Best Off the Beaten Path Destinations for First Year College Students
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If you know you want to travel and even live abroad, your first year of college is the perfect time to start. CIEE's First Year Abroad program lets you make your international dreams come true while keeping you on track to graduate on time.
Consider these three awesome off the beaten path travel destinations for your freshman year of college: Sydney, Berlin, and Kyoto.
The Sunny Urban Playground of Sydney, Australia
Imagine starting your first year of college in a city where you can catch waves and explore bustling neighborhoods with food, art, and culture from around the globe. First Year Abroad Sydney will have your year full of adventure travel destinations.
Daily Life in Sydney
In Sydney, life is lived outdoors, with good weather year-round and stunning beaches that make every day feel like a mini vacation. Imagine a day where you start by grabbing a coffee in a trendy beachside neighborhood, then hop on a ferry to Watsons Bay, where you spend the afternoon hiking the scenic trails and taking in breathtaking harbor views. As the sun sets, you head to Bronte Beach to join friends for a bonfire.
Sydney's cultural scene is just as exciting. The iconic Sydney Opera House is a hub of activity where you can catch everything from world-class operas to indie music gigs. Every winter, the city lights up for Vivid Sydney, a festival of light, music, and ideas that transforms landmarks into glowing works of art. And come February, Mardi Gras takes over, an LGBTQ+ celebration that brings together celebrators from around the world.
Getting around Sydney is a breeze. Trains, buses, and ferries make it easy to navigate the city. Sydney is also highly walkable, with pedestrian-friendly streets and a network of bicycle lanes.
Top Destinations in Sydney
Here are three spots you definitely don't want to miss during your first year abroad:
1. Bondi Beach - Australia's most famous beach, Bondi is the perfect spot for surfing, sunbathing, and people-watching.
2. Sydney Opera House - One of the most recognizable buildings in the world, the Opera House is a hub for all kinds of performances and events, from classical concerts to contemporary art exhibitions.
3. Sydney Harbour National Park - Explore this stunning natural area where you can hike, picnic, and enjoy breathtaking views while being surrounded by Australia's peculiar wildlife.
The Innovative, Creative Center of Berlin, Germany
CIEE's First Year Abroad Berlin program places you in the heart of Berlin—a city steeped in history and brimming with modern bohemian energy. Once divided by the Berlin Wall, this city has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century. Today, Berlin stands as a symbol of resilience and reunification, known for its world-class museums and vibrant art scene. If you're looking for unique travel experiences, Berlin should be top of the list.
Daily Life in Berlin
Berlin's savory food scene offers currywurst and döner kebab alongside traditional German fare, including fresh pretzels and rich pastries. Berliners love their coffee, and the city has a rich cafe culture that serves "third-wave" coffee with single-origin beans and manual brewing methods. The city's diverse population (nearly 40% of Berliners have a migrant background) allows you to find every type of cuisine, including plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
Berlin's streets are filled with cyclists, artists, and locals enjoying the city's many parks and open spaces. You'll see Berliners lounging by the canals, having picnics in Tiergarten, or jogging along the Spree River. Evenings in Berlin might include catching an open-air film screening, enjoying a live street performance, or simply hanging out at a late-night cafe with friends. There is always something to do.
Getting around Berlin is easy. The U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (urban trains) can take you across the city in no time while the extensive network of bike lanes makes cycling a popular and eco-friendly way to explore. Berlin is also highly walkable, with each neighborhood offering its own unique vibe.
Top Destinations in Berlin
Here are our three top destinations that can't be missed:
1. East Side Gallery - This open-air gallery is a preserved section of the Berlin Wall covered in murals by artists from around the world.
2. Museum Island - Museum Island is home to five world-renowned museums that include everything from ancient artifacts to modern art.
3. Kreuzberg District - Explore Berlin's most eclectic neighborhood, known for its lively street art, diverse culinary scene, and unique shops.
The Historic, Cultural Sanctuary of Kyoto, Japan
CIEE's First Year Abroad Kyoto program places you in the incredible city of Kyoto. With its perfect mix of Japan's rich history and its vibrant contemporary culture, Kyoto is one of the best student travel destinations.
Daily Life in Kyoto
Daily life in Kyoto is like living in a postcard, where ancient temples stand beside cozy ramen shops, hidden gardens offer tranquil escapes, and every meal is mouth-wateringly delicious.
Grab a bite at Nishiki Market, a bustling five-block marketplace serving locals for centuries. Sample traditional Japanese foods like fresh sashimi, matcha-flavored sweets, and yakitori (grilled skewers) all among noodles, noodles, and more noodles. Or, if you're feeling brave, try octopus stuffed with quail eggs, flavors of pickled vegetables you've never imagined, and freshly roasted chestnuts.
Beyond the market, Kyoto's cafe culture is uniquely Japanese. Sip a cup of matcha in a traditional teahouse or enjoy a kawaii (cute) dessert in a tranquil cafe with tatami seating.
No matter where you're going, getting there is simple with Japan's world-famous, efficient public transportation. The city is also considered one of the world's most walkable, with the most stunning avenues in Asia.
Top Destinations in Kyoto
Kyoto is full of incredible places to explore, where history and modern life meet. Here are three top destinations you won't want to miss:
1. Fushimi Inari-Taisha - Fushimi Inari-Taisha is one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. The shrine is renowned for its thousands of bright red torii gates that create a mesmerizing pathway up Mount Inari, offering spectacular views and a spiritual experience.
2. Kyoto International Manga Museum - Whether you're curious or obsessed with manga, this museum is a must-see. With 300,000 comic books to explore, you can discover how this art form shaped Japanese culture and became a global phenomenon.
3. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Nature lovers will not be at a loss in Kyoto. This bamboo grove offers a magical experience where the rustling leaves and filtered light create a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Only 20 minutes from the city center, it's a peaceful and iconic nature escape.
Spend Your First Year of College Abroad with CIEE and Make Memories That Last a Lifetime!
If you are still looking for the right fit for a semester abroad high school program, consider all of the incredible options that CIEE offers.
With programs in unique destinations, there are many options for a college experience of a lifetime.