Where is the best place to study abroad for a European Studies Major?

My passion is everything western Europe. It's languages, culture, history, music, I love it. I plan on being a European Studies Major at BYU in a couple of years and minors in French and Italian. They have excellent language and study abroad programs. Where do you think I should go, France or Italy? I'm considering doing both. One in the 2nd semester of my sophomore year and the other during one of the summer terms so I wouldn't be there as long. But I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford this.


So France or Italy? Wherein France or Italy? Why? If I can do both which should I do in the Winter Semester when I'll have the most time?


Sorry It's such a long question. Thanks for your time. I'm opinion to any advice or opinions on where and when to study.

Where is the best place to study abroad for a European Studies Major?
well you have many things to consider here. which language interests you most? which one do you wish to obtain "automatic no thinking before you speak fluency" in , and hwich do you just wnat to have good skills in? then which culture do you like? do you like a lively, party, dance, drink, sing! or do you like a more subdued culture. Italy is known for being lively and france, to some party animals is considered quite boring. I spent my winter semester in spain, and i didnt like their always party and sleep later attitude. i've been todl italy is exactly the same. Also economically, if its not Paris or a city along the sea, france is cheaper than italy. and certainly you cant afford to spend much time in either one's capital city.





they both have great wine, history and culture. but try to guess which one is more your personality. myself, i'm wishing i would have spent my time in france instead of spain. the language is more useful obviously, but the culture is nuts!
Reply:First off, good choice of major. I wish I had went with it in University, but I ended up going with Poly Sci.





Anyway, in actuality, if your going for a European Studies major, your best bet would be Brussels. You mentioned your passions for French and Italian, and conveniently for you, Brussels is the seat of the European Union Government, as well as a French speaking city. It also has many great and prestigious universities.





You'd also be close to Frankfurt and The Hague, two other major metropolitan centers for EU policy and government, (The European Central Bank, and the World Court, respectively).





I hope this helps you. Good Luck!!