10 Global Destinations to See the Magic of Spring Come Alive

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Spring is a season of new beginnings, warmer weather, and blooming flowers. With a study abroad or international internship program during spring semester, you can see natural landscapes across the world come to life, all while you earn credits towards your degree and build your resume. 

Read on to discover some of our favorite international destinations to experience the magic of the spring season! 

Seoul, South Korea

Spring in Seoul is synonymous with the soft pinks and whites of cherry blossoms that cover parks, palace grounds, and city streets. When you’re not taking in the sight of these gorgeous flowers in Seoul, you can head south to Jeju Island to witness the yellow waves of canola flowers overtake this unique volcanic island. Or climb the capital’s nearby Bukhansan Mountain for spectacular views overlooking the city. 

Athens, Greece

March and April bring a wash of color to Athens. Watch as blooming wildflowers carpet the hills around the Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus. Enjoy the glowing oranges and purples of azaleas scattered throughout the city. And witness how growing vines add an extra dimension to aged stone structures—all while you enjoy moderate weather devoid of summer heat or crowds. 

Salzburg, Austria

Spring is a genuinely magical season in the charming city of Salzburg. As snow retreats up the nearby Alps, it leaves behind green valleys and blooming alpine meadows. Spring in Salzburg is an excellent time to visit the Mirabell Palace and its gardens, see Magnolias blossom on Makart Square, or venture out to one of the many nearby alpine lakes to see quaint Austrian villages amidst striking natural landscapes. 

Paris, France

It’s easy to fall in love with this romantic city during spring. The Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries, and parks along the Seine burst with tulips, cherry blossoms, and magnolias, while café terraces begin to buzz with life under sunny skies. Whether you’re looking for artistic inspiration or gorgeous views while you advance your degree or build professional skills, Paris is an incredible choice for your spring semester abroad. 

London, England

London is a city full of gardens that explode with colors and fragrances in spring. Two such gardens are the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens and the Chelsea Physic Garden. Take a stroll through the Bluebell Woods in search of the enchanting flowers that spread in wide swathes across the forest floor, under the oversized limbs of ancient trees. 

Extend your spring semester with a May Term program in London to finish out the season and catch the renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Called the “World’s Greatest Flower Show,” you can enjoy unique flower displays and designs, the likes of which you’ve never seen! 

Ireland

In winter, the Irish landscape slumbers, only to awaken in spring when the weather warms. In the countryside, you can watch landscapes come to life as rolling hills of grass, meadow, and heather are transformed by the new season. No matter which destination you study or intern abroad in Ireland, you can escape to rural pastures for road trips and excursions and take full advantage of the stunning seasonal environment. Plus, spring in Ireland means you can take part in the country’s world-famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! 

Florence, Italy

Spring in Florence is like Botticelli’s Primavera (in more than name alone), an enchanting masterpiece bedecked with orange blossoms and laurels, and a work of art that people travel around the world to see. A Florentine spring is characterized by warm, light air, Easter festivities, golden Tuscan light, and bright purple wisteria flowers decorating ancient walls like fine jewelry strung around the necks of the famed Medici. For anyone who wants to add a dash of beauty, art, and history to their spring semester abroad, you can’t do better than Florence! 

Spain

Spring is a wonderful time to study or intern abroad in Spain. Orange blossoms perfume the streets of Seville, and events like Feria de Abril bring music, dancing, and color to life. In Barcelona, outdoor patios swing open, and the people return to the beach to bask in the sun. Head to Granada for hikes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains while the weather remains cool. Whether you’re after beaches, mountains, or exciting spring holidays, the season offers endless opportunities across Spain. 

Budapest, Hungary

As spring descends on Budapest, and the cold of winter dissipates, you can witness this ancient city’s iconic outdoor spaces—Margaret Island, City Park, and the Danube promenade—fill with people enjoying the fresh air, blooming flowers, and scenic views. Cafés spill out onto sidewalks, thermal baths become more inviting as outdoor temperatures grow more comfortable, and the city lights up with music and cultural performances, such as the Budapest Spring Festival. Explore Budapest at its most open and energetic this spring semester with AIFS Abroad. 

San José, Costa Rica

For warmer temperatures and sunny skies, head to Costa Rica for your spring semester. A nature-lover’s paradise, San José offers access to biodiverse ecosystems across lush jungles, volcanic landscapes, and stunning coastlines. The spring semester is ideal for viewing wildlife, as it coincides with the dry season when monkeys, sloths, and other animals emerge from their shelters to enjoy the sunny weather. Spend the season immersed in Costa Rica’s breathtaking scenery with a spring semester in San José! 

Watch your academic and professional experience bloom this spring as you study or intern abroad with AIFS Abroad! 

Spring is a time to branch out and try something new—immerse yourself in a new culture while you advance your degree and build your resume with AIFS Abroad. Choose AIFS Abroad and enjoy our many program inclusions (which really take the stress out of planning!), such as housing, trips and excursions, social and cultural activities, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, and the support of our trusted on-site staff.