5 things to do during your year abroad in the US

When you go to the US for your year abroad, you won’t just learn about another culture and discover new sides of yourself – there are also tons of things to see and do. In addition to the trips to places like California and Hawaii that will be offered to you as an exchange student in the US, we’ve got five more tips for things to do while you’re there.

Visit famous landmarks and cities

Take the chance to visit the biggest, most famous city in the US: New York! You’ll find the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the 9/11 Memorial, and the Empire State Building. Cities like Miami and Washington, D.C. might also be on your must-visit list.

Christmas displays in New York

We’re sure you’ve seen it in the movies: shimmering store windows with colorful decorations, red bows decorating street lights, choirs singing carols on street corners, and snowy trees in Central Park. Now you can see it in person! Shopping and Christmas displays are really something else during the holidays, and it’s basically essential to walk down Fifth Avenue and see how famous department stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue try to out-shine one another in the unofficial competition for most beautiful Christmas display.

Check out an American football game

As the national sport of the US, football truly brings Americans together. Take part and support your friends on the field while cheerleaders cheer on the team with choreography.

Try something new

Take the chance to try something new while you’re in the US. You can try sandboarding on North America’s tallest sand dunes in Colorado, throw horseshoes and eat free popcorn during Nebraska’s Popcorn Days, or explore 1.6-hectares of books at Powell’s City of Books in Oregon.

Visit at least one of the 63 national parks in the US

The US designated its first national park in 1872 and today, there are 63 national parks spread across 30 states. Each one has its own special traits, but here are a few of the best parks to visit. Which ones look the most intriguing to you?

• Yosemite National Park in California, with its Instagram-worthy natural scenery, is at the top of lists of the best national parks in the US. At Yosemite, you can go camping, explore great hiking trails, and see the tallest waterfall in North America. Don’t miss the Tunnel View viewpoint!
• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is one of the most famous national parks in the US, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This national park has tons of hiking trails of all lengths meandering through rust-colored rocks. You can also try rafting on the Colorado River.
• Acadia National Park, Maine. If you’re on the east coast, then Acadia National Park, near the coast of Maine, is an absolute must. This park is filled with jagged landscapes, granite mountains, lots of wildlife and huge forests. One highlight is a sunrise seen from Cadillac Mountain. If you’re there in the fall, this park is especially beautiful with its autumnal colors.

Curious about studying abroad?

Start your journey today! Read more about the US as a destination for your year abroad, or sign up for a free meeting for more information! If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us.