Study abroad in the USA’s Midwest and you step into a friendly, welcoming community that’s proud of its hospitality. A cheery ‘hello,’ a smile with ‘hi there,’ and you can start chatting with locals and students at the grocery store, out on a trail, or in a restaurant. If you need ideas for places to meet new people and make friends, try some of these SAF alumni recommendations.
The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
Australian cuisine is a melting pot of Indigenous dishes and food from around the world. If you’re studying at the University of New South Wales, a great way to get to know Sydney is by trying its local food. Like many Australians, Sydney locals are known for their love of barbecues, and there are plenty of popular seafood dishes here.
As a student in Michigan, you really should try the local cuisine. Food is a great way to experience the local culture whether you’re cooking something new in the kitchen, eating out with your new friends, or taking a trip to the supermarket with your roommate. Michigan has some delicious dishes worth trying as part of your experience of studying abroad in the US. Our SAF Alum who lived and studied in Michigan said these were their favorite local foods.
Coney Dogs
Trying new food is one of the many exciting parts of studying abroad in Toronto. This is a city of many cultures and food from all over the world, with a Canadian twist. But there are some local specialties you may not have come across before. So, while you’re in the city, taste some local cuisine and connect yourself with Toronto and its culture. These are some of the local favorites to try as you explore the city.
Peameal Bacon Sandwich
Auckland and Otago are both great places to discover New Zealand’s unique food culture. Try traditional Māori dishes to snacking on sweet treats popular with locals, when you’re studying at the University of Auckland on the North Island or the University of Otago on the South Island.
Bristol is the gateway to the South West of England known for its creative edge, relaxed lifestyle and student-friendly neighborhoods. There’s always a festival happening somewhere, and you can’t miss the colorful street art across the city. Get an insider’s guide to this city’s unique culture and feel right at home when you’re studying abroad in Bristol.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel
If you're considering studying abroad, the UK has some of the world's most prestigious universities. But you will probably find British teaching is very different from what you're used to in Asia. Unlike in Asia, where the teacher is the authority, in UK, independent study and critical thinking. Lecturers encourage you to challenge ideas and think for yourself, and seminars and tutorials are opportunities for you to engage in lively debates.
University of Bristol
Canada is known internationally for being easy going, welcoming, and friendly. Studying abroad here gives you an excellent opportunity to meet new people from different cultures and backgrounds and make memories that will last you a lifetime.
Canadian students thrive on experiencing life – and you should too while you’re here. Be open to new experiences and willing step out of your comfort zone – if you can get all the way to Canada, it’s not a such big step. Here are some great ways Canadian students go about meeting new people and making friends.
When you study at the University of Glasgow, you’ll find a vibrant and diverse city with many, many new people to meet. Get out there – talk to people, try new things, and explore the city's many hidden gems! The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and the Glasgow Cathedral are the city’s big-hitters, but there’s so much more to explore.
Ask a friend on a Glasgow ghost walk
There’s something just a little bit different about studying abroad in Australia or New Zealand. They’re both exhilarating, eye-opening countries for a summer, a semester, or a full year abroad, but if you’re going be away from home for a while, you should make an effort to meet people and make new friends.