Travelling to Europe provides students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, gain a fresh new perspective on the world, and pick up a new language along the way!

However, a lot goes into properly preparing for a study-abroad program, and it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed during the process, especially if it’s your first time travelling to Europe.

That’s why we’ve compiled six useful tips to help you best prepare for and make the most out of your exciting study-abroad experience in Europe.

1. Before leaving, get to know the country you’ll be calling home

Every country is different, so before you begin packing for your trip, study your destination to prepare and pack appropriately. Consider factors such as the country’s unique culture and customs, its climate patterns, its geography, as well as options for transportation, among others.

By doing your research ahead of time about these important factors, you’ll be able to prevent running into potentially burdensome issues due to lack of preparation, and you can thus enjoy your destination to the fullest.

2. Be sure to bring all the right documents with you

A valid passport is the first and most critical document you’ll need to have ready for your travels abroad. If you currently don’t have a passport, or it is on the verge of expiring, you should give yourself at least eight weeks before your scheduled trip to obtain a new one.

Furthermore, depending on your destination, you may also require a visa, which is a document that allows you to stay in the country for a designated amount of time. So, be sure to check if your country of destination requires one and apply for it early on.

Moreover, you’ll want to bring a travel itinerary, including your flight and hotel reservations. You should also have your travel insurance and any necessary medical records or health documents, such as proof of vaccination, that may be required by the country. Be sure to bring all these important documents with you on the plane, and never ship or pack them away in your luggage.

3. Pack wisely by not forgetting these essential items

You’ll want to pack clothes that are suited to what you’ve learned about the country and its climate while also considering the length of your stay.

With that being said, there are several essential baseline clothing and footwear items you’ll want to bring regardless of your destination’s unique weather patterns. This includes the following:

• Underwear, undergarments, and socks
• Practical shirts, pants, dresses, or skirts (everyday clothes)
• Pajamas and comfortable loungewear
• Slippers or warm gripper socks
• Athletic wear and footwear for hiking or working out
• Light jacket
• Swimsuit
• Comfortable, practical footwear for walking
• At least one pair of dress shoes
• Flip flops for the beach or hostel showers
• At least one nice or formal outfit

Additionally, you’ll want to complete your packing with the following toiletries that apply:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Sunscreen
• Antiperspirant
• Contact lenses and/or eyewear
• Cosmetic products
• Feminine hygiene products

Last, but not least, you’ll also want to ensure that none of these essential items are left behind:

• Mobile phone and charger
• Laptop and charger
• Adapter (we’ll touch more on this below)
• Camera for photo taking (if your phone camera will not suffice)
• Pencils, pens, journal, and any necessary writing and school supplies
• Paper map in case of cell service failure
• Smaller bag or backpack to carry along on excursions
• Padlock for storing valuables in lockers

4. Leave certain items at home

There are certain items you should not bring with you on your trip, as they may put you at risk for pick-pocketing or other kinds of trouble as a vulnerable tourist. First, avoid bringing any items that clearly identify you as a foreigner, such as clothing or items marked with popular Canadian or American branding, anything containing the Canadian or American flag, sports jerseys, etc.

Moreover, avoid bringing things that are irreplaceable or of particularly high value, such as jewellery or watches. Leave large amounts of cash and any unnecessary documents at home as well.

5. Avoid overpacking

While there are many items you’ll need to pack (and not pack) for your trip abroad, it can also be easy to get carried away and bring too many items that you’ll never actually need. However, you can easily avoid overpacking by following a few useful guidelines for packing light.

This includes planning your outfits out ahead of time for each day of your trip, sticking to clothing items that can easily be mixed and matched or that follow a similar colour scheme, and considering bringing multipurpose travel gear (e.g. pack a pashmina to use as a scarf, a blanket, a beach cover-up, and/or a towel, among other potential and purposeful uses).

Furthermore, consider using packing cubes to help you optimize space in your luggage and keep it organized.

6. Don’t forget to buy an adapter

Chances are, the country you are travelling to has different electrical standards, meaning that the voltage may be higher than what your device is capable of handling. This puts your devices at risk for damage or complete destruction. Moreover, many European countries have power outlet shapes that won’t be the right fit with your plug from Canada.

This is why it’s essential that before you leave for your trip abroad, you find out what the voltage is in your designated country, in addition to the shape of the outlets. You can easily purchase an adapter online or at an electronics store to bring along with you on your trip. This way, you’ll have no issues charging or hooking up your devices in a foreign country.

That concludes our six tips for studying abroad in Europe! From planning your exciting journey to embracing the many cultural differences of your designated country, these tips will help ensure that your European trip is smooth sailing, so you can focus on truly enjoying every moment.

Study in Europe to Enrich Your Life and Mind

For more information on our 2023 Ontario student travel and education programs, including those to Europe, call Global Summers Academy at 1-844-357-2621 or contact us here.

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For students, in particular, a trip to Rome can be a truly unique and enriching experience that offers a wealth of opportunities for self-discovery, self-improvement, and, of course, fun!

Are you a student who’s thinking about taking a trip to Rome? If that is the case, this article’s for you.

So, without further ado, let’s explore some of the top reasons why students should prioritize making a trip to Rome.

Experience Rome’s Enchanting History and Architecture Firsthand

Simply browsing photos and videos of Rome’s breathtaking art-filled churches and museums will never compare to experiencing such beauty in person. That’s why one of the major reasons for students to visit Rome is to soak in its incredible historical and cultural heritage firsthand.

Seeing how Rome was the centre of the Roman Empire and has been a major European city for over 2,500 years, the city is naturally home to a vast array of historical and cultural attractions, including the incredible Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain.

In addition, Rome is home to numerous museums and galleries, including the Vatican Museums and the Galleria Borghese, which house some of the most world-renowned and remarkable works of art (for example, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and the four Raphael Rooms).

Visiting these iconic landmarks can give students a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past and a deeper understanding of the events and people that have shaped its rich history.

Dine, Dance, and Dress the Italian Way

In addition to its rich history and artistic beauty, Rome is also home to a vibrant contemporary culture fit for any student looking to “Vivi la tua vita al meglio!” (Live your life to the fullest!).

Also referred to as The Eternal City by the Roman poet Tibullus in the 1st century BC, Rome is famously known for its delicious food, stylish fashion, and exciting entertainment. 

Rome is also home to several music festivals and events that occur throughout the year, including the Rome Film Festival and the Rome Jazz Festival, attracting enthusiastic visitors from around the world.

In the summer months, many Romans and tourists flock to the city’s outdoor piazzas and terraces, which are filled with street musicians and performers. 

A Wealth of Educational and Friend-Making Opportunities

Another reason for students to visit Rome is the incredible educational opportunities it offers, in addition to its ideal atmosphere for building new and exciting friendships with like-minded students.

With its impressively large student population, Rome is home to some of the world’s finest universities, including the University of Rome and Sapienza University. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programs and courses that can be of great interest to students in various fields. 

Additionally, many of Rome’s stunning museums and galleries provide educational programs and resources that can truly enhance students’ learning experiences.

Learn the Beautiful Italian Language

Visiting Rome can be an excellent way to effectively improve your language skills, especially if you are trying to learn Italian. As anyone who has learned a language through being immersed in its culture will tell you, spending your days living in Rome will allow you to quickly pick up the new vocabulary and grammar. 

What’s more, hearing Italian regularly spoken by native speakers can help you swiftly improve your comprehension and pronunciation of the language (without really even needing to try).

Furthermore, being in Rome provides an opportunity to practice listening and speaking Italian with friendly locals, which can help you gain confidence in your language abilities. Even if you are not actively studying Italian, your speaking skills will improve simply by being immersed in the language and culture of Rome.

A Unique Opportunity for Personal Growth and Exploration

Finally, a trip to Rome can be a transformative “esperienza” with endless opportunities for developing independence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

As travelling to a foreign country often requires people to step outside of their comfort zone, this new and exciting undertaking can both challenge and inspire students wanting to grow both personally and academically.

Students: Experience the Enchanting City of Rome in 2023

From exploring the city’s ancient ruins to trying new mouthwatering Italian dishes and meeting incredible people along the way, a visit to Rome can be a life-changing experience for any student.

“Chi ha tempo non aspetti tempo” is an Italian saying that translates to “Who has time, shouldn’t wait for time.” So, what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to start planning your trip to Rome.

For information on our 2023 student travel programs in Ontario including student trips to Rome, Italy, call Global Summers Academy at 1-844-357-2621 or contact us here.

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Global Summers Academy offers travel education programs that provide a safe and nurturing environment for students to thrive academically while also being exposed to culturally significant experiences. Travelling provides students with the opportunity to interact with new, historic surroundings, and grow outside of the classroom. 

The first step to expanding your education is deciding where you want to go. Before making any rash decisions, let’s learn about some of the most historic attractions that Europe has to offer.

The Eiffel Tower – France

The Eiffel Tower is every romantic’s dream, and one of France’s most iconic landmarks. Controversial for its construction when initially built, engineer Gustave Eiffel received significant criticism for his design due to the size and scope. At the time, the 324-meter-tall tower was considered the tallest structure in the world. 

Originally built to act as the entrance for the 1889 World’s Fair, travellers from around the world continue to visit this architectural wonder. Standing in the center of the Champ de Mars in Paris, the wrought-iron tower has three levels that contain restaurants and cafes, gift shops, exhibits about the history of the tower, the original restored office of Gustave Eiffel himself, and several observation desks.

Our France travel education program is the perfect study-abroad opportunity for students from Ontario or across Canada who want to enjoy the mixture of rich history, groundbreaking architecture, and ambience that the Eiffel Tower has to offer.

The Colosseum – Italy

Some people dream of becoming an influencer, while others wonder what it would be like to run their own empire. Recognized as one of Italy’s most admired attractions, the Flavian Amphitheater in Rome (better known as the Colosseum) continues to be one of the remaining and most iconic symbols of Imperial Rome. 

Built in A.D. 70-80 using travertine limestone and volcanic rock, the monument was considered the world’s largest amphitheater for a significant amount of time, holding up to 80,000 spectators. 

The true weight of history can be felt standing beside the 48-meter-high walls that surround an architectural footprint of 24,000 square meters. Originally fitted with a velarium (a retractable awning to protect spectators during bad weather) and a thick wooden floor covered by sand, the building was designed for peak entertainment. 

Most well known for gladiator fights, the Colosseum was also where many other shows and spectacles took place. These included everything from famous battles to executions, and even mock sea battles where the space would be filled with and drained of water to simulate waves. 

Step inside the stadium with our Italy travel education program and feel the weight of the world’s most historic empire up close.

The Acropolis of Athens – Greece

Nothing beats a great view, especially one that looks out over an historic city in Greece. Nestled atop a rocky outcrop above Athens, the Acropolis is a collection of buildings primarily constructed in the fifth century B.C. One of the most notable structures is the Parthenon, which was a temple built to thank the gods for the Greeks’ victory over Persian invaders.

Other prominent features include the gateway Propylaea, which acts as the entrance to the Acropolis, the Erechtheion (dedicated to Athena and Poseidon), and the small but beautiful Temple of Athena Nike.

While most of the ancient artifacts within the temples have been relocated to the Acropolis Museum nearby, the architecture that remains has the power to transport visitors back in time. 

Take a tour through history on our Greece travel education program and learn first-hand about the wonders of Ancient Greece. In addition, we offer an opportunity to visit both Rome and the Greek Islands, so you can explore twice the history while studying and travelling abroad.

The Alhambra and Generalife Gardens – Spain

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing a lavish life of luxury, or wondered what it felt like to be royalty, the palace and fortress complex Alhambra should be your first stop. Alhambra—meaning “the red one”—was originally built in 889 C.E., and was later built upon in the mid-13th century, now embracing 142,000 square-meters of stunning red brick and architecture fit for a king or queen.

Although the fortress has experienced some neglect in the past, it has been partially restored as a means of preserving history. Today, it acts as a beautiful display of Muslim art and architecture in Spain. As though frozen in time, the mix of red clay, layered brick, and stone make the natural earth-red colour of the Alhambra an unforgettable sight. The interior is covered in striking stucco designs that breathe life back into the Moorish palaces, royal baths, and fortified towers. 

As far as summer views go, the adjoining Palacio de Generalife is a can’t-miss experience. The terraced Persian gardens provide a summer escape that is unmatched by any beach. The many colonnades and pavilions offer a beautiful view that you won’t soon forget.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – Portugal

When thinking about architectural masterpieces, Portugal may not be the first place to come to mind. However, the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon should be placed at the top of every bucket list. The UNESCO World Heritage Site monastery is a stunning example of Manueline or Portuguese late Gothic style. 

Notable for its ornate details, Manueline architecture comes with larger-than-life semicircle arches in the doors and windows, incorporating maritime elements like shells and pearls. Beginning construction in 1501, the Monastery took over 100 years to complete, meaning it has history literally built into it. Originally, the structure was fitted with gold-coloured limestone. Over time, however, various kings and architects added their personal touches to the building.

Now opening up onto the Church of Santa Maria, visitors can stand beneath the 32-meter side entrance that leads to the main altar area. Outside the Church, the Monastery has large grounds and gardens with a wide display of fountains, 16th-century buildings, and pavilions that are free to explore.

Participating in a travel education program to Portugal and Spain allows students to study abroad while simultaneously experiencing a vast array of historic architecture, style, artwork, and scenery.

Where to next?

Now that you know the types of places a study-abroad trip can take you, the next step is deciding where to spend the summer learning.

To find out more about the travel education programs that we provide in Ontario, call Global Summers Academy at 1-416-357-2621 or 1-844-357-2621. You can also reach us by email at info@globalsummersacademy.com or contact us here.

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