Skip to main content
IES Abroad Home
  • Advisors & Faculty
  • Alumni
  • Parents
  • Donors
  • 800.995.2300
  • Request Catalog
  • Favorites
  • Sign Up
  • Sign In

Search form

Apply now
  • Study Abroad
    • Overview
    • Benefits of Study Abroad
    • How to Study Abroad
    • Picking Your Program
    • What's Included
    • Diversity Resources
    • Community-Based Learning
    • Contact a Past Student
  • Internships
    • Overview
    • Summer
    • Semester
    • Virtual
    • Internship Fields
    • Contact a Past Intern
  • Our Programs
    • Program Finder
    • Programs by Location
    • Programs by Area of Study
    • Programs by Interest
    • 2021 Study Abroad
  • Scholarships & Aid
    • What We Offer
    • How to Apply
    • Application
    • Additional Resources
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • What We Do
    • Why IES Abroad
    • Our Leadership
    • Diversity Commitment
    • Health & Safety
    • News
    • Awards
    • Film Festival
    • Global Citizen
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
  • Blogs
    • Student Blogs
    • Correspondent Application
students hiking in Ecuador

5 Best Places to Study Abroad for the Adventure Seeker

You are here

Home | 5 Best Places to Study Abroad for the Adventure Seeker

For some, study abroad is an opportunity to learn a new language. Other students get excited by the unique cuisine, architecture, or the history of a city. And then there’s another group entirely—the adventure seeker. This traveler hungers for challenging terrain to tackle, fears no outdoor activity, and loves a good thrill.

Are you ready to get your adrenaline rush on? Here are the five best places to study abroad for the adventurer.

student hiking in Australia

1. Sydney, Australia

With more adventure parks than you can count on two hands, you could say that study abroad in Sydney is basically synonymous with “adventure.” Whether you choose to direct enroll at one of our three partner universities or have a summer internship abroad, there’ll be more exhilarating outdoor activities than you can fit into your stay. Tour the magnificent Blue Mountains (and the incredible Jenolan Caves), hike at Royal National Park, snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, surf at Bondi Beach, or take it easy with the critters at the Taronga Zoo.

P.S. Check out this video, Thank You Australia, from a former Sydney student to get a taste of life in the outback, or read up on this student-made list of adventurous activities you can try your hand at, too!

Browse Study Abroad Programs in Sydney
students hiking in New Zealand

2. Christchurch, New Zealand

A bit less boisterous than Sydney, but with the same amount of spectacular outdoor opportunities is Christchurch, New Zealand.

When you study abroad in New Zealand and direct enroll at the University of Canterbury, it’ll be normal to go from class straight to outdoor activities, such as skiing, surfing, mountain biking, swimming, and white-water rafting.

And when you need a day off from adventuring, you’ll have one of the most beautiful backdrops in the world to relax in.

Browse Study Abroad Programs in Christchurch
student sitting on a mountain overlooking Cape Town

3. Cape Town, South Africa

No adventure list is complete without Cape Town on it.

From Table Mountain to Lion’s Head to Boulder Beach (with its impressive population of wild penguins), there’s no limit to the hiking, exploring, safari-ing, and swimming you’ll do during your time in Africa’s second most populous city. Study abroad in Cape Town and make this adventure-laden land your new home.

Psst! Check out this student video for a jaw dropping glimpse of life abroad in Cape Town.

Browse Study Abroad Programs in Cape Town

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Argentina, which spans 3,000 miles down the eastern edge of South America, is ripe with lush subtropical jungle, vast grasslands, and the Sub-Antarctic Patagonia. With such a diverse eco-system, the activities this country offers are limitless—only to be defined by you!

Bike through the city, visit Iguazu Falls, hang at the beach, play with some llamas, kayak, ski, or hike your heart out. Whatever kind of adventure you seek, when you study abroad in Buenos Aires you’ll be sure to find it.

Browse Study Abroad Programs in Buenos Aires
professor and students bird watching in the Galapagos Islands

5. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

More than 3.5 million years old, the Galápagos Islands are brimming with unique adventures and activities when you study abroad in Ecuador. Imagine trekking through the Amazon Rainforest, spending two nights in the Maquipucuna Cloud Forest, or scuba-diving in one of the marine coasts.

You’re living on a volcano-covered island and spending afternoons studying iguanas and turtles larger than you’ve ever seen. If that doesn’t thrill you, we don’t know what will!

Browse Study Abroad Programs in the Galápagos Islands
student sitting on bench smiling with arms outstretched in front of pink wall
Your best fit program is a few clicks away.
Explore Best Places to Study Abroad
Discover Programs by Area of Study

CONNECT WITH US

instagram icon youtube icon facebook icon blogging icon linkedin icon twitter icon

  • Explore
    • Study Abroad
    • Request a Catalog
    • Student Diversity & Access
  • Find a Program
    • All Programs
    • By Area of Study
    • By Location
    • By Interest
  • Learn More
    • Career Benefits
    • Global Citizen of the Year
    • Ambassadors
  • Get Started
    • Create an Account
    • Apply
    • Deadlines
    • Application Requirements
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • What We Do
    • Health & Safety
    • Jobs
    • Media Outreach
    • News
    • Make a Donation

IES Abroad

Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a not-for-profit provider with 140+ study abroad and internship programs around the world for college/university students.

IES Abroad is comprised of study abroad programming, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, IES Internships, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF).

IES Abroad is a 501(c)(3) entity. The federal tax identification number for IES Abroad is 36-2251912.

Contact Us

800.995.2300
[email protected]
33 W. Monroe St., Suite 2300
Chicago, IL  60603

Submit an Inquiry

IESAbroad
IES Internships
Customized & Faculty-Led
Study Abroad Foundation

© Copyright IES Abroad 2021. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy