We’ve got in the inside scoop on the most Instagrammable travel destinations for YOUR study abroad experience! Sure, studying abroad is a personal journey meant to mature and mold you into a cultured adult. Yet, in an age when we connect with our virtual audiences via colorful square snapshots and witty captions, capturing the moment matters too. Pics or it didn’t happen, right?
It’s pretty dope to study abroad somewhere that inspires you each and every day you’re abroad!
Okay, not completely, but there is still something to be said about the power of a jaw-dropping, borderline tear-jerking image that brings you straight back to the second you captured it.
Whether it’s to a new cafe around town or an adventure halfway across the world, planning a trip usually involves images to help make a decision on whether it’s worth it or not. We’ve all fallen victim to checking someplace out after having scrolled past an inspiring image (hello, power of social media!), so what exactly drives that inspiration? Is it a trendy landmark that draws us somewhere? A famous mouth-watering pastry? Maybe even an instantly recognizable cityscape?
No matter what you’re after, we can all agree that there’s something to be said about those travel moments when you lay your eyes on a legendary scene that you’ve only dreamt about. Our planet is home to some pretty spectacular sights, both man-made and natural, that you’ll never forget even without pictures to remember. Grab your #instapassport, because you won’t want to miss these Instagram-worthy, most beautiful places to study abroad!
Here are the most Instagrammable places in the world—perfect for study abroad
You won’t have to wander far in these study abroad destinations to find a view to make you stop and stare for a minute...or two or three.
1. Seoul, South Korea
A few decades ago, South Korea experienced an economic boom that radically transformed the country inside and out. The result is a brand-spanking-new, ultra-modern capital city that seemingly sprouted out of nowhere, packed with Instagram-worthy sites at every turn. Seoul’s trendy heartbeat is truly felt at its countless themed cafes, where each sells a unique concept alongside its delicious drinks. If you enjoy studying at cafes, you won’t want to forget your phone for the dog, meerkat, or Hello Kitty cafes.
There’s nothing like a good moonrise to remind you you’re in one of the most beautiful places to study abroad.
Outside the city, you’ll plunge back in time to experience colorful Buddhist temples and craggy mountainous hikes. Because Seoul experiences all four seasons, while studying abroad you’ll get a fresh take on your favorite spots every few months.
Recommended study abroad programs in Seoul:
- USAC - Seoul Korean & East Asian Studies at Yonsei
- CIEE - Arts and Sciences in Seoul, Korea
- See all study abroad programs in Seoul
2. London, England
Red phone booths, Big Ben, and double decker buses—does it get more iconic than London? Some of the most Instagrammable places in London include regal, historical buildings scattered throughout the city, but you never know when you’ll come across a phone booth on a rainy day. If you’ve acquired a trench coat for your study abroad experience to accelerate the immersion process, then your Insta-game will be unbeatable.
Studying abroad in London also opens the door to some pretty rad locations not too far out of the city, such as the White Cliffs of Dover or Stonehenge. Another perk? Chances are your university itself will be a beautiful ivy-covered site, seemingly straight outta Harry Potter.
Recommended study abroad programs in London:
- Boston University - London History & Literature Program
- ISA - Study Abroad in London, England
- See all study abroad programs in London
3. Rabat, Morocco
Have you seen that picture where everyone is on a caravan of camels walking through sand dunes wearing head coverings for sun protection? Sounds like a visit to Morocco! Most study abroad programs in Morocco are based in Rabat, the country’s capital city nestled on the coast, where you can study Arabic or French. Here, students have the opportunity to walk through ancient alleyways, explore French-colonial gardens, and shop at the Medina (or open-air market).
Head to Morocco to give your camera roll a unique twist.
While using Rabat as a base, you’re free to venture out to some of the other most Instagrammable places in the world. Try checking out Chefchaouen, a city famous for its blue-washed buildings and unlimited photo ops at every turn. Of course, no study abroad stay in Rabat would be complete without a stop by Casablanca to admire its moresque architecture.
Recommended study abroad programs in Rabat:
- AMIDEAST - Area & Arabic Language Studies in Morocco
- CIEE - Language + Culture in Rabat, Morocco
- See all study abroad programs in Rabat
4. Kyoto, Japan
The ancient capital of Japan is sure to delight any history buff or connoisseur of Japanese culture. The city is a carefully coordinated web of age-old temples and shrines entangled with modern shopping centers and neon lights. As a graceful mix of natural beauty and man-made wonders, it’s the poster child for Instagrammable cities around the world.
Kyoto makes the list of the most beautiful places to study abroad thanks to its Golden Pavilion, winding pathways of red torii gates called Fushimi Inari Shrine, and bamboo forest maze. Of course, settling down to study in Kyoto for a few weeks or months isn’t complete without a picture of a real geisha in the traditional Gion district. If you want a real life example of Japan’s most cherished legacies all in one city (think cherry blossoms, shrines, geisha, and pagodas), Kyoto’s got your back.
Recommended study abroad program in Kyoto:
The Blue Mosque easily makes Istanbul one of the most Instagrammable places in the world.
5. Istanbul, Turkey
Studying abroad in Istanbul throws you straight at the crossroads of where East meets West, a city that throughout history has passed through the hands of several empires. This fascinating historical center lets you capture pivotal moments of a long history through astounding architectural marvels and traditions that live on today. Some top Instagrammable travel destinations to check out include the Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine church-turned-mosque-turned-museum, and imposing structure of the Blue Mosque. Because these buildings dominate the Istanbul skyline (outside a few new high-rises), it won’t be hard to snap a picture while studying abroad around the city.
During time away from class, you can spend a weekend exploring Pamukkale, about an hour from Istanbul by plane. It’s famous for its white hillside natural thermal baths that look more like a scene out of Iceland than a Eurasian city. The breathtaking sight of white travertine, reflective pools make the trek out totally worth it. Do it for the Istan-gram!
Recommended study abroad program in Istanbul:
6. Barcelona, Spain
As one of Spain’s wealthiest cities, Barcelona is poppin’ with scenic vistas and up-and-coming buildings. Students here enjoy some of the most photographed places in Europe in their daily walk to class, including the Sagrada Familia, a massive, termite-mount-esque church under construction for the past 100+ years. Probably the most Instagram-worthy location, however, is the colorfully tiled wall with a view of the eccentric architecture of Park Güell in the distance.
Not only is Barcelona a European darling, it’s a long-time favorite of study abroad students from around the world too. The chill student culture, easy beach access, and Mediterranean vibes make the city prime study abroad real estate for a range of disciplines. If Barcelona’s beautiful coastal vistas get a bit dull, the rest of Europe (aka more Instagram opportunities) is just an easy flight away.
Recommended study abroad programs in Barcelona:
- API - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain
- SAI Programs - Study Abroad in Barcelona
- See all study abroad programs in Barcelona
Spanish-Speaking Honorable Mention: Costa Rica is known as one of the most eco-friendly countries on Earth with a rich ecosystem and natural beauty. Check out study abroad programs through Maximo Nivel!
7. Jaipur, India
Although you may not have heard of Jaipur, this bustling Indian city has a population of over three million. Anyone into colorful photo backdrops and distinct landmarks will find a photo op paradise on the streets of Jaipur. You’ll find plenty to gaze longingly at outside your textbooks at the Amber Fort, a massive sandstone-colored palace. The historic city center itself is known as the “Pink City” for its uniform terracotta, pink-colored exteriors.
Your camera is going to get an intense workout in Jaipur!
Jaipur is also unique among India’s cities for its street grid layout, making it easier to navigate for students from abroad and other foreign visitors. If you’re adventurous enough to choose this lesser-known study abroad destination, you’ll find opportunities to study art, culture, and socioeconomic development.
Recommended study abroad program in Jaipur:
- SIT Study Abroad - India: Social Change and Sustainable Development
- See all study abroad programs in Jaipur
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bikes galore, idyllic canals, and tiny row homes...just a few staples that make this Dutch city among the most photographed places in Europe. Study abroad programs in Amsterdam popularly center around cultural and language studies, as well as social sciences and business. The city’s unique geography of coastal lowlands and interwoven canals has also made it a forerunner for unique architecture.
While you probably don’t want to photograph Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District, there are tons of other quintessential Dutch scenes to capture in the vicinity. When the season’s right, you can easily find fields of colorful tulips outside the city. The closeby town of Zaandam is also famous for its traditional wooden windmills, although you may have to fight a few other tourists to get your prized selfie.
Recommended study abroad programs in Amsterdam:
- CIEE - Social Sciences in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- SIT Study Abroad - Netherlands: Perspectives on Sexuality & Gender
- See all study abroad programs in Amsterdam
9. Sydney, Australia
Australia in general is a study abroad fan favorite among STEM majors for its accessible English-language universities and celebrated programs in the science fields. You get the comforts of English with an exotic change in scenery. Sydney particularly is one of the most notably beautiful places to study abroad, and a great hub to explore the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef during time off. There’s no end to cool things to check out for international students!
In addition to the Sydney Opera House, you’re going to love taking photos of the latte art on your flat whites, too.
Apart from the mandatory selfies with wallabies and koalas, you’ll find some of the most instagrammable places in the world in Sydney. Spend some time gazing at the Sydney Opera House or the neighboring Harbor Bridge. Of course, your experience won’t be complete without trying out surfing at Bondi Beach or just basking in the warm Australian sun.
Recommended study abroad programs in Sydney:
- IES Abroad - Sydney Direct Enrollment Semester/Year Program
- IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad - Future-Focused Study Abroad
- See all study abroad programs in Sydney
10. Paris, France
What list of the most beautiful places to study abroad would be complete without mentioning the timeless City of Lights? From effortless candid shots sipping a coffee at open-air cafes, to classic photographs of a rainy evening strolling on cobblestone sidewalks, there’s no limit to this city’s potential in capturing an indescribable feeling.
Studying abroad in Paris has a certain air of je ne sais quoi that lets you slip into a blissful life of baguettes and crepes. Even if you don’t speak a word of French, the architecture and streets have a way of pulling you in and giving you a very Parisian feel in every step. Grab a selfie with the Mona Lisa in between classes or walk along the Eiffel Tower’s shadows. Whichever scenes you choose to soak in, just remember that Paris is one of the most photographed places in Europe for good reason.
Recommended study abroad programs in Paris:
- AIFS - Study Abroad in Paris, CCFS: Semester or Year
- New York University - Paris study abroad
- See all study abroad programs in Paris
[Browse Even MORE Instagrammable Places to Study Abroad]
The most beautiful places to study abroad are waiting
Wherever you end up for study abroad, there’s no doubt you’ll find something Instagram-worthy.
Even with irresistible views that evoke an otherworldly kind of feeling, a large part of a destination’s beauty goes back to the culture and history you associate it with. Studying abroad lets you experience a destination’s aesthetic appeal along with the underlying culture that gives what you see more context. If you’re looking for a photogenic study abroad location, you’ll have plenty to choose from!
Look for the Perfect Study Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search
