International Student Favorites!

Are you ready for some serious international travel inspiration? Then grab your passport, because this post is really going places!

We’ve been planning international travel for over 40 years, taking students to more than 30 countries across five continents.  Each year, we take students on dozens of trips to foreign countries, where they’re immersed in new languages, cultures and cuisines. These trips are deeply impactful for both directors and students alike! 

The directors we serve love to bring classroom lessons to life, as they walk the same streets that classical music heroes once walked in Salzburg and Prague or marvel together at the natural vistas and cityscapes that have inspired countless artists.

Our international student travelers come home with both a broadened perspective of the world and a wanderlust that sticks with them for life. In our many travels, we’ve taken note of their favorites – from destinations to attractions to experiences. Here are just a few:

Selfie Spots

If you didn’t take a selfie, were you even there? Our international adventures take travelers to some of the most Instagrammable vistas on the planet (we’re looking at you, Eiffel Tower), but these are some student standouts:

• The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland. Towering over the rugged coast of west Clare, the Cliffs look out over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. This view has inspired generations of artists, musicians and poets.  
• Golden Hour in Prague, Czech Republic. That magical time just before sunset is even more magical in Prague, a city that’s been named the most beautiful by scores of travelers. Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt were all visitors to Prague, inspired by the city’s beauty and culture.
• Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy. It’s impossible to choose the one most selfie-worthy spot in Rome, but the Trevi Fountain is definitely a contender. Fed by a revived ancient aqueduct, it’s one of the most famous fountains in the world. 
• The Streets of Tokyo, Japan. Both ultramodern and traditional, Tokyo is buzzing with an energy that students love. The shopping, the architecture and the fashion mean Tokyo is brimming with opportunities to document the experience.
• Real Alcázar de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.  Dating back to the early 10^th century, this is Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use. Students can explore the wide archways, palm-lined walkways, lush gardens, and expansive courtyards while picturing what royal life was like centuries ago.
• The Ellinikon Experience Park, Athens, Greece. In an ancient city, The Ellinikon is a modern Mediterranean marvel: an urban renewal project that has revived the acreage of the former Athens airport. With over 900 trees and 80,000 plants, the park features a Forest Playground, Zen Garden and Water Maze – perfect for that Grecian selfie!  

Magnificent Museums

Some of the most famous museums in the world are only an ocean away. Students love the artwork, the culture and the chance to explore galleries both famous and under the radar.

• The Louvre, Paris, France. No list of museums is complete without the Louvre. Home to over 30,000 artworks and the famous lady herself, the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is perhaps the most iconic museum in the world. 
• Picasso Museum, Barcelona, Spain. This museum exclusively showcases the works of Pablo Picasso – and there are over 4,000 of his pieces to experience here, showcasing the many styles he mastered.
• British Museum, London, England. The world’s oldest public museum, the British Museum has been free to all ‘studious and curious persons’ since its founding in 1753.
• The Violin Museum, Cremona, Italy. Established in 1893, this museum is dedicated to the history of the violin and houses the drawings, early iterations and precious instruments of Antonio Stradivari and other famous luthiers (violin makers). A must-visit for your string section!
• The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, Athens, Greece. Located near the National Garden and Hellenic Parliament, this one-stop panorama of Greek history and culture spans from the prehistoric era to the 20th century. Immerse yourself in Greek history, as you explore over 120,000 works of art and cultural artifacts.
• The Angel Barrios Museum, Granada, Spain. Discover this small and charming museum, dedicated to the life and work of Granada-born composer and guitarist Ángel Barrios (1882–1964). The museum showcases personal mementos, furniture, and paintings from the musician’s private collection.

Impactful Experiences

• Tour of Ancient Rome, Italy. It’s astonishing to experience the Colosseum in person – even today, in a world of skyscrapers, this massive ancient structure is impressive. The Forum, another well-preserved snapshot of ancient life, is just a short walk away. Countless operas and classical pieces were inspired by Rome and its leaders – as you walk these historical streets, those arrangements gain even more significance. 
• Cantus MM International Music & Culture Festival, Salzburg, Austria. For four days in July, the city of Salzburg takes the spotlight as performers from all over the world gather to celebrate music. This festival is a life-changing experience for students, as its focus is to encourage young musicians from different cultures to learn from each other.
• Dachau Concentration Camp, Germany. Visits to Dachau have been deeply meaningful for our student travelers. No classroom lesson can adequately capture the horrors of the genocide perpetrated here or the impact of its liberation. Students carry this experience with them for the rest of their lives.
• UNESCO World Heritage City, Bergen, Norway. Norway’s second largest city, this historic coastal area is surrounded by fjords, mountains, cliffs, and waterfalls. Students enjoy exploring Schøtstuene, a museum dedicated to the history and heritage of the trading community that lived in Bergen from the 13^th to 18^th centuries. 
• Culinary Experiences in Florence or Rome, Italy. Enjoy a cooking class or demonstration and learn the recipes and techniques behind one of the most popular cuisines in the world. Students enjoy a whole new kind of inspiration!

Our international experiences are second to none, with itineraries customized to the unique travel dreams and goals of every group we work with. What will your students’ favorites be? Let’s connect and start dreaming.