To celebrate Valentine’s Day this Friday (12) and celebrate passionate exchange students, we have taken a tour of the most romantic places to live and study abroad. Who knows, you might not find love in one of these places?
Most romantic places in the world
Pomegranate
There is no doubt that Rome is among the most romantic places in all of Europe. There you have the possibility to spend sunny afternoons sipping espresso in historic squares with your better half. The capital of Italy offers lots of charm and sophistication, in addition to, of course, the best pasta, pizza and ice cream in the world (which means that you will have many options to console you if your romance goes sour). The city was also ranked as the 70th best student city in the QS Best Student Cities.
Best universities in Rome, based on the 2020 QS World University Rankings: Sapienza University of Rome (203rd in the world), Universidad degli Studi di Roma – Tor Vergata (511-520), Università degli Studi Roma Tre (801-1000).
Vienna
According to Countryaah, the capital of Austria ranked 13th in the most recent QS Best Student Cities, and is perfect for anyone who is passionate about gastronomy and history. If you and your love are adventurous, Vienna is just a few hours from some of the best ski resorts in all of Europe. On the other hand, if you want to watch couples go by while relaxing in a cozy cafe or visiting the opera, Vienna is also the perfect city for you.
Main universities in Vienna: University of Vienna (154th in the world), Vienna University of Technology (192th).
Athens
Known as the cradle of philosophy, in ancient times Athens had a popular cult of the goddess Aphrodite and her son Eros, the deities of love and desire. Like these deities, the city itself has its powers of seduction, with the rays of the sun, delicious Mediterranean cuisine and a multitude of modern and historic places to explore. There you can watch the sunset over the iconic Acropolis and reflect on all the great thinkers – and couples – who visited the place before you.
Main universities in the capital of Greece: National Technical University of Athens (454th in the world), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (651-700), University of Economics and Business in Athens (801-1000).
Buenos Aires
Although you might think that Buenos Aires is more associated with passion, not romance, the Argentine capital is, yes, one of the most romantic – and seductive – places in the world. And this is not just because of the tango! The city also offers an eclectic mix of cuisines, cultural attractions and natural surroundings. In short, it is a perfect city to explore with your soul mate or even to find the perfect exchange partner. Currently, the capital of Argentina is in 31st place among the best student cities according to the QS ranking.
The best universities in Buenos Aires: Universidad de Buenos Aires (74th in the world), Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina Santa María de los Buenos Aires (344th) and Universidad Austral (400th).
Kyoto
A quieter alternative to the Japanese capital , Kyoto is one of the most picturesque places to study abroad, especially during the spring and summer months, when the city’s historic temples are plentiful with cherry blossoms. Currently ranked 18th among the main cities in the world for students, alongside nearby places like Osaka and Kobe, Kyoto is admired for its historic Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as its traditional tea ceremonies.
Main Kyoto Universities: Kyoto University (33rd in the world), Ritsumeikan University (801-1000) and Kyoto Institute of Technology (801-1000).
Paris
A figure stamped on the lists of the most romantic places in the world, Paris is undoubtedly one of the most poetic places to study in Europe, in addition to being a reference in style and sophistication. When you’re there, try gourmet cuisine or just enjoy the simple pleasures of life: grab some bread, cheese, call your lover and enjoy a picnic near the Eiffel Tower. In addition to these romantic traits, the French capital was ranked as the seventh best city in the world for students.
Best universities in Paris: Université PSL (53rd in the world), Sorbonne Université (77th), TELECOM ParisTech (224th) and Sciences Po Paris (242nd).
New York
New York is the star of countless romantic comedies – and for good reason, like the incredible Manhattan skyline and the urban oasis that is Central Park. The variety of cultural sites and the diversity of neighborhoods in the city mean that, whatever your interests, you will surely find someone to complete you there. In addition, the Big Apple still has some of the best universities in the world. Whether love at first sight or not, New York wins all hearts after all!
Main universities in New York: Columbia University (18th in the world), New York University (39th) and Yeshiva University (359th).
Prague
A city with medieval architecture and a vibrant nightlife, Prague is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places to study in Europe. The capital of the Czech Republic offers many charms comparable to those of Paris, such as landscapes cut by a river, world-renowned art, good food and drink. If you go there, take the time to walk hand in hand through the historic cobbled streets and find your favorite spot among the city’s restaurants and cafes.
Best universities in Prague: Charles University (291st in the world), University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (355th) and Czech Technical University in Prague (498th).
Istanbul
Finally, Istanbul, Turkey, is the perfect place for those who like to combine the bustle of the city with more intimate moments. Escape the busy streets visiting the islands on the outskirts of the city or spend a special moment for two enjoying the seascape. Istanbul’s vibrant culture and centuries of historic architecture offer more reasons to fall in love with the place, such as the sensory immersion of the spice markets and the luxurious Topkapi Palace.
Istanbul’s main universities: Koc University (451st), Bogazici University (651-700), Istanbul Technical University (651-700) and Istanbul University (801-1000).
