By: Miriam Bribiesca
It’s true when they say that the world is your classroom, and we are about to prove how you can tie your field of study to your travel bucket list. Because we know college can be stressful, we’ve found a better way to unwind while also growing your knowledge in your field. BEHOLD four destinations your syllabus practically demands you visit. Teacher’s orders!
1. For the Architecture Aficionados: Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a city that celebrates architectural brilliance and you’ll see it the moment you step out and look around. From the modernist masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí to the Gothic Quarter’s medieval charm, Barcelona is an architectural wonderland perfect for finding inspiration of what is possible when it comes to architecture.
Things To Do To Major Up:
- Visit Sagrada Família: You can’t go to Barcelona and not marvel at Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. We are pretty confident you’ve seen photos of it and now it’s your time to observe the intricate details and soaring spires that make up the cathedral. Talk about witnessing the work of a genius!
- Park Güell: Another must visit location that introduces a new way to look at architecture is Park Güell, a whimsical park designed by Gaudí as well. The colorful mosaics and fun structures are perfect for sketching, people watching and even a moment of meditation. And to highlight how important this park is, it is identified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Look at your globetrotter!
- Palau de la Música Catalana: Last but certainly not least, drop by the breathtaking concert hall designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Better yet, hit two birds with one stone by attending one of their performances for flamenco or their world known symphony and the other by admiring its ornate interior, with stained glass and intricate sculptures making it a great study piece of Catalan modernism.
Extra Travel Tip: Like a true tourist, take an architectural walking tour. It’s a great way to learn about the city’s diverse styles and get insider knowledge.
2. For the Medical Magicians: London, UK
London is a historical and contemporary center for medical innovation and education. With institutions like the Wellcome Collection and the Royal College of Physicians, it’s an ideal location full of medical history and cutting-edge research.
Things To Do To Major Up:
- Wellcome Collection: Explore this unique and free museum and library dedicated to health and medicine. A true science nerd’s dream! We hear the exhibits cover a wide range of medical topics, from historical artifacts to modern medical advancements. As your teacher You gotta understand what was in order to see what could be!
- Royal College of Physicians: Visit the museum and gardens of this prestigious institution. Their collections include rare medical books, historical instruments, and intriguing exhibits on the history of medicine.
- The Old Operating Theatre Museum: Step back in time to one of the oldest surviving operating theaters from the early 18th century. Here you can learn about the early days of surgery and anesthesia. Aside from the classic tours, we recommend keeping an eye out for any of their workshops on historical medical practices, surgical techniques, and the use of herbal medicines where you’ll get to experience firsthand challenges surgeons faced at the time.
Extra Travel Tip: If you want to continue learning, attend a lecture or seminar at one of London’s many medical schools and hospitals. These events often host leading experts and provide valuable insights into various fields of medicine. Who knows, maybe you’ll be guided into a niche of medicine you had never thought of. All thanks for exploring the world!
3. For the Literature Lovers: Dublin, Ireland
From James Joyce to Oscar Wilde, Dublin has been the muse for many literary giants and it’s about to become yours too. The city offers a list of literary landmarks, museums, and vibrant literary culture, making it a must visit location for literature lovers like you.
Things to do To Major Up:
- Trinity College Library: Visit the old library and feast your eyes on more than 200,000 books, many of them ancient texts. The crown jewel and what is considered to be a masterpiece is the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript created by Celtic monks around the year 800 AD. How far back is that again?!
- Dublin Writers Museum: How you spend your days is how you spend your life, so take notes and learn about the lives and works of Ireland’s most famous writers. The museum includes manuscripts, letters, portraits, and personal items of these literary figures. Fangirling is A-OK here!
- The Abbey Theater: The Abbey Theatre, co-founded by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1904, is Ireland’s national theater and a cornerstone of Dublin’s literary and cultural life. In other words, you can’t pass up catching one of their performances of classic Irish plays as well as contemporary works.
Extra Travel Tip: Participate in a literary pub crawl. Not only will you visit the pubs that many of the famous writers frequented, but you’ll also get to enjoy a pint of Guinness or two. Cheers!
4. For the Tech Enthusiasts: Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, one of our favorite cities for many reasons, is a vibrant hub of tech innovation and futuristic marvels. You know when they say that Tokyo lives in 3020? It’s true! With its cutting-edge advancements in robotics, electronics, and AI, it’s an ideal location for tech majors eager to immerse themselves in the latest tech advancements.
Things to Do to Major Up:
- Akihabara: Dive into Tokyo’s tech district, famous for its electronics shops and gaming stores. It’s a gamers dream come true, with everything from the latest gadgets to retro video games. Beware, you might come out of here with too much in your hands and not enough space in your luggage!
- Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation): Explore exhibits on robotics, space exploration, and future technologies. You can even interact with ASIMO, the humanoid robot that will leave you daydreaming of what life will be like in just a couple of years from now.
- TeamLab Borderless: Experience this digital art museum where boundaries between art and technology blur. The interactive, immersive exhibits showcase the future of digital creativity. Who says art and science can’t go together?
Extra Travel Tip: Depending on when you decide to visit, attend a tech expo or convention such as CEATEC or the Tokyo Game Show. These events are perfect for networking, learning about emerging technologies, and seeing groundbreaking innovations up close.
From the tech innovations in Tokyo to the architectural splendor of Barcelona, each of these destinations offers a unique opportunity to blend learning with adventure. So, pack your bags, take advantage of our exclusive travel deals, and embark on a journey that not only satisfies your wanderlust but also enriches your academic pursuits. Get you an itinerary that can do both!
