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Because the calendar turns to 2026, it’s necessary to take a while to consider what you need out of the brand new yr and the place it might probably take you. Do you wish to journey and expertise skilled and tutorial progress in 2026? Immerse your self in a brand new tradition? Get pleasure from unforgettable adventures overseas? In the event you’re a university pupil or latest grad who answered “sure” to any of those questions, it’s best to contemplate a research overseas or worldwide internship program with AIFS Overseas—it’s the proper technique to take advantage of out of your journey objectives, all whilst you advance your diploma and achieve worthwhile skilled expertise.
The place will 2026 take you? Listed below are 30 of the highest cities to discover this yr:
1. Stellenbosch, South Africa
Situated simply half-hour from Cape City, South Africa’s legislative capital, this college city presents quick access to close by metropolis life, along with beautiful pure landscapes. Stellenbosch is residence to the extremely revered Stellenbosch College and South Africa’s largest wine-growing area, which is gaining worldwide popularity of its Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon. In the event you’re in search of a metropolis to stimulate your tutorial curiosity in addition to your style buds, Stellenbosch could also be your best journey vacation spot in 2026.
2. Seoul, South Korea
Is East Asia in your journey horizon? Seoul is ideal for anybody who craves a fast-paced metropolis with deep cultural roots, the place cutting-edge innovation and centuries-old traditions sit aspect by aspect. As one of many world’s largest metropolitan hubs—residence to world giants like Samsung and Hyundai—town hums with alternative, just like the ringing of a jing (a Korean gong). From exploring historical palaces to tasting late-night road meals or diving into the world of your favourite Okay-pop idols, Seoul delivers an unforgettable journey you gained’t wish to miss.
3. Salzburg, Austria
Because the birthplace of Mozart and because the filming location for The Sound of Music, a research or intern overseas program in Salzburg in 2026 will undoubtedly have you ever singing its praises amongst Baroque structure and quaint cobblestone metropolis streets. Whether or not you’re drawn to historical past, classical music, outside adventures within the close by Alps, or just soaking within the postcard-worthy views, Salzburg is certain to grow to be one in all your favourite issues in 2026.
4. London, England
London has lengthy been a focus for world historical past, tradition, and enterprise. It’s a metropolis the place centuries-old traditions combine with up to date tea like a sizzling breakfast tea with a splash of milk and sugar. Whether or not you’re training your oratory abilities at Shakespeare’s Globe or diving into the world of worldwide finance, town is steeped in limitless alternatives for research overseas college students and interns alike.
5. Berlin, Germany
On the forefront of avant-garde style and artwork, and on the heart of European politics and enterprise, Berlin is a unbelievable place for school college students and younger professionals to realize expertise throughout a big selection of industries. Berlin is the place inventive power {and professional} alternative intersect, providing you with area to develop, experiment, and hone your abilities. Plus, its location makes it a perfect launching level for exploring different European international locations in your 2026 journey listing.
6. Budapest, Hungary
As the previous seat of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Budapest is awash in historical past, beautiful structure, and a mix of worldwide influences that makes town really feel each grand and alluring. For anybody wanting to discover Central Europe and absorb unforgettable cultural experiences, a research or intern overseas program in Budapest is tough to beat. And with its well-known thermal bathtub homes, you’ll discover loads of possibilities to (actually) make the leap into native life.
7. Florence, Italy
Because the cradle of the Renaissance, residence to breath-taking structure, world-class artwork, and scrumptious delicacies, Florence has lengthy been one of many prime cities to go to, and 2026 is not any completely different. Research or intern overseas in Florence to transcend the everyday vacationer expertise—immerse your self within the native customs, delicacies, and the inventive situations that proceed to form this iconic Italian metropolis. Will 2026 be your Renaissance period?
8. Milan, Italy
House to the style homes of Prada, Versace, Armani, Moschino, and Dolce & Gabbana, Milan is without doubt one of the world’s prime style capitals. However its fashion goes far past the fashionable period—greater than 2,500 years previous, Milan is host to stunning structure and treasured artworks, together with Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Final Supper. Plus, positioned in Italy’s northern Lombardy area, scrumptious dishes, cherished wines, and delightful views of the Alps can all be present in or round this must-visit Italian metropolis. Plus, it’s the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato… what extra are you able to ask for?
9. Rome, Italy
The affect of the Roman Empire on Western historical past and tradition can’t be understated, so it’s no marvel that Rome is without doubt one of the prime locations to discover in 2026… and the foreseeable future. Historical past buffs, anthropologists, artists, and foodies (pizza and cacio e pepe, anybody?), together with folks fascinated by its booming tech and advertising and marketing industries, will all discover one thing of curiosity in Rome. Able to make 2026 a yr for the historical past books?
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Do you want darkish academia vibes—curling up with a very good guide or jotting down notes as you research beneath centuries-old gothic towers? As a Central European nation that has fastidiously preserved its medieval artwork and structure all through the ages, Prague is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in 2026 in the event you really feel such as you have been born within the incorrect era… or century. Plus, as a serious financial hub within the area, Prague is certainly not caught prior to now—even when town exudes old-world attraction.
11. Cannes, France
Greatest identified for the Cannes Worldwide Movie Competition, this seaside gem on the French Riviera has lengthy attracted guests with its calming coastal environment and timeless attraction. Past its movie status, Cannes presents a stunning vary of educational paths {and professional} alternatives—all set in opposition to an setting that encourages peaceable contemplation with its sunny skies and blissful waves.
12. Grenoble, France
Grenoble is good for many who desire the mountains to the ocean. Often called the “Capital of the Alps,” this French metropolis presents beautiful views of those well-known mountains and is the gateway to the close by Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Vercors mountains. If you wish to expertise a quaint metropolis with an unforgettable backdrop in 2026, observe the AIFS Overseas trailhead to Grenoble.
13. Paris, France
Past the well-regarded universities and plethora {of professional} alternatives obtainable within the metropolis, the explanations to go to Paris in 2026 are just too many to jot down, so let’s paint you an image as a substitute:
After every week of advancing your diploma or gaining skilled expertise by way of your internship or research overseas program, you stroll alongside the Seine on a Saturday morning till you attain your new favourite café. As town wakes up, you sip a café au lait on a terrace, watching town bubble with life round you. Subsequent, you wander—no vacation spot in thoughts—you realize town is stuffed with enjoyable surprises. You discover a charming cobblestone road that piques your curiosity. The late morning daylight hits the long-lasting Haussmannian flats in simply the precise manner, an image worthy of the Louvre. The road is residence to a quaint bookshop, a small artwork gallery, or a boutique jewellery retailer that intrigues you, providing that hidden aspect of this well-known metropolis solely those that spend greater than every week can actually expertise. As you browse, you smile to your self and assume, “I’m so glad I selected to go to Paris this yr.”
How will your yr take form on canvas?
14. Athens, Greece
The votes are in, for some 5,000 years in a row, the birthplace of Democracy stays a perfect vacation spot for younger vacationers in the hunt for distinctive cultural experiences and tutorial or skilled growth. From the famed Acropolis of Athens to its seashores that attain into the azure-blue Aegean Sea, there may be a lot to see on this historical metropolis. Whether or not you’re fascinated by significant mental pursuits like one in all Plato’s Thinker Kings or excited to launch your profession in a worldwide economic system formed by millennia of commerce, politics, and concepts, Athens is a wonderful place to check or intern overseas in 2026.
15. Dublin, Eire
In want of a little bit additional luck in 2026? Eire’s capital is a good place to start out! Dublin blends previous and new with easy attraction, providing a spot the place medieval libraries sit only a stroll away from worldwide hubs for finance, tech, and extra. It’s a metropolis the place you may deepen your tutorial abilities, develop professionally in booming up to date industries, and nonetheless discover time to wander cobblestone streets in the hunt for the proper pint or cup of tea.
16. Galway, Eire
In the event you desire a smaller metropolis bursting with cultural heritage and genuine Irish experiences, Galway stands out as the pot of gold on the finish of your rainbow. Often called the “cultural coronary heart of Eire,” this seaside metropolis presents an inside look into Irish life and customs by way of distinctive cultural festivals and museums dedicated to the nation’s wealthy heritage. House to a spread of industries and tutorial alternatives—and wrapped in a intently knit group as heat as an Irish wool sweater—Galway is a wonderful place to pursue your passions and construct a powerful community overseas.
17. Limerick, Eire
Limerick has a little bit of all the things for many who need an unforgettable Irish journey in 2026. Smaller than Dublin however greater than Galway, Limerick is a mid-sized metropolis stuffed with alternatives for distinctive Irish experiences and studying. This medieval metropolis has deep cultural roots, a compelling previous city replete with a citadel and cobblestone streets, and a bustling native economic system—making it a perfect place to launch your Irish explorations in 2026.
18. Maynooth, Eire
Final, however not least, on our listing of the very best locations to go to in Eire in 2026 is the small city of Maynooth. Surrounded by the gothic structure of St. Patrick’s Faculty, that is the proper choice for anybody who needs to check overseas in a extra intimate setting that’s nonetheless overflowing with character and historical past. With farms and forests only a stone’s throw away, Maynooth presents peace and quick access to the idyllic Irish countryside. Plus, the city is only a 30-minute bus journey from Dublin’s metropolis heart, permitting you to set out for the capital everytime you like!
19. Lisbon, Portugal
Lovely seashores, fascinating historical past, scrumptious meals, in addition to unbeatable artwork and structure—Lisbon, Portugal, has all of it. This historical metropolis, which predates the Roman Empire, presents an inspiring backdrop for research overseas college students and interns alike. It’s a spot the place tutorial focus and profession growth pair naturally with coastal breezes, tile-lined alleyways, and the sort of on a regular basis magnificence that can make you thank your self for deciding to return to Lisbon in 2026.
20. Barcelona, Spain
It’s no accident that Barcelona is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer locations on the planet. The town bursts with Gaudí’s dreamlike structure, mouth-watering delicacies on each nook, and an animated Catalan spirit that pulls you proper in. Whether or not you’re taking in a efficiency on the opera or diving into town’s legendary nightlife, you’ll discover no scarcity of the way to make your time overseas in Barcelona unforgettable.
21. Granada, Spain
Located between the hovering peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Granada presents the very best of each worlds. Once you’re not mountain climbing within the mountains or enjoyable on the seaside, you may navigate town’s historical streets—utilizing the towering Alhambra as your north star—as you seek for a brand new Tapas restaurant or spontaneous journey. With locals and fellow worldwide college students or interns, you’ll discover loads of alternatives to plug into town’s rising industries, together with tech, tourism, and digital advertising and marketing. Add some taste to your yr with a research or intern overseas program in Granada.
22. Madrid, Spain
In case your 2026 New Yr’s decision is to hone your Spanish-speaking abilities, Spain’s capital is an excellent place to start out. Madrid is residence to the Royal Spanish Academy, which regulates and ensures the steadiness of the Spanish language. In the event you’re in want of inventive inspiration this new yr, it’s powerful to beat town that’s residence to Paseo del Prado (known as the “Golden Triangle of Artwork”), the place the trifecta of the Thyssen, Prado, and Reina Sofía museums homes masterpieces from the greats corresponding to Picasso, Dali, Goya, and Bosch. For the humanities, the Spanish language, and world-class tutorial {and professional} alternatives, it’s no marvel Madrid is a prime vacation spot in 2026.
23. Salamanca, Spain
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the Outdated Metropolis of Salamanca is nothing wanting dazzling. Nicknamed the “Golden Metropolis” for its placing sandstone structure, Salamanca blends centuries-old magnificence with a vigorous, fashionable power. As host to Spain’s oldest college, the Golden Metropolis pulses with pupil life—medieval streets are each day pathways to class, and Salamanca’s scholarly spirit retains its power vigorous and youthful.
24. Seville, Spain
Seville is one in all Spain’s most charming cities—one way or the other much more breathtaking in individual than it seems on Instagram. Its placing mixture of medieval Moorish structure and smooth up to date design creates an environment the place each facade tells a narrative. Past its magnificence, Seville rewards curious vacationers with vibrant neighborhoods, unforgettable meals, and a cultural scene that feels alive in each plaza. It’s the sort of place that doesn’t simply impress at first look—it stays with you lengthy after you permit.
25. Valencia, Spain
For anybody who loves a high-spirited celebration, Valencia’s Las Fallas is a can’t-miss expertise held yearly in March. This world-famous competition lights up town with colourful fireworks, towering sculptures, and nonstop power. And whenever you’re prepared for a breather, Valencia’s picturesque seashores supply the proper place to unwind—whether or not you’re recovering from a full day of exploring town or wrapping up a full week of participating research overseas programs.
26. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Is South America in your 2026 journey horizon? Research or intern overseas in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a metropolis positively buzzing with tradition {and professional} alternatives to make your dream a actuality. Dance your manner by way of the birthplace of the tango earlier than and after lessons or your internship. And on the weekends, discover this nation that’s world-famous for its expansive, breathtaking landscapes, corresponding to Patagonia. In Buenos Aires, the power is contagious, the empanadas are scrumptious, and your 2026 journey is simply ready so that you can start.
27. San José, Costa Rica
In the event you’re fascinated by distinctive wildlife, thrilling outside adventures in beautiful pure environments, and entry to pristine seashores with unbelievable surf, Costa Rica is a must-visit vacation spot in 2026. On the heart of the nation is its capital, San José, with myriad nationwide parks, volcanoes, and each the Pacific and Atlantic oceans inside attain. Plus, town is well-known for its flourishing skilled industries and revered universities—what’s to not love about San José, Costa Rica?
28. New York Metropolis, USA
No matter whether or not you’re from abroad or the U.S. of A., New York Metropolis is without doubt one of the prime locations to discover in 2026. There’s a purpose it’s the setting of so many unbelievable movies and literary works—it’s a metropolis overflowing with alternative and new experiences. It doesn’t matter what your tutorial, skilled, or private pursuits are, New York Metropolis undoubtedly has a spot for you in 2026.
29. Perth, Australia
In the event you hate the chilly or cloudy skies, you’re due for a change in 2026. Perth is commonly cited as one of many sunniest cities on the planet, with greater than 8 hours of sunshine on common per day, year-round. Throughout your free time in Perth, you may take pleasure in its well-known seashores and discover the vigorous but laidback environment of town. Additionally, in the event you love wildlife such because the smiling quokka or wish to dive into biodiverse marine ecosystems like these across the famend Rottnest Island, Perth is ideal to your subsequent worldwide journey.
30. Sydney, Australia
As one in all Australia’s oldest, largest, and most fascinating cities, Sydney presents limitless issues to do. It’s well-known for its music scene that goes far past town’s best-known landmark, the Sydney Opera Home, and into rock, pop, and digital music. This coastal metropolis can be identified for its wonderful surf and pleasant locals who actually make Sydney really feel like a house away from residence. Plus, town is on the heart of lots of Australia’s industries, together with finance, style, and environmental science, making it an ideal place to pursue a variety of educational {and professional} pursuits. Need to go to Australia in 2026?
Accomplish your 2026 journey objectives with AIFS Overseas’s research and intern overseas packages!
Right here at AIFS Overseas, we provide unbelievable program choices in every of the cities listed above—so you may journey the world all whilst you earn school credit score and achieve real-world skilled expertise. With inclusions corresponding to housing, complete insurance coverage, emergency help, excursions and actions, and the help of our trusted on-site workers, you may take pleasure in your world schooling expertise with out all of the stress. Don’t miss the chance to immerse your self in an thrilling new metropolis overseas whereas incomes school credit score. Are you able to make 2026 your finest yr but?
