In the words of one of our favorite and most adventurous cartoon characters, “Adventure is out there!” While we will never tire of the classic European cities that are always a great decision, we are also constantly seeking out the next best destinations to explore with our partners and their students.
One of the many benefits of short-term study abroad programs is that you can offer programs that travel to the most popular cities in Europe and add other programs that travel to new destinations that are up-and-coming.
The more we explore and expand our horizons, the more opportunities we are able to provide to students to see the world and continue to learn and grow. So, if you’re thinking about mixing in some new options to your study abroad program offerings, check out our top three recommendations of interesting destinations for your short-term study abroad program.
1) Iceland
If it seems like everyone has been to Iceland recently it’s because, most likely, they have. According to the Icelandic Tourist Board, Iceland has seen an increase of 25 percent in tourist visits from 2016 to 2017 and that number is anticipated to grow going forward.
Iceland offers a multitude of benefits for students that make it an ideal destination for short-term study abroad programs. First, Iceland is part of the Schengen agreement and therefore your program doesn’t need to worry about issuing visas for travel. Additionally, Iceland boasts a unique geography that sets a backdrop for a stunning destination abroad.
Potential Programs in Iceland
- Photography – With breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, Iceland would make an excellent location as a supplement to a course in photography.
- Engineering and Sustainability – Iceland is a pioneer of the use of geothermal energy and accordingly to the National Energy Authority of Iceland approximately 25% of the country’s electrical production is a product of geothermal energy.
2) Israel
Israel is an excellent option for students who want to experience a combination of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culture and has over 3,000 years of storied history. Jerusalem is a top choice for students and it significance in the Christian, Jewish and Islamic religions, which all consider it to be a holy city.
All three religions share a sacred place, which is the Temple Mount. The city has plenty to offer visitors including culture, history and archeology. Tel Aviv is another great destination within Israel that is quite cosmopolitan and full of young entrepreneurs and tech start-ups.
Potential Programs in Israel
- Religion in Biblical Lands – Jerusalem is the ideal location to study three of the world’s most widely practiced religions.
- Archeology – With a history spanning 3,000 years, students can study materials excavated from various eras of the past.
3) Greece
Greece is by no means “new” to the list of study abroad cities, but the country has seen a significant increase in study abroad students in recent years. According to the IIE Open Doors report, 4,351 Americans studied in Greece during the 2016/17 academic year, which was a 21.1 percent increase from the previous academic year.
We can attribute this increase to several factors that make Greece an ideal study abroad destination for students. The history of the country is an incredible aspect of Greece and the remnants of the famous Ancient Greek civilization can still be viewed today in cities such as Athens. Additionally, the country boasts a favorable climate as well as gorgeous geography with both mainland Greece and a plethora of Greek islands known for their stunning views of the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
Potential Programs in Greece
- Ancient Greek Empire –Truly, there are so many ways that your program could study Ancient Greek culture. From architecture to mythology to philosophy, there is no shortage of educational value to be obtained from the history of this once mighty empire.
Where will your program offer students short-term or faculty-led study abroad programs next? Let us know in the comments below.
If you’re interested in developing your own short-term study abroad program, fill out our contact form below and we will provide you with a complimentary consultation. Soon you will be on your way to offering your students a once in a lifetime opportunity abroad!
