As you probably imagine, the ideal places to study conflict studies abroad would be places that have faced, or are facing, conflict. This will open doors for understanding that could not be opened otherwise. So… where are the best places to study conflict studies abroad?

Israel & Palestine. As you’ve probably read in the news, Israel and Palestine have faced conflict for many, many years, and there is no better way to gain a better understanding of this deeply rooted strife than studying conflict studies abroad in Israel or Palestine. Not only will you be learning about the history of the conflict, but you will be living the day-to-day conflict throughout your study abroad experience. As challenging as the experience of living within current conflict may be, that is one of the reasons why Israel and Palestine are some of the best places to study conflict studies abroad.

Rwanda. Studying conflict studies in Rwanda is an intense experience, period. But, if you are willing to have your heart broken and put back together again, this may be the experience for you. Studying conflict studies abroad in Rwanda will be a life changing experience, which is so clichéd to say, but in this case it is genuinely true. Your perspective on life will change, as will your heart, but you will walk away with a better understanding (as much as is possible) of the human capacity for resilience.

Colombia. Painted dark and scary colors by the media, Colombia is an ideal location for a conflict studies study abroad program. You will not only learn more about Colombia’s asymmetric war that still persists at low intensity, but you will also make connections with the people and learn to see Colombia in a different light, rather than how it’s portrayed. It will be an enlightening experience, and also one that will help you challenge yourself to push past preconceived notions.