Exchange Diary | 13 How To Choose Your Exchange Destination In Europe? | Europe
Is the destination truly the one you are looking for?
The exchange program is probably the one you are looking for. No matter where the destination is, it is a great chance to understand and experience a foreign lifestyle.
I, the naive person, didn’t think much before I came, and no one give me suggestions about the destination. Fortunately, I enjoy the exchange life although it was a random choice.
If you are considering visiting schools in Europe, there are several things you should think twice to make your journey even more joyful.
Language
Although the majority of Europeans are well-educated, not all of them speak English well. English is also a foreign language for them (except in the UK).
If you have traveled to different countries in Europe, you can find a clear difference.
People in France, Spain, and Italy are not that good at English (or they are unwilling to speak English). If you are an exchange student in these places, learning the local language is essential. In other words, your language skills will definitely improve quickly.
On the other hand, you don't have to worry about language problems at all in Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) and the Netherlands. All the people speak English well (at least working proficiency level). Even after they get drunk, they still can speak English fluently. That’s also the reason why foreigners can live well in Denmark without learning Danish.
Travel
Usually, the most convenient city in a country is the capital. When it comes to domestic travel, I think Spain, France, the UK, and Italy are the top options. It is because there are more famous cities/spots to visit.
The criteria are the diversity and the cost of cross-city transportation.
There are a lot of low-fare airlines in Europe. If you are in the right city, the flight ticket is going to be super attractive. (There are fewer low-fare flights in Nordic countries than in west Europe🥲)
Of course, a train is also a good option if you are in west Europe. Especially when you are looking for domestic travel in France, Germany, the UK, and Italy, a student train ticket is your best friend.
In a nutshell, if you are a travel lover, you should choose the capital of the country. If you would like to explore different cities, the countries in western Europe are the better destinations for you.
Living Cost
As a student, living cost is really sensitive. It is because you don’t have income at a local level. You can find the statistics and comparisons among counties on the Internet. But generally, the rank looks like this:
- Nordic countries (highest)
- West Europe
- South Europe
- East Europe
The reason why south Europe is in third place is the food price. You still can find fresh, delicious meals at affordable prices in non-touristy areas.
Visa
The core of this issue is Brexit. If your passport allows you to travel to UK/EU without a visa, just skip this session.
If you require a visa to travel, you should consider the region that the student visa allows you to travel to. Student visas issued by EU countries allow you to travel in the entire EU.
Due to Brexit, some EU countries don’t recognize the student card issued in the UK. In other words, you cannot purchase student/youth tickets.
My suggestions
Before you make the decision, you can list your wishes/purpose/goals during the exchange.
Take mine for example.
1. See the northern lights
2. Watch All England Badminton Open
3. Experience a different lifestyle
4. Go to a place I might not visit in the future and live like a local
Based on the points, you can choose the destination from the list below. (These are SUGGESTIONS!)
Chill life
Denamrk🇩🇰, Finland🇫🇮, Greece🇬🇷, Iceland🇮🇸, Italy🇮🇹, Norway🇳🇴, Spain🇪🇸, Sweden🇸🇪
Travel lover
France🇫🇷, Italy🇮🇹, Netherlands🇳🇱, UK🇬🇧
Foodies
Italy🇮🇹, Southern France🇫🇷, Spain🇪🇸
Language Barrier-Free! (Communication in English)
Nordic countries🇩🇰🇫🇮🇮🇸🇳🇴🇸🇪, Netherlands🇳🇱, UK🇬🇧
I love foreign languages (Local language is essential)
France🇫🇷, Germany🇩🇪, Italy🇮🇹, Spain🇪🇸
Sunlight
Mediterranean countries 🇬🇷🇫🇷🇮🇹🇵🇹🇪🇸
Snow
Nordic countries 🇩🇰🇫🇮🇮🇸🇳🇴🇸🇪
