If you’ve ever dreamed of fleeing to the backwoods of Pennsylvania and maintaining an academic career, guess what? Your prayers have been answered.

Just when I thought I couldn’t be any more confused, I find out there’s not only more countries I didn’t know existed, but countries within countries that are actually administered by other countries? So, to be clear, there exists not only Cyprus but also Northern Cyprus, situated, yes you've guessed it, in the northern part of the island of Cyprus. Northern Cyprus is officially governed by Turkey in a situation that reflects the island’s long and often-difficult history - to this day there exists a UN buffer zone separating the two areas.

To be honest, previously when I thought of Finland, all I saw was forests and ice - lots and lots of ice. It is obviously a familiar name and a notable country – celebrated particularly for its super liberal educational practices – and yet, I have never really known what it meant to be Finnish, or, what living in this cold, beautiful country was actually like.

I was sixteen when I was introduced to Night Train to Lisbon, a beautiful film about a professor who gives up his life of lecturing to follow the poems he’s found in a notebook to Lisbon and unearth the mysteries they hold. And, needless to say, I’ve been dreaming about the city ever since. When I finally arrived in a city I’d envisioned myself in so many times before, I was beside myself. I can only imagine what it would be like to study here, and mosey past the ancient the ancient architecture and the jaw-dropping sea views on a daily basis.

In a city where one in every four people is a student, it’s really not difficult to find others to connect with. At a university known for its firsts - the first to admit female students and to employ female lecturers - it’s also not difficult to find inspiration. And in a country with a never-ending supply of waffles, you’ll find no issue in satisfying your stomach…. Welcome to Groningen, one of the largest northern cities in northern Netherlands with a university that may, or may not, blow your mind.

Almost became a med student in Italy, Giada Carrara has decided to take a gap year and chosen a completely different path at Rotterdam Business School, Netherlands. How so? Let's find out!       Name: Giada Carrara my friends sometimes call me “Giadin” or “Giadina” that means little cute Giada. :)

“Sacrifice to the Muses and the Graces” reads the motto of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. While most universities would stick with “Let there be light” (literally the motto of every other university you can conjure up) or “Wisdom and knowledge,” here we just unapologetically jump straight into the Greek mythology and gallop with it. Magical.

Because what's better than a real insider's perspective? Let's experience the vibe of Arnhem Business School, HAN University of Applied Sciences through the eyes of their current student, Tommaso Mondovì. Are you ready?   Name: Tommaso Mondovì Age: 20 years old

My only question is, do students admitted to the University of Edinburgh get to meet up with Hagrid before they go? Because if this university isn’t Hogwarts, I don’t know what is.  

Some mornings I feel like wearing all the colors of the rainbow. Other days I just take my Dr. Martens and a random T-shirt from the closet. However, it was only after arriving in the Netherlands did I realize how few orange clothes I possess. Dutch people really love the color orange and are not afraid to show it! Even though the Dutch flag has nothing to do with orange, you’ll always see groups of orange-clad people at every big sporting or cultural event.

Berlin Mitte  

Somewhere in Middle Earth, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gangee started their quest to find the ring. If you have read any of J. R. R. Tolkien’s masterpieces, you’ll know how real the worlds in his books feel. What you may not know though, is that the Hobbit’s Shire is actually based on Warwickshire in England.

It looks like a duck, quacks like a duck…oh it must be the University of York! You will be surprised to hear that the University of York (UoY) has the second highest duck density in the whole United Kingdom – yep it’s true! These ducks are not your standard mainstream birds though; some of them are actually famous and can be seen on university’s official duck page – the little celebrities!

Many years ago, when money bills didn’t exist, people used to trade in salt. In the far-west part of Austria, a city received its name from the enormous salt mines it owned. That city was named Salzburg. It has long been one of the most culturally important cities in Austria, also becoming, in more recent times, a top location for those continuing in higher education.

In a land far, far away… in Southeast Europe, Bulgaria hides itself between mountains and seas. Although it is not a popular destination, there are sights that will leave you breathless. And in one of its corners even a smaller gem is left undiscovered. 1. The place to be