|  As diverse as they are plentiful, the countries of Europe have a great deal to offer you in terms of both international education and all other aspects of life. Europe is certainly a continent which must be considered carefully when you are thinking of internationalising your education and studying abroad.
Obviously we are not able to cover every country in Europe and what they have to offer in depth, but the following should give you a brief taste of why Europe is such as exciting, colourful and diverse place to study. For detailed information on each European country, please visit our European Study Map. Ireland
Ireland is an increasingly popular destination for students from all over the world. The friendliness and hospitality for which Irish people are renowned, contribute to the ease with which overseas students adapt to the way of life and in particular, student life. (See also: Culture Rich Northern Ireland - and -Studying in Northern Ireland) France
The largest country in Europe, France has a diverse landscape from the huge coastline of beaches and cliffs and the Alps and the Pyrenees, to the lush Loire valley, the fertile vineyards and cosmopolitan cities. France is all about luxury and excess. Eating and drinking well is considered very important and Paris has always been a Mecca for fashion and style.
See also Audencia and The European Fragrance and Cosmetic Master (EFCM) Iceland
Iceland's landscape is very rocky with few trees and is most well known for it's hot sulphur springs, famous for their healing power against ailments such as rheumatism. Although Reykjavik is home to the largest disco in Europe, and the fishing industry is also huge, popstar Bjork is probably the biggest thing to have come out of Iceland since the Vikings. Norway
This Scandinavian country stretches up as far as the Arctic and, with a population of around four million, is still relatively unspoilt. The landscape is fairly free from agricultural development and the mountains and parks make Norway a very scenic place. As with all the Scandinavian countries, Norway is a very clean country with a reputation for safety. Sweden
One of the most wealthy countries in the world, Sweden's cost of living is quickly improving with their entrance into the European Union. The capital city Stockholm is the largest city and, built on 14 islands, is known as the 'Venice of the North'. The water is unbelievably clean and you can even swim in the waterways in the middle of the city. Other Swedish specialities include the Nobel prize, Abba, Volvo and, of course, Swedish meatballs.  Finland
Finland is a large country dominated by lakes and forests which are managed very thoroughly by the Finnish people, who are renowned for being very nature-orientated. The most famous inhabitant is of course Santa Claus, said to live in the far north of Finland in Lapland. With its Nordic cultures and traditions, Finland is quite clearly a Scandinavian country, reflected not least in its high cost of living, clean environment and fine architecture. (See also: Postgraduate studies in Finland)
Denmark
A far smaller country, Denmark is only around 40,000 sq. km, including its adjoining islands. The capital city, Copenhagen is very beautiful and despite being home to nearly one million people, remains picturesque thanks to the many pedestrian areas. Here there are cobbled streets, shops and restaurants, street musicians and vendors. Well known for their friendliness and hospitality, the most famous Dane is the storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Belgium
One of the smallest countries in Europe with the second highest population density in the world, Belgium, and in particular Brussels, is now mainly known as the home of the European Commission, although the chocolate is still incredibly popular! Influenced by both the Dutch and the French, Brussels is officially dual in language and has very high standards in terms of food, housing, environment and culture.  The Netherlands
Famous for being very flat, The Netherlands easily makes up for this lack of variation in the diversity of its cities, such as Amsterdam. Here the fascinating architecture is complemented by the many canals that also form part of the very efficient public transport, with trams and water taxis available wherever you go. Amsterdam is also known for the friendliness of its inhabitants and its laid back attitude to life.
Germany
Germany occupies a central position, nearly landlocked in the heart of the European mainland, bordered by nine other countries and the North and Baltic Seas. Very varied in landscape, Germany shares the northern Alps with Austria and Switzerland. Go shopping in the cobble-stoned streets of Munich, visit the castle at Heidleberg, stroll through the Black Forest, eat sausages and sauerkraut everywhere! Czech Republic and Slovakia
Prague is the main attraction in the Czech Republic, a beautiful city currently attracting more and more interest as a tourist destination. This was once the home of Mozart and Kafka and has the added bonus of being very cheap. Poland
With a population of nearly 40 million, Poland is strongly influenced by its links to the East, as it borders Russia, Lithuania, the Ukraine and Belorussia. There are still many areas of natural beauty despite the high population, including vast areas of wilderness, lakes and forests. Hungary
This small country, also in the heart of Europe, has a very peaceful air with the River Danube, Europe's longest river, winding its way through the country. A very welcoming country, it is also highly populated with an economy that is growing stronger all the time with prices on a similar scale to more western countries. Switzerland
Think Switzerland and you immediately see quality and prosperity. Locating a central position, Switzerland has more mountains than anywhere else in Europe and naturally the skiing is very good. Famous worldwide for its clean air and natural beauty, Switzerland is picture postcard pretty with wooden chalets, a lot of snow and very high standards of living. Swiss banks are well known as are Swiss clocks and watches and, of course, chocolate. Austria
Another landlocked country, Austria borders seven other countries and its Alpine countryside has been well documented in famous scenes from the Sound of Music! Further east and the landscape is different with the River Danube running through lowlands and vineyards. The people are friendly and the lakes, forests and mountains make outdoor activities very attractive, especially skiing. Famous cities include Vienna and Salzburg, elegant in style and character and home to excellent pastry shops. Spain
The second largest country in Europe, Spain has the second largest amount of mountains. Although tourism and agriculture have meant a lot of development for Spain, there are still many areas of unspoilt country. Spanish culture includes the Gaudi architecture of Barcelona, traditional bull fights, Tapas bars serving Sangria and Rioja to drink and Paella to eat, a full calendar of fiestas around the country, both religious and historical, and to top it all off, the traditional Flamenco dancing. Italy
Italy is a cultural collage of things to see, eat, drink and do including: Italian Vogue, the Milan fashion show, leather shoes and Moschino; pasta, pizza and a variety of fine wines; football is huge and the skiing is good; places of interest include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Vatican the Sistine Chapel. Former Yugoslavia
Almost twice the size of Greece, the former Yugoslavia has impressive mountain ranges, joining with the Alps, a section of the Danube and a coastline with the potential to make a popular tourist destination. Bulgaria
Bulgaria has recently developed into a very popular skiing destination and is also becoming very well known for its red wine. Located in the southeast of Europe, Bulgaria's capital Sofia has a rustic charm and there are many beautiful monasteries to visit and a high standard of music to appreciate. Malta
Malta lies south of Italy, a Catholic country, it has many churches and its mild climate in winter make it a popular destination for winter holidays. Malta is a jewel at the heart of the Mediterranean with beautiful sea all around, awesome nightlife all year round, and very rich in Archaeology. Greece
Greece is made up of hundreds of islands that stretch across the Aegean towards the Turkish coast. Although the landscape can seem very bare, the huge number of archaeological sites from prehistoric times to medieval Byzantine, make up for the lack of greenery. Athens was of course the birthplace of the Olympics and Greek mythology is known worldwide. Greece can get incredibly hot in the summer and it is therefore a Mecca for tourists happy to 'hop' from one island to the next. Turkey
In Turkey, Europe meets Asia in the city of Istanbul divided only by the Bosphorous. Istanbul is famous for its many mosques - the Blue Mosque and the Ayia Sofia among others - and the rising minarets can be seen dotted over the entire city. There are also many ancient sites in dating back to early Christian times such as Ephesus and the home of the Virgin Mary. Turkey brings all the mystery of the East to the Western world with exotic music, fantastic carpets, Turkish baths and a beautiful climate. Cyprus
Rumoured to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus is the third biggest Mediterranean island and its beautiful sandy beaches still attract thousands of tourists despite the division of the island between Greece and Turkey through the capital city of Nicosia. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment