If you’re considering studying abroad I highly recommend doing it! It was such an amazing experience, getting to immerse myself in the culture of the place where I was living, if only temporarily, and not to mention traveling and discovering new places.
I spent 3 and a half weeks abroad in Europe, splitting my time between 5 countries. I took 4 flights, went on several bus trips, countless metro/tube stops, a few train rides, and lots and lots of walking!
My program was 2 weeks long in Coventry, England, which is about an hour and a half north of London. I went a few days early to get extra time in the UK capital, as we only got 3 days in London with the school.
During our program we also took day trips to Oxfordshire to visit Oxford College, Stratford-Upon-Avon to meet my boy William Shakespeare and Warwickshire to visit an old castle. We also took a weekend trip to Edinburgh, Scotland and it was AMAZING!
After the school part of my trip, I traveled to Paris, France, took a day trip to Brussels, Belgium, and finished my trip in Dublin, Ireland!
Now to the fun stuff: What I did while I was there!
London
Tower of London tour: This is a must see, so much history and the crown jewels exhibit!
Tower Bridge: The most beautiful bridge ever, but it is extremely busy with foot traffic, beware
The restaurants nearby are really cute to sit and enjoy a glass of wine or tea while you people watch
Kensington Palace: Take a tour of whatever exhibits are on display, they’re so cool
The Sunken Garden, dedicated to Diana, Princess of Wales
Walk the mile to Buckingham Palace!
The palace is located in Hyde Park and it is massive and beautiful and is a must see
The Alchemist: We discovered this bar on accident and I fell in love, if you like funky mixed drinks and science this is the place for you!
The London Eye: It’s a massive Ferris wheel, what’s not to love, plus amazing views of the city and all the iconic sights
Jack the Ripper Tour: This is a must do, the stories are amazing and it’s a cool way to see a different side of London
Unfortunately I didn’t get to see everything I wanted to but it was a great first (and second, when I went back with my school) visit and now I can explore some more fun activities next time. Like SHOPPING!
Edinburgh
The Scotch Whiskey Experience: If you like whiskey this is a MUST, thank me later!
Tour Edinburgh Castle, and the Scottish crown jewels!
Cashmere and tartan everywhere but so cool to meet the locals who make them, they’re so nice!
We went out and joined a Hen Party (Bachelorette here in the US) and then went clubbing with some locals, 10/10 recommend clubbing and the night life here!
I will definitely be back to Scotland, the city and the countryside soon!
Chocoalte shop in Galerie de la Reine, Brussels, Belgium
Brussels
Home of beer and chocolate, so go crazy!
I love all the chocolate shops in the Galerie de la Reine.
Check out the Museum of the Belgian Brewers too!
Definitely eat your weight in Belgian Waffles while your there.
Paris
The Eiffel Tour: This one is self explanatory! Drink the champagne at the top, take some pretty pictures and probably watch someone get engaged! If you’re a student don’t forget the student discount.
Eat a French breakfast, thank me later.
Buy a crepe from a street vendor in St. Germain, YUM!
Cafe de Flore, pricey but iconic, especially if you watch Gossip Girl!
Walk along the Champs de Elysse
Visit the Arc de Triumph
The Louvre
Notre Dame Cathedral
Sacre-Coeur: This basilica is a hike but so worth it, and the town of Montmarte is really cute too
Walk along the Jardin du Luxembourg and get some gelato
Step inside a Hermes, and walk out quick before they see you, LOL
They say you don’t always enjoy your first time in Paris and I would say that’s an accurate statement, but I will go back for more (actual) shopping and explore this historic and gorgeous city. Oh and Versailles, didn’t get to go but I will be back!
Dublin
Kilmainham Gaol: This is a must, the history is fascinating.
Guinness Factory: Take the tour and learn how Guinness built modern Dublin and all the family has done for the city.
Get some bomb pics
Learn to pour a Guinness, yes there is a proper way to do it
One beer is included
Jameson Distillery: Take the tour and learn all the amazing history behind the iconic green bottle
Learn how to make it!
Sample and discover the difference between once and twice distilled whiskey, and what makes Scotch whiskey different than Irish whiskey.
One tumbler of whiskey is included
Check out a Cetlic performance if you can, too!
And if you’re adventurous take the train down to Greystones and hike back to Bray on the Bray Cliff Walk, the scenery, the fresh air, just wow, it’s a must!
Where I Stayed
With school we stayed in hotels, paid for by my trip deposit. But on my own we stayed in hostels.
I know that’s a scary word but done right they’re actually really fun.
My favorite was the London hostel, Wombats City Hostel. It has it’s own bar, that made a great meeting and pregame spot before checking out the town. The staff was awesome, the vibe great and location amazing. Definitely check this one out, it’s on the pricier side but it was my first time staying in a hostel and definitely worth the money.
In Dublin, we stayed at the Abrahams Hostel, it was great but definitely recommend booking early so you get a same-sex room and one that’s less people. Overall not a bad experience though, you meet some cool people.
In Paris, we stayed a Pariscoree and I do not recommend, enough said. If you want to know why, let me know and I’ll make a separate post, I want this one to be positive!
To book my hostels I used HostelWorld.com, definitely check them out! They make it really easy to search and compare hostels and read reviews.
To book flights I used Hopper to track them ahead of time to know when I was getting the best deals.
I hope if you get the chance of a lifetime to study abroad, wherever it may be, you take it, it was truly an amazing experience!
Thanks for reading!
xo Kayla
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