely consider it and do further research in case your expectations don’t match reality. Utilise social media and Google to find blogs like mine and forums about university life in different places, as that experience tends to be different from short stays.

2. Listen to me 😉 

(Class is in session)

If you’re still unsure about the perfect location, let me provide some words of wisdom, and I will try to remain as impartial as possible, but no promises! Also, I’m only talking about areas where I knew students who studied, but please consider all locations around the world!

2.1 Likely Locations 

For UK students, most of their study abroad destinations are in Europe and Asia, both of which are worth considering. What I love about both continents is the country-hopping potential. Flights from countries tend to be very affordable due to their close proximity, allowing you to see a good portion of it. However, I will vouch more for Asia as I think there is more diversity in the countries, and if you’re from the UK, it’s a chance to really immerse yourself in cultures outside of Europe.

Also, travelling the rest of Europe isn’t too difficult and is readily available, so why not try somewhere you wouldn’t go often? For me, I completely ruled it out because I felt like it was too close to home and didn’t want to get tempted to keep coming back. However, I think that could be why it is a good fit for some, as I’ve mentioned, study abroad can be very isolating.

2.2 My recommendation and experience 

I studied in Hong Kong for my year abroad, and it was the best decision I made. Any first or second-year student I talk to, I always vouch for Hong Kong. I have a multitude of reasons, but I will keep it brief for this blog post, as I will go into further detail in a later post around my actual experience.

Hong Kong is a great place to study because of its diverse landscape. In 1,115 km², you have an urban bustling city, 579 named peaks, 263 islands, 42 gazetted public beaches and vast country land; you literally have a bit of everything. Hong Kong is in a great geographical position; it’s a middle spot for East Asia and Southeast Asia, which makes travel easier and cheaper. 

Generally, I think Asia is underrated when choosing study abroad destinations, which I think is a more affordable and culturally diverse region to stay in. I was in-between choosing Japan and Hong Kong, but I went with HK in the end because of the English proficiency and international communities. Most places I visited in Asia were great, and I was glad that even with the 12-hour flight, I had access to so many amazing sites.

1.2.3 Another place to consider 

A popular destination stop for tourists currently is South America, and particularly Brazil. I had some friends who went there during their year abroad, and they only spoke highly of it. Another one of my friends went to Columbia and also had a great time. I think South America is a great location and country hopping can still be possible, but the distance is a little further between each one.

I would say, try not to fall into the propaganda about how dangerous it is, like most parts of the world, stay aware of your surroundings, most students seem to soon understand the places they should visit and stay away from. The only limitation is that most students have to have some proficiency in Spanish/Portuguese, but do look into the host university to see if they have taught English courses or any student requirements.

3. Other smaller things to consider 

3.1 Weather  

This is an important thing to consider, each place is different and might come with a weather warning (a typhoon for me in Hong Kong). If you want a warm tropical destination, maybe stay away from Europe and consider places south of the equator, but beware of rainy seasons as they are not for the weak (I would know). Dry or wet? Cold or Humid? Trench coats or shorts? Questions that need answers!

School lunch tray with laksa noodle soup and a lemon drink—authentic Southeast Asian meal during study abroad.
My £3.90 laksa lunch at HKU

3.2 Cost of Living

Being a student isn’t the best financial stage in life, and being an exchange student also means you probably won’t be able to work where you’re studying. Consequently, you should be considering the cost of living in a place, as unfortunately, some places might be out of your budget. This can be from the price of accommodation, food, travel and perhaps bills. That is why I think going to a place where you get more value for your money is great, as chances are your quality of life might be better.

Student grilling meat at a Hong Kong seaside barbecue with friends relaxing, eating, and drinking—study abroad experience.
Me at a student bbq by the beach (really fun)

3.3 Quality of Life 

There is much research into the quality of life in places all over the globe, and it’s definitely something to look into. Some of them are made up of questionnaires and the accounts of residents, so if you know anyone who studied, lived or is currently there, definitely reach out. If people living there are living a relatively good life, you probably will too!

I hope this blog has provided you with a little more information on the things to consider when choosing your year abroad destination. I’d say having a place in mind is great, but also be flexible, as you never know, there could be a better fit for you.

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