Where is better to study in Spain?

Where should I study abroad? London, Spain, Amsterdam or Australia?

• I am applying for a Fall 2010 Semester Exchange & cannot decide. Plus, I have some questions about each place! I am a English/Philosophy/Dance student in New York. I have not traveled much (Israel, New Orleans, Florida) but I have been longing to go somewhere, and place myself in an unfamiliar situation, a foreign country & just learn and grow as much as I can. A big issue for me is affordability, so I would like to know what you think about these places money-wise. At first glance, I saw myself in London. I picture history, libraries, studying shakespeare & exploring english culture. However, I would love to get away and completely immerse myself in a new culture and I've been told London is not so different from new york. Is this true? This leads to Spain - which I've been told is beautiful, culturally rich, a fascinating place. BUT food may be an issue I may not want to deal with - I am strictly vegetarian/kosher and have heard Spain is particularly non-veggie friendly (ham in everything!) Do you think there is a way to handle this, or will I just be miserable & starving :( So this leaves Amsterdam & Australia I do not know much about amsterdam! It sounds charming, fun, also interesting. Australia sounds like so much fun, exciting and alive. Many people have told me its an amazing place to be (Melbourne particularly, where I would be studying). It sounds wonderful, but I'm not sure if its "different" enough from my Jersey-shore beach culture. Would I be leaving my comfort zone? Much more expensive flight than to Europe though. What do you think?

• Answer:

  London, Spain, Amsterdam or Australia London - well the vision of "old Britain" is certainly not in evidence any more in London. Instead of history, libraries, studying shakespeare & exploring english culture, you will get a busy city full of many different nationalities, incredibly busy and noisy at all times of the day & night, pollution and incredibly expensive. Great to visit as a tourist, but studying and working in London is not the brilliant experience that you might think from looking in (I used to work in the UK, got offered a transfer recently from NL to London so I did a lot of research and declined it). So when you say it is like NY, than yes I would agree in as much as experiencing a different culture will not really be easy in London. Living in London is way different from visiting there. Spain - beautiful country, good people. I don't know much to say about the education. There are vegitarian options and restaurants/supermarkets will certainly fill this need, but it is a meat and also fish eating society from the times I have spent there in business/pleasure. When there on business conferences I was there with a vegitarian who refused to eat at the conference because there was not a serious veggie option that wasn't mixedin or alongside with meat/fish products In saying that, when you live somewhere you soon get to know the ins and outs and will find out from other students based on their experience. you won't be the only Veggie/kosher eating person there Australia - this is where I struggle to give any advice. I have never been so I can't give any info personally Amsterdam - I used to live there and live 40mins away. When I lived in Amsterdam for a time there I was an advisor at a college for foreign students so this is something I have a fair bit of experience about. Amsterdam is a great place for foreign students to live and study in. It does offer history, culture and charm, but on the downside is not cheap and housing is difficult to come by. I would make sure that any offer I get is with a college that supports its students with accomodation (at least with info if nothing else). German won't help you (sorry to the other answerer). Many people will understand German but would prefer to speak English. Getting kosher/veggie food will not be a big problem. Veggie restaurants are common and supermarkets have plenty of options. I used to live on the border with Amstelveen and there is a large Jewish community there and local places provide for kosher food. if you want to read more then this is a good site to get the ins & outs http://www.nuffic.nl/ So as for affordability then rule out London. Amsterdam is also not cheap to be honest, Spain well it depends on where in Spain, places like Barcelona are also not cheap, and Australia I can't really comment on. Good luck with your decision