BootsnAll Travel Community

hi. I'm 16, and this summer I’m pretty sure I’m doing a 6 week summer exchange program. I know I want to go to Europe, but I’m not sure what country to go to. I have to have 3 choices, and these are the countries I have to choose from...

Sweden
Spain
Poland
Denmark
Brazil
Estonia
Finland
Portugal
Slovakia
Norway
Czech Rep
Germany
Italy
Romania

I know my 1st choice is going to be Italy, and I'm not sure about the 2nd or 3rd choice
I was thinking maybe Spain as a 2nd choice, then Poland or Sweden as 3rd

Can someone who has traveled to these countries give me some advice?
I'm a 16 year old girl, and I speak a little Spanish, and a little Italian (very little)
I want somewhere that I would have fun, and would give me a good experience

Thanks a lot!

Sweden is great. I was an exchange student there for eleven months.

Also, if you're only interested in Europe, Brazil can be taken off the list.

If you know what your first choice is (and it sounds like you do), I wouldn't stress too much about the other two. Having been an exchange student myself, I've talked to a LOT of people who have done these types of things and nearly every last one got their first choice. Plus, you'll have a fantastic time no matter where you go.

I spent a semester in Rome and it was the most amazing time of my life! I definately would put Italy as my number one- even in a big city locals were so friendly and I really felt safe and at home in no time at all. And every place there I visited was beautiful! As a girl though, if you are blond or a red head expect to be noticed quite a bit more by the Italian men! That said, none of the 10 or so girls in my program ever felt threatened or unsafe in Italy and a little common sense goes a long way.

I haven't been to Spain myself, but have about 6 friends who studied there and every one of them had a blast. Only now they can't understand night life that doesn't start at 1 or 2 and end at 5 or 6 am! :P If the language skills are important to you and you have studied some Spanish, I'd go for Spain next.

Other than that I've only visited Germany and just briefly in Munich for Oktoberfest. The weekend was a blast and I met many friendly Germans, but I really do think you can have a great time and meet great people in any of these countries.

Good luck and have a great summer!

I'd say Portugal, Italy, Spain. i think these are the best places to go during the summer - hot weather, seaside, parties. what do you want more?!? anyway, wherever you decide to go..HAVE FUN - even though i'm sure there's no need to say it!!!