Study Abroad Locations That Match Your Personality

Studying abroad as a college student is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only do you get to experience the educational system of another country, but you also get to discover new cultures and lifestyles that you never knew existed!

One of the toughest decisions that you'll have to make is choosing a location for your study abroad experience. What I've discovered is that most students are happiest with their decisions when they choose a country that matches their personality.

For example, someone who likes to stay inside and read books or watch T.V. won't want to go to a country like Australia because it's notorious for its native wildlife and beautiful surroundings. It would be a travesty to shut yourself indoors when there are kangaroos and koalas outside calling your name to come out and play!

What I've done is listed some overseas locations to visit that would match your personality so you can find a place that you'll actually enjoy being in.

The Intellectual

If your life revolves around the constant input of information and the excessive output of philosophical ramblings, then England or France is your best choice. You can visit museums in England dedicated to Shakespeare or marvel at the tomb of Napoleon in France. And as you stroll through the lush vineyards in France or view the Tower of London, you'll always find someone else to talk to who's as interested in history, politics and culture as yourself.

The Life of the Party

If you're known to always bring happiness, laughter or wackiness to the room, then Ireland is the best place for you to visit. Ireland's not only the homeland of Guinness, a tasty beer that's a favorite of Americans everywhere, but it's also a great place to see historical castles and botanical gardens. Show others how you can be the King or Queen of the castle when you visit the lively country of Ireland!

The Food Connoisseur

If you're the type of person who carefully plans, prepares and executes a dinner, or who savors every bite of a meal, then Italy is the place for you! Where else can you find extended Italian families who spend days preparing for a feast and then spend even longer to enjoy it? If you're passionate about food and love to learn new recipes, then a trip to Italy should be in your itinerary!

The Artist

If you love to express yourself through your art or your writings, then Spain is the perfect study abroad location for you! Spain is home to two of the greatest artists of all time, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. Their works influenced entire movements, and they remain icons even today. You can discover for yourself why the great author Ernest Hemingway called Spain "the last good country left."

The Explorer

If you love the smell of fallen rain, the sound of bustling rivers or the chirping of birds, or you just like to explore undiscovered territories, then Australia is your treasure trove! Australia is a massive spread of land that is home to some of the world's most beautiful animals and terrains. It's definitely a destination for the person who doesn't mind getting a bit dirty!

The Enlightened One

If you're very into being in touch with your inner self and your surroundings, then a study abroad trip to Asia will be a great choice for you. Whether you go to China, Japan, India or Korea, you will be around a society of people who believe in the absence of negativity and the appreciation of their heritage and culture. It's a great trip that will not only connect you to other people, but also to yourself.

Of course there are many other personality types, but I think these are the major ones that most college students fall into. You know yourself better than anyone else, so be sure to choose a study abroad destination that will not only provide you with a good education, but also a valuable cultural exchange that you can learn from and share with others.