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Aix en Provence
 Aix-en-Provence, much more commonly known as Aix, is one of the most enchanting of France's cities. One of the country's richer cities, Aix offers beauty and history, culture and nightlife, excellent universities and the opportunity for fun.
Alicante
 Take the typical Spanish delight in savoring life and add to that perfect beaches on the Costa Blanca, a personable modern city, ideal weather, and wonderful Mediterranean cuisine. What do you get? The perfect place to study Spanish language and culture while enjoying the range of opportunities that Alicante presents.
Athens
 There are few cities in the world that are more famous than Athens. This, of course, is due primarily to its role as the birthplace of Western civilization, as well as the ways in which its artists, architects, poets, and philosophers have affected the thought and work of their successors. Indeed, one might legitimately make the argument that without the culture of the ancient Greeks and all the revolutionary developments attributed to them, the world as we know it would be a very different place.
Auckland
 Consistently voted among the world's most livable cities, Auckland clearly fulfills its reputation given that over a third of the country's population has chosen to live there. Studying in Auckland will allow you to join the more than 40,000 other international students each year who seek the city's reputation for quality educational institutions in a vibrant and energized setting.
Bangkok
 If you're going to Thailand, the country's capital, Bangkok, is the place to be. Bangkok has long served as the administrative head of the country, but it is also the cultural, commercial and educational center for the nation.
Bangalore
 Bangalore was virtually unknown by most Americans five years ago. It was one of those places referred to simply and dismissively as over there, and as a result, it was thought about little and visited even less, except by those with either specific business or family in the city. But all of that has changed, and now, it is one of the most recognizable cities in all of India. This is, of course, a rather fortuitous turn of events: Bangalore has always had a great deal to offer tourists, students, and businesspeople alike. And now that it is "on the radar," the full spectrum of its charms can be appreciated by more and more people.
Barcelona
 Known throughout the world for being on the cutting edge of fashion, Barcelona welcomes its international population with class and poise. Students in Barcelona will find a rich environment for exploring a variety of areas.
Beijing
 Beijing is arguably the most important city in the People's Republic of China, and it is not hard to see why as it serves not only as the official political capital of the country, but also as China's cultural and historical capital.
Berlin
 Few cities in the world are as inextricably tied to a specific time, a unique event in human history, as Berlin. Throughout the troubled, war-ravaged 20th century, there were perhaps a handful of cities on the map that came to symbolize all the difficulties-and ultimately the triumph-of that turbulent era. Beijing is one, what with the student uprising in Tiananmen Square. And Versailles, perhaps, is another, if one considers the signing of the treaty that brought the hostilities of the first world war to an end. And then, of course, there's Paris, both its literary incarnation in the Jazz Age, its occupied one during the second world war, and its unsettled one during the student protests of 1967.
Bilbao
 A mountainous city exists on the Nervion River in the north of Spain. This city has stunning natural beauty with mountains on one side and a lush flowing river on the other. This city has terrific educational opportunities that enrich any students who decide to study there.
Bordeaux
 If you're looking for a grand welcome, the Bordelais (inhabitants of Bordeaux) can greet you in style. From the city's culture and gorgeous architecture to the region's world-famous wines and beautiful surroundings, Bordeaux is a feast for the senses. It is more than that, however, with an ethnically diverse population and a significant student presence, it's also the perfect place to study abroad.
Brighton
 Located on the southern coast, approximately an hour from London, this lively city is one of the largest and most famous seaside resorts in the country. Often referred to as "London by the Sea," the cosmopolitan city has the same multicultural population that London boasts, but within a much smaller and more easily navigable area. With a population of almost 250,000, however, Brighton inhabitants have been known to get their digs back by calling London "Brighton by the land".
Brisbane
 Despite its inauspicious beginning as a penal colony, Brisbane is, today, one of the most important cities in all of Australia. Indeed, as it "is the third largest city in Australia, with a population of over 1.77 million," and, as the capital of the state of Queensland, it plays important roles in both the economic and political lives of modern-day Australians (www.en.wikipedia.org).
Brussels
 Any student searching for a change of pace should consider Brussels. It is a city of striking contrasts, famous for its deep, rich chocolates and its light, frothy beers. It has vast cityscapes surrounded by lumbering forests. It has exotic food dishes from steaming waffles to ornate truffles to pheasants, mussels and pralines. But its most striking contrast is its two halves: Lower Town and Upper Town.
Budapest
 Interestingly, Budapest is basically two separate cities - Buda and Pest. Divided by the beautiful Danube River, Buda is the older city. It is more residential and conservative and is built on the hills and high river terraces that are on the river's western side. Pest lies to the east of the river on a big, sandy plain and harbors the commercial and social side of the city.
Buenos Aires
 The porteños (inhabitants of Buenos Aires) are rightly proud of their beautiful city. It is the capital of Argentina, the largest city and port in the country, as well as one of the largest cities in South America. It offers charm, culture, diversity, excitement, and more.
Chennai
 The world is so much smaller than most of us realize, and much more interconnected that it might initially appear. Nike sneakers are made in factories in Indonesia and Mexico, among other places. Much of the clothing sold at The Gap is made in China. And Ford, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai all have manufacturing plants in Chennai, India. So in a world grown so suddenly small due to the prevalence of international commerce and communications, a city like Chennai, on the eastern coast of India and home to some 7.6 million people, is of more importance on the world economic stage than most people realize. As a result, more tourists than ever are visiting Chennai and finally taking advantage of a city that was ignored for far too long.
Copenhagen
 Located in Denmark on the island of Sealand, Copenhagen offers students an education based upon high standards, while providing them with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere or the 24-hour nightlife. Copenhagen is a vibrant, safe city, and one which truly reflects a blend of the historic and modern.
Cork
 Cork is Ireland's second largest city and part of County Cork, which is the largest county in Ireland. The city offers much to study abroad students from its fascinating history to its relaxed atmosphere as well as a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene and excellent cultural attractions.
Cuernavaca
 Cuernavaca, Mexico, is unjustly overlooked by many international tourists and students. This is a terrible shame, for its rich cultural and historical legacies are second to none, and the beauty of the natural surroundings are truly spectacular. In fact, Cuernavaca is so appealing that the Habsburg Emperor Maximilian choose the city as the location for one of his famed summer residences. This, of course, speaks volumes: A man with the entire world literally at his disposal, and unlimited monetary funds, chose to spend his summers in this little city in Central Mexico. As the old saying goes, If it's good enough for him...
Dalian
 When one thinks of China, the term "ice" doesn't typically come to mind. But the city of Dalian, China is the country's northernmost seaport that is not covered in ice. What this means is that the city is more comfortable than you even realized it needed to be.
Dijon
 Grey Poupon is made by the Northfield, Illinois-based company Kraft Foods, but it is a testament to the universal appeal of Dijon mustard that even this most domestic of products is perceived as existing at the top of the proverbial food chain simply due to the widespread perception that it is, indeed, French. As for the real Dijon mustard, it is a product of the city of the same name, located in eastern France. And while the real deal is a thousand times more flavorful and interesting than its American incarnation, this condiment is but the tip of the gustatory iceberg when it comes to this tastiest of French cities.
Dublin
 If you're looking for a city of over a million people that still manages to feel like a friendly, small neighborhood, Dublin has all that and more. Today the city boasts a booming economy and status as one of the premier destinations in Europe. However, the Dubliners have never been people that let things go to their heads and they remain friendly and welcoming as well as practical and down-to-earth.
Florence
 Florence deserves its reputation as the quintessential city for those wishing to truly experience Northern Italy. From the fantastic art to the friendly people to its gorgeous cathedral, Florence charms and welcomes.
Galway
 Galway, the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, the sixth largest urban area, the main city in the province of Connacht in Ireland, the capital of, adequately enough, County Galway, is a city so spectacular in its quick pace and true urban flair, mixed with the breathtaking rolling green hills for which Ireland is known, that it was labeled a city even before it became the place we know it to be today.
Geneva
 Geneva is a terrific location to study for all the reasons that it is also a wonderful place to live and to work. Located in central Europe, home to an international community of businesses and schools, a center for technology and innovation, and one of the most livable cities in the world, Geneva has some unparalleled benefits to offer.
Glasgow
 Though Glasgow is not the capital city of Scotland, it is, nonetheless, its largest-and arguably its most important. Home to 600,000 residents (they're known as Glaswegians), it is the commercial center of Scotland, and the second largest retail center in the United Kingdom, after London, of course. Its central location in the country makes it easily accessible, a bonus for anyone planning on visiting or studying there.
Gold Coast
 There are some places in the world that capture the imagination and the heart in equal measure. Paris does this because of its history, architectural splendor, and cultural richness. Vienna has a similar effect on devotees of classical music. And St. Petersburg makes the minds of literature lovers spin with delight at the thought of walking along the same streets and through the same neighborhoods as the characters in the works of Pushkin, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Gogol, and the rest of the masters.
Granada
 Granada provides a stunning location for studying abroad, with all of the benefits one would expect of a city located in southern Spain as well as a rich history and some of the best known and historically significant architecture in the country.
Grenoble
 Nestled comfortably and spectacularly between three ranges of the Alps, along the picturesque Isere River, lays Grenoble, one of France's most charming cities. With a close proximity to Italy and Switzerland, it is the ideal hub for a student who wants to explore many European countries while abroad. Plus, with a population of 160,000, it presents large city hustle and bustle with small town sweetness. It is also a three-hour drive from Paris and Lyon.
Guadalajara
 Guadalajara, the capital of Mexico's Jalisco state, has been called many things. The "Pearl of the West," and the "City of Roses" to name a few, but whatever the nickname, this enchanting city has been a vital part of Mexico's history for many centuries. Students today find it a bustling, modern metropolis with charm and beauty born of its long history.
Hanoi
 Pop quiz, hotshot - What's the capital of Vietnam? Ho Chi Minh? No. Saigon? Nope. Hanoi? Absolutely.
Never heard of it? Well that's a shame, because Hanoi is a spectacular location seemingly made for studying abroad, and if you are considering spending a summer, semester, or year in another country, you should give this city serious consideration.
Ho Chi Minh
 Miss Saigon is widely considered to be the Les Miserables of Vietnam. Okay, that's not true, but both musicals were written by the same person, and both revolved around wars, and the former takes place in Ho Chi Minh City, the subject of this StudyAbroad.com city page and your potential consideration for a future study abroad destination.
Hong Kong
 The entire city of Hong Kong is almost like a living, breathing oxymoron. A city where the East truly meets the West, where insane levels of activity mesh seamlessly with hushed peace and the modern stands side-by-side with the traditional. Hong Kong can boast many seemingly contradictory titles.
Hyderabad
 Unlike many other major Indian cities, Hyderabad is relatively young. That is, this area on the banks of the Musi River wasn't founded until 1590, when the Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty relocated there to, " relieve a water shortage the dynasty had experienced at their old headquarters at Golkonda" (www.en.wikipedia.org).
Jaipur
 For a country with as long and glorious a history as India, Jaipur is a relatively young city: It "was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh" (www.ent.ohiou.edu). So why should a city that is barely older than the United States attract so much attention? Why do tourists from all over the world flock to this town in north central India? There are many answers, though the most obvious one is its sheer physical beauty.
Kobe
 The luckiest cows in the world live in this city of more than 1.5 million. This may seem like a strange claim to fame for such a large urban area, but such is the paradox of modern Japan: It is a country of wonderfully unexpected surprises that run the gamut from the heartbreakingly beautiful to the uniquely whimsical. And for lovers of beef, the cows of Kobe split the difference between the two.
Krakow
 Many people don't realize just how important and dynamic Krakow is, but it is considered to be one of the leading scientific, cultural, and artistic centers of the country, and once served as the residence of the king and as the national capital.
Kunming
 If you were to hear that a city combined the majestic beauty of the calm, crystal clear water reflecting distant blue mountains of the Great Lakes, the wide canals running through city streets of Venice, and the year-round Spring-like temperature of San Diego, and was considered a "sister city" to Wagga Wagga in Australia, Denver in Colorado, and Zurich in Switzerland, where would you think that city was located? Would you guess China?
Kyoto
 The eternal political difficulties in Washington, D.C. have nothing on the instigations of the 8th Century Buddhist clergy and the subsequent machinations of the imperial ruling class in Japan. Back then, as the Buddhists began to flex their theological and increasingly powerful and influential political muscle, the members of the ruling government decided not to fight the situation head on, and instead they simply moved their capital to Heian, which we now know as Kyoto. This city, then, remained the capital of Japan until 1868, when it was moved, for the last time, to Edo, which is now known as Tokyo
Lima
 Lima is not just the largest city in Peru, it is also the capital, and in addition to the bustling prestige that comes with such a title, it also has the privilege of resting on the top of a high cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It's popular, it's important and it's beautiful. Why would you want to study abroad anywhere else?
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Limerick
 As the center of the mid western region of Ireland, Limerick provides eager students with much in the way of cultural and educational opportunities as well as being an ideal hub for travel and experiencing the wide range of Ireland's offerings.
London
 London's population lives the eclectic reality of a truly multicultural city. It is not uncommon to find a flat (apartment) inhabited by four or five people from different countries, speaking different languages, cooking different food, celebrating different holidays and traditions, etc. And it all works! People learn to communicate despite language boundaries, to operate combining different strengths, and to appreciate each other as well as the rich heritage represented by their varied backgrounds.
Madrid
 Enjoying life in Madrid is practically an art form, and the Madrileños take their art very seriously. Eating and drinking are given almost religious significance and daily 'rituals' (meals) can last for hours. Having lunch from 2 pm to 5 pm and then dinner from 9 pm to 12 am would not be considered out of the ordinary. The 'churches' of this strange faith cover the city in the form of little cafes, terraces, restaurants, and bars.
Marbella
 A city of deep history and modern brilliance, Marbella has the warm, welcoming atmosphere you'd expect from a sunny city in Southern Spain. Its distinctive Andalusian and Moorish influences contribute to Marbella's charm and beauty while its modern development and growth means it can offer you excellent resources as a study abroad student.
Melbourne
 Melbourne has much to offer students who want to experience Australia in what is generally agreed to be the country's most cosmopolitan city.
Unlike Sydney, Melbourne tends to radiate a more competitive spirit in comparison to Sydney's laid-back confidence. That competitive spirit can be seen in everything from the population's obsession with sports to the ongoing Sydney-Melbourne rivalry.
Mexico City
 With a population of 22 million, Mexico City is the third largest city in the world. This sprawling metropolis offers a distilled version of Mexico (in fact residents simply call the city "México") in a smaller area. However, with its efficient public transportation and 350 individual colonias (neighborhoods), many people say that it doesn't feel like a large city at all.
Moscow
 Moscow is central to Russia in many ways. It is geographically central and has historically been the political center during some of the country's most turbulent times. As the capital today, it is the center of politics and of the changes that are sweeping the country. More than any of these things, however, Moscow is the symbolic heart that has always sustained the vast land of Russia.
Mumbai
 It is difficult, if not impossible, to overstate the sheer size of Mumbai in terms of population, the variety of experience possible within its expansive borders, and its influence on both India and world in general. In this city of almost 13 million people, located in a metropolitan area with more than 20 million inhabitants, anything is possible, from the grandest highest to the saddest lows. In this sense, then, Mumbai offers the entirety of human experience in one fabled place.
Nairobi
 If you're looking for the best of modern Africa, you certainly need to consider Nairobi. Originally fueled by the arrival of a railroad, this lively cosmopolitan city has been a major influence, particularly in eastern Africa, for many years and offers the aspiring student a personal look at the dynamics of Africa today as well as some of the most stunning natural scenery and cultural heritage on the continent.
New Delhi
 New Delhi is appropriately grandiose. As the capital of the world's second most populous country, it is an architectural, historical, and cultural wonder whose charms and frenetic energy are second to none. Located in northern India, it was home to countless earlier cultures as well as to the British Raj. Its history is long and fascinating, its present-day status and allure unquestioned. It is, indeed, one of the single most fascinating places a person can visit for a week or study in for a year. For no matter how long one is there, it is impossible to see and understand everything and even more difficult to depart unchanged
New York City
 New York City has been called many things. 'The Big Apple,' 'The City That Never Sleeps' and many other nicknames - more than we have room or you have patience for in this article. The city is an icon, but it is also a vibrant, glowing metropolis, which offers some of the most challenging and exciting opportunities in the world.
Nice
 Nice, France, with its very fitting name, is unlike any other city a student could study abroad in. With its famously spectacular beaches along the French Riviera, its towering mountain ranges and explorative trails, its libraries full of fascinating history and legend, and its quick accessibility to neighboring European countries, Nice offers relaxation, adventure, history, and so much more.
Nicosia
 Nicosia is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, a Mediterranean island-nation that is a member of the European Union. Nicosia is a city of contrasts between a Westernized and developed New city and an old walled Venetian old city. Nicosia is one of the oldest cities in the Western world - "rich in history and culture, and combines its historic past with the amenities of a modern city.
Oxford
 Probably best known for its University, England's town of Oxford could possibly hold the title of most famous "university town" in the world. With that comes a unique atmosphere of cultural sophistication and intellectual contemplation that mixes pleasantly with the cosmopolitan bustle of a contemporary town.
Paris
 Obviously one of the most iconic cities in the world, the images and clichés of Paris have saturated the global consciousness from the towering presence of the Eiffel Tower to the stunning panorama of the Louvre. But all that hype does not necessarily explain why it would be an excellent location for studying abroad. Here are a few ideas.
Perth
 Perth is often referred to as a jewel due to its isolation compared with the rest of Australia's cities. Western Australia is bigger than the combined areas of Texas, Japan, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. (http://www.Study-Australia.com) Despite the expansive size of the state, 1.4 million of its 1.7 million residents live in the greater Perth metropolitan area. This gives the whole region an open, relaxed atmosphere. Perth itself is surrounded by desert and given its relatively small population, maintains much more of a "country town" feeling than Australia's other big cities.
Prague
 It has been said of the city, "Prague never lets you go... this dear little mother has sharp claws." One of Prague's greatest literary figures, Franz Kafka said this of his city, and those who spend any amount of time here quickly realize why.
Puebla
 Founded in 1531, this enchanting city has all the benefits of a modern, urban location with the charm of a small town. Add to that a temperate climate, friendly people, historic architecture, stunning volcanoes, and savory cuisine and you've just begun to understand the delights that Puebla has in store for you.
Quito
 Quito's story begins in the pre-Columbian era, way back before Christopher Columbus and his other European counterparts crossed the Atlantic and changed the face of the New World forever. Prior to the late 15th Century, several tribes lived in the space now occupied by present-day Quito. Among them were the Quitus, from whom Quito derives its name.
Quingdao
 The city is pleasantly flat with mountains functioning only as borders, and five rivers running throughout the region. The summers are mild and the winters are warm, making the city a great place to stay all year round.
Rome
 Rome has been a cultural and political center throughout its prestigious history. Governmental seat to the most famous empire in history, today it remains the capital of Italy as well as the home of Vatican City, the seat of a different sort of empire. Also home to some of the most famous thinkers and artists of the Renaissance and their work, Rome has much to offer to students wishing to study in a variety of fields.
Salamanca
 Salamanca has a sizable population (about 180,000), which allows it to offer students the advantages of a city. At the same time, however, this small population allows Salamanca to provide an intimate feeling that gives the impression of a village or town rather than a city. Add to that the number of college students that regularly spend the school year in the city, and you have the recipe for a university town, Spanish style.
San José
 Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica, San José is not only the capital of this vibrant, developing nation, but the heart of all that Costa Rica has to offer. The city is a modern hub filled with the latest brands and technology, lively nightlife and following all the newest trends. At the same time, however, it offers beautiful buildings, tranquil parks and cultural treasures.
Santander
 Santander is not usually first on tourists' list of places to see when visiting Spain, which is unfortunate, since it offers a wide variety of cultural and culinary experiences for the adventurous traveler. In fact, many people feel that Santander is one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the country, and from the gorgeous golf courses to the sandy beaches to the Picos de Europa National Park, students would be hard pressed to find a more interesting and breathtaking city in which to study abroad.
Santiago
 As is demonstrated by the Plaza de Armas, the Chileans in Santiago know how to allow the old and the new to coexist peacefully. You can see the historic Santiago Cathedral, which shares the square with an ultra-modern skyscraper. The Plaza de Armas is downtown Santiago at its finest and not only can you go there to see the old and the new, it also provides a microcosm of the city's population. All kinds of people mix freely there, with the variety that you will come to love in Santiago.
San Sebastián
 With the warmth of a provincial capital, San Sebastián will welcome you with its gorgeous setting, friendly people, relaxed pace, and lovely beaches. More than that, however, the city also offers a fascinating look at Spanish culture in a modern city that is a great jumping off point for exploring both Spain and France.
Seoul
 When most people think of populous cities, there are several standbys that come to mind: New York, London, Mexico City, maybe even Hong Kong. But Seoul is generally not included in this list. And for whatever the reasons are, it tends to be overlooked oftentimes when it comes to discussion of the great cities of the world.
Seville
 Seville (or Sevilla) is widely known as a mystical city of beauty and warmth. The capital of Andalusia, Seville is one of southern Spain's most gorgeous cities, and the people are known to be some of the friendliest in the country. The sevillanos (as the people are called) are happy to welcome visitors, students, and anyone else fortunate enough to find Sevilla whether for one of the city's well-known festivals or just to wander its quiet, shady streets.
Shanghai
 Shanghai provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to experience China in a thriving metropolis that is engaged in economic rebirth and exciting revitalization.
Siena
 Siena is one of the most beautiful towns in modern-day Italy, and its influence on the history of ancient Italy is on par with that of the more famous cities of Florence and Rome.
St. Petersburg
 All the wonderful things you've ever heard about Russia; the large round domes that flare out like 17th Century dresses, the grand palaces, the beautiful snow falling across stark black sky known as "the white lights" all apply to Saint Petersburg.
Strasbourg
 Strasbourg means "City of Roads" - an appropriate name for a city that has spent centuries at the crossroads of Europe. To understand Strasbourg is to recognize the role of the city and the entire region of Alsace throughout history as well as today. Strasbourg is a place of proud tradition, but it is also a modern city built on diversity and flexibility.
Stuttgart
 What's in a name? Usually not a whole lot-even Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet agreed on that much. But in the case of Stuttgart, the name brings to mind not only the early nature of the city, but also its origins. "About 950, Stuttgart was originally founded by Duke Liudolf of Swabia, one of the sons of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I the Great, and used for horse breeding (especially for his father's cavalry)" (www.en.wikipedia.org). Therefore, this town became known as Stutengarten, which translates to "stud farm." Over the years, the name was shortened to its current form. But the seal of the city of Stuttgart even today features a horse rearing up on its hind legs, an homage, essentially, to the origins of the city (www.en.wikipedia.org).
Sydney
 Often confused as the nation's capital, Sydney is the largest and oldest city in Australia with a population of 4 million. The city boasts an eclectic gathering of diverse people from over 180 different nations who speak over 140 languages. Sydney's diversity has become one of the city's strengths as the people have a solid reputation for their hospitality and friendly, easy ways.
Taipei
 Our planet consists of few Gamma World Cities - locations that seem to combine elements of the entire world into their radiuses and, likewise, have major influences on how international society functions. The aforementioned cities, as well as Geneva, Johannesburg, and Munich, among others, are a part of this exclusive club, and that makes them extraordinarily spectacular places in which to study abroad.
Thessaloniki
 In a nation known for its natural beauty, breathtaking architecture, and unrivaled maritime vistas, few cities can compare to Thessaloniki. Situated on the Gulf of Thermaikos on the Aegean Sea, this city of 1 million residents is also "a major economic, industrial, commercial, and cultural urban center as well as a transportational hub for southeastern Europe...It hosts a large student population and it is widely renowned for its large number of monuments of Byzantine architecture as well as its [excellent] nightlife" (www.en.wikipedia.org).
Tokyo
 As the de facto capital and largest metropolis in Japan, Tokyo has amazing opportunities and a fascinating experience to offer the enterprising study abroad student. From the international population to the cultural activities to the quality entertainment, Tokyo exhibits a level of energy hard to imagine. Interspersed with that frenetic reality, however, is the solitude and quiet of meditative parks and gardens and a traditional way of life that includes tea ceremony and Japanese calligraphy.
Torino
 This year, Torino, or Turin as it is called in English, will play host to the 2006 Winter Olympics. As a result, this ordinarily quiet, industrial city in the northwest of Italy will receive a great deal more international attention than it ever has in the past. And for once, the Torino metro area's 1.7 million residents will feel like they are at the center of the world.
Tours
 Known as Le Jardin de France, or The Garden of France, Tours is relatively small for all the importance it has had to French history throughout the ages. Located at the base of the Loire River, between the Atlantic Ocean and the town of Orléans, Tours is still to this day a vibrant town whose friendly residents and beautiful architecture make it a favorite among both students and tourists alike.
Valencia
 Valencia is a port city in the eastern half of Spain that has just as much to offer students abroad as do its more famous counterparts, Madrid and Barcelona. And, in fact, it may be even better than those other two from a cultural-immersion point-of-view. For while the two most famous cities in Spain are full of all the riches a visiting student could wish for, that also is their downside: So many students from all over the world, and so many tourists, flock to their streets and parks that experiences sometimes feel like more international than quintessentially Spanish.
Venice
 Few places in the world have the power to inspire like Venice does: all the ancient monuments and breathtaking art Italy is known for, only with the added flare of rivers for streets. Buildings lead you right into the canals, as they are called, and a student could get lost in thought or engrossed in studies while riding aimlessly on a gondola through the aquatic maze of the city.
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