Prime Locations to Discover in 2026 as a Examine Overseas Pupil
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Because the calendar turns to 2026, it’s necessary to take a while to consider what you need out of the brand new 12 months and the place it might probably take you. Do you need to journey and expertise skilled and educational development in 2026? Immerse your self in a brand new tradition? Take pleasure in unforgettable adventures overseas? For those who’re a university scholar or latest grad who answered “sure” to any of those questions, it is best to contemplate a research overseas or worldwide internship program with AIFS Overseas—it’s the proper technique to take advantage of out of your journey targets, all whilst you advance your diploma and acquire helpful skilled expertise.
The place will 2026 take you? Listed here are 30 of the highest cities to discover this 12 months:
1. Stellenbosch, South Africa
Situated simply half-hour from Cape City, South Africa’s legislative capital, this college city presents easy accessibility to close by metropolis life, along with beautiful pure landscapes. Stellenbosch is dwelling to the extremely revered Stellenbosch College and South Africa’s largest wine-growing area, which is gaining worldwide popularity of its Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon. For those who’re searching for a metropolis to stimulate your educational curiosity in addition to your style buds, Stellenbosch could also be your perfect journey vacation spot in 2026.
2. Seoul, South Korea
Is East Asia in your journey horizon? Seoul is ideal for anybody who craves a fast-paced metropolis with deep cultural roots, the place cutting-edge innovation and centuries-old traditions sit aspect by aspect. As one of many world’s largest metropolitan hubs—dwelling to international giants like Samsung and Hyundai—town hums with alternative, just like the ringing of a jing (a Korean gong). From exploring historical palaces to tasting late-night road meals or diving into the world of your favourite Okay-pop idols, Seoul delivers an unforgettable journey you received’t need to miss.
3. Salzburg, Austria
Because the birthplace of Mozart and because the filming location for The Sound of Music, a research or intern overseas program in Salzburg in 2026 will undoubtedly have you ever singing its praises amongst Baroque structure and quaint cobblestone metropolis streets. Whether or not you’re drawn to historical past, classical music, outside adventures within the close by Alps, or just soaking within the postcard-worthy views, Salzburg is certain to turn out to be one in every of your favourite issues in 2026.
4. London, England
London has lengthy been a focus for international historical past, tradition, and enterprise. It’s a metropolis the place centuries-old traditions combine with up to date tea like a sizzling breakfast tea with a touch of milk and sugar. Whether or not you’re practising your oratory expertise at Shakespeare’s Globe or diving into the world of worldwide finance, town is steeped in countless alternatives for research overseas college students and interns alike.
5. Berlin, Germany
On the forefront of avant-garde vogue and artwork, and on the middle of European politics and enterprise, Berlin is a implausible place for faculty college students and younger professionals to achieve expertise throughout a wide selection of industries. Berlin is the place artistic vitality {and professional} alternative intersect, providing you with area to develop, experiment, and hone your expertise. Plus, its location makes it a great launching level for exploring different European international locations in your 2026 journey record.
6. Budapest, Hungary
As the previous seat of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Budapest is awash in historical past, beautiful structure, and a mix of worldwide influences that makes town really feel each grand and alluring. For anybody desirous to discover Central Europe and take in unforgettable cultural experiences, a research or intern overseas program in Budapest is tough to beat. And with its well-known thermal tub homes, you’ll discover loads of probabilities to (actually) make the leap into native life.
7. Florence, Italy
Because the cradle of the Renaissance, dwelling to breath-taking structure, world-class artwork, and scrumptious delicacies, Florence has lengthy been one of many prime cities to go to, and 2026 is not any completely different. Examine or intern overseas in Florence to transcend the everyday vacationer expertise—immerse your self within the native customs, delicacies, and the artistic situations that proceed to form this iconic Italian metropolis. Will 2026 be your Renaissance period?
8. Milan, Italy
Dwelling to the style homes of Prada, Versace, Armani, Moschino, and Dolce & Gabbana, Milan is one in every of the world’s prime vogue capitals. However its type goes far past the fashionable period—greater than 2,500 years previous, Milan is host to stunning structure and treasured artworks, together with Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Final Supper. Plus, situated in Italy’s northern Lombardy area, scrumptious dishes, cherished wines, and exquisite views of the Alps can all be present in or round this must-visit Italian metropolis. Plus, it’s the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato… what extra are you able to ask for?
9. Rome, Italy
The affect of the Roman Empire on Western historical past and tradition can’t be understated, so it’s no marvel that Rome is without doubt one of the prime locations to discover in 2026… and the foreseeable future. Historical past buffs, anthropologists, artists, and foodies (pizza and cacio e pepe, anybody?), together with folks focused on its booming tech and advertising and marketing industries, will all discover one thing of curiosity in Rome. Able to make 2026 a 12 months for the historical past books?
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Do you want darkish academia vibes—curling up with a great guide or jotting down notes as you research beneath centuries-old gothic towers? As a Central European nation that has rigorously preserved its medieval artwork and structure all through the ages, Prague is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in 2026 when you really feel such as you had been born within the mistaken technology… or century. Plus, as a serious financial hub within the area, Prague is certainly not caught prior to now—even when town exudes old-world appeal.
11. Cannes, France
Finest recognized for the Cannes Worldwide Movie Pageant, this seaside gem on the French Riviera has lengthy attracted guests with its calming coastal environment and timeless appeal. Past its movie status, Cannes presents a stunning vary of educational paths {and professional} alternatives—all set in opposition to an atmosphere that encourages peaceable contemplation with its sunny skies and blissful waves.
12. Grenoble, France
Grenoble is good for many who desire the mountains to the ocean. Referred to as the “Capital of the Alps,” this French metropolis presents beautiful views of those well-known mountains and is the gateway to the close by Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Vercors mountains. If you wish to expertise a quaint metropolis with an unforgettable backdrop in 2026, observe the AIFS Overseas trailhead to Grenoble.
13. Paris, France
Past the well-regarded universities and plethora {of professional} alternatives obtainable within the metropolis, the explanations to go to Paris in 2026 are just too many to put in writing, so let’s paint you an image as a substitute:
After every week of advancing your diploma or gaining skilled expertise by way of your internship or research overseas program, you stroll alongside the Seine on a Saturday morning till you attain your new favourite café. As town wakes up, you sip a café au lait on a terrace, watching town bubble with life round you. Subsequent, you wander—no vacation spot in thoughts—you recognize town is stuffed with enjoyable surprises. You discover a charming cobblestone road that piques your curiosity. The late morning daylight hits the long-lasting Haussmannian residences in simply the best method, an image worthy of the Louvre. The road is dwelling to a quaint bookshop, a small artwork gallery, or a boutique jewellery retailer that intrigues you, providing that hidden aspect of this well-known metropolis solely those that spend greater than every week can really expertise. As you browse, you smile to your self and suppose, “I’m so glad I selected to go to Paris this 12 months.”
How will your 12 months take form on canvas?
14. Athens, Greece
The votes are in, for some 5,000 years in a row, the birthplace of Democracy stays a great vacation spot for younger vacationers seeking distinctive cultural experiences and educational or skilled growth. From the famed Acropolis of Athens to its seashores that attain into the azure-blue Aegean Sea, there may be a lot to see on this historical metropolis. Whether or not you’re focused on significant mental pursuits like one in every of Plato’s Thinker Kings or excited to launch your profession in a world financial system formed by millennia of commerce, politics, and concepts, Athens is a superb place to review or intern overseas in 2026.
15. Dublin, Eire
In want of somewhat additional luck in 2026? Eire’s capital is a superb place to begin! Dublin blends previous and new with easy appeal, providing a spot the place medieval libraries sit only a stroll away from worldwide hubs for finance, tech, and extra. It’s a metropolis the place you possibly can deepen your educational expertise, develop professionally in booming up to date industries, and nonetheless discover time to wander cobblestone streets seeking the proper pint or cup of tea.
16. Galway, Eire
For those who desire a smaller metropolis bursting with cultural heritage and genuine Irish experiences, Galway will be the pot of gold on the finish of your rainbow. Referred to as the “cultural coronary heart of Eire,” this seaside metropolis presents an inside look into Irish life and customs by way of distinctive cultural festivals and museums dedicated to the nation’s wealthy heritage. Dwelling to a spread of industries and educational alternatives—and wrapped in a intently knit group as heat as an Irish wool sweater—Galway is a superb place to pursue your passions and construct a robust community overseas.
17. Limerick, Eire
Limerick has a little bit of every part for many who need an unforgettable Irish journey in 2026. Smaller than Dublin however greater than Galway, Limerick is a mid-sized metropolis stuffed with alternatives for distinctive Irish experiences and studying. This medieval metropolis has deep cultural roots, a compelling previous city replete with a citadel and cobblestone streets, and a bustling native financial system—making it a great place to launch your Irish explorations in 2026.
18. Maynooth, Eire
Final, however not least, on our record of the most effective locations to go to in Eire in 2026 is the small city of Maynooth. Surrounded by the gothic structure of St. Patrick’s School, that is the proper choice for anybody who desires to review overseas in a extra intimate atmosphere that’s nonetheless overflowing with character and historical past. With farms and forests only a stone’s throw away, Maynooth presents peace and easy accessibility to the idyllic Irish countryside. Plus, the city is only a 30-minute bus journey from Dublin’s metropolis middle, permitting you to set out for the capital everytime you like!
19. Lisbon, Portugal
Lovely seashores, fascinating historical past, scrumptious meals, in addition to unbeatable artwork and structure—Lisbon, Portugal, has all of it. This historical metropolis, which predates the Roman Empire, presents an inspiring backdrop for research overseas college students and interns alike. It’s a spot the place educational focus and profession growth pair naturally with coastal breezes, tile-lined alleyways, and the sort of on a regular basis magnificence that can make you thank your self for deciding to return to Lisbon in 2026.
20. Barcelona, Spain
It’s no accident that Barcelona is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer locations on the planet. The town bursts with Gaudí’s dreamlike structure, mouth-watering delicacies on each nook, and an animated Catalan spirit that pulls you proper in. Whether or not you’re taking in a efficiency on the opera or diving into town’s legendary nightlife, you’ll discover no scarcity of the way to make your time overseas in Barcelona unforgettable.
21. Granada, Spain
Located between the hovering peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Granada presents the most effective of each worlds. Whenever you’re not climbing within the mountains or enjoyable on the seashore, you possibly can navigate town’s historical streets—utilizing the towering Alhambra as your north star—as you seek for a brand new Tapas restaurant or spontaneous journey. With locals and fellow worldwide college students or interns, you’ll discover loads of alternatives to plug into town’s rising industries, together with tech, tourism, and digital advertising and marketing. Add some taste to your 12 months with a research or intern overseas program in Granada.
22. Madrid, Spain
In case your 2026 New Yr’s decision is to hone your Spanish-speaking expertise, Spain’s capital is an excellent place to begin. Madrid is dwelling to the Royal Spanish Academy, which regulates and ensures the soundness of the Spanish language. For those who’re in want of inventive inspiration this new 12 months, it’s powerful to beat town that’s dwelling to Paseo del Prado (referred to as the “Golden Triangle of Artwork”), the place the trifecta of the Thyssen, Prado, and Reina Sofía museums homes masterpieces from the greats equivalent to Picasso, Dali, Goya, and Bosch. For the humanities, the Spanish language, and world-class educational {and professional} alternatives, it’s no marvel Madrid is a prime vacation spot in 2026.
23. Salamanca, Spain
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the Previous Metropolis of Salamanca is nothing in need of dazzling. Nicknamed the “Golden Metropolis” for its hanging sandstone structure, Salamanca blends centuries-old magnificence with a full of life, fashionable vitality. As host to Spain’s oldest college, the Golden Metropolis pulses with scholar life—medieval streets are each day pathways to class, and Salamanca’s scholarly spirit retains its vitality full of life and youthful.
24. Seville, Spain
Seville is one in every of Spain’s most charming cities—in some way much more breathtaking in particular person than it seems on Instagram. Its hanging mixture of medieval Moorish structure and smooth up to date design creates an environment the place each facade tells a narrative. Past its magnificence, Seville rewards curious vacationers with vibrant neighborhoods, unforgettable meals, and a cultural scene that feels alive in each plaza. It’s the sort of place that doesn’t simply impress at first look—it stays with you lengthy after you permit.
25. Valencia, Spain
For anybody who loves a high-spirited celebration, Valencia’s Las Fallas is a can’t-miss expertise held yearly in March. This world-famous pageant lights up town with colourful fireworks, towering sculptures, and nonstop vitality. And whenever you’re prepared for a breather, Valencia’s picturesque seashores supply the proper place to unwind—whether or not you’re recovering from a full day of exploring town or wrapping up a full week of partaking research overseas programs.
26. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Is South America in your 2026 journey horizon? Examine or intern overseas in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a metropolis positively buzzing with tradition {and professional} alternatives to make your dream a actuality. Dance your method by way of the birthplace of the tango earlier than and after lessons or your internship. And on the weekends, discover this nation that’s world-famous for its expansive, breathtaking landscapes, equivalent to Patagonia. In Buenos Aires, the vitality is contagious, the empanadas are scrumptious, and your 2026 journey is simply ready so that you can start.
27. San José, Costa Rica
For those who’re focused on distinctive wildlife, thrilling outside adventures in beautiful pure environments, and entry to pristine seashores with unbelievable surf, Costa Rica is a must-visit vacation spot in 2026. On the middle of the nation is its capital, San José, with myriad nationwide parks, volcanoes, and each the Pacific and Atlantic oceans inside attain. Plus, town is well-known for its flourishing skilled industries and revered universities—what’s to not love about San José, Costa Rica?
28. New York Metropolis, USA
No matter whether or not you’re from abroad or the U.S. of A., New York Metropolis is without doubt one of the prime locations to discover in 2026. There’s a motive it’s the setting of so many implausible movies and literary works—it’s a metropolis overflowing with alternative and new experiences. It doesn’t matter what your educational, skilled, or private pursuits are, New York Metropolis undoubtedly has a spot for you in 2026.
29. Perth, Australia
For those who hate the chilly or cloudy skies, you’re due for a change in 2026. Perth is commonly cited as one of many sunniest cities on the planet, with greater than 8 hours of sunshine on common per day, year-round. Throughout your free time in Perth, you possibly can get pleasure from its well-known seashores and discover the full of life but laidback environment of town. Additionally, when you love wildlife such because the smiling quokka or need to dive into biodiverse marine ecosystems like these across the famend Rottnest Island, Perth is ideal in your subsequent worldwide journey.
30. Sydney, Australia
As one in every of Australia’s oldest, largest, and most fascinating cities, Sydney presents countless issues to do. It’s well-known for its music scene that goes far past town’s best-known landmark, the Sydney Opera Home, and into rock, pop, and digital music. This coastal metropolis can be recognized for its glorious surf and pleasant locals who really make Sydney really feel like a house away from dwelling. Plus, town is on the middle of lots of Australia’s industries, together with finance, vogue, and environmental science, making it an awesome place to pursue a variety of educational {and professional} pursuits. Need to go to Australia in 2026?
Accomplish your 2026 journey targets with AIFS Overseas’s research and intern overseas packages!
Right here at AIFS Overseas, we provide unbelievable program choices in every of the cities listed above—so you possibly can journey the world all whilst you earn school credit score and acquire real-world skilled expertise. With inclusions equivalent to housing, complete insurance coverage, emergency help, excursions and actions, and the help of our trusted on-site employees, you possibly can get pleasure from your international training expertise with out all of the stress. Don’t miss the chance to immerse your self in an thrilling new metropolis overseas whereas incomes school credit score. Are you able to make 2026 your finest 12 months but?
