Words and photos from Ella Paine, who studied abroad with ASA in Rome, Italy, during the spring semester of 2026.
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to study abroad was the opportunity to travel and experience places that I had only ever seen in pictures. While I knew I would be spending most of my time studying, I also wanted to make the most of every free weekend and school break. Europe has so many incredible places to explore, so creating a travel bucket list quickly became one of my favorite parts of preparing for my semester abroad.
🇩🇪 OKTOBERFEST IN MUNICH, GERMANY. One experience that was at the top of my bucket list is Oktoberfest in Munich. Even though I didn’t necessarily go just for the festival itself, I think experiencing such a huge cultural celebration was unbeatable. I saw traditional clothing, tried authentic German food, explored the festival grounds, and experienced the energy of Munich during Oktoberfest. Of course, I also loved spending time exploring the city beyond the festival and seeing some of the beautiful architecture and surrounding areas.
🥐 PARIS, FRANCE. Paris is another destination I absolutely wanted to experience while studying abroad. There is something so exciting about being able to see places like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe in person after seeing them in movies and pictures for years. I loved spending my afternoons walking through the streets, stopping for a croissant at a little café, and exploring some of the neighborhoods that make Paris so unique. Paris feels like one of those cities where even simply wandering around can turn into an unforgettable day.
🐪 MOROCCO. Finally, Morocco was high on my travel bucket list because it was such a different experience from the European cities I had visited. I loved exploring the colorful markets, experiencing Moroccan culture and food, and seeing the incredible landscapes. Trekking deep into the desert and experiencing a night under the stars was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.
Studying abroad is about so much more than just seeing new places. It is about stepping outside your comfort zone, experiencing different cultures, and making memories that you can carry with you long after you return home. These three destinations were definitely at the top of my list, and I can’t wait to see where my travels take me next! 🌎🤍✈️
Thanks, Ella!