<p>I have been giving 350+ unis to choose from and round down to six. So, which would be your first choice for the experience? (I am an American citizen studying in France currently)</p>
<ul>
<li>Fudan University in Shanghai</li>
<li>University College London </li>
<li>Barnard College of Columbia University NYC</li>
<li>Universit</li>
</ul>
<p>You’ve got some great choices there. Alas, I am only familiar with UCL, Barnard, McGill and St. Andrews.</p>
<p>University College London is a really competitive school. It has received almost 21 Nobel Prizes and boasts some of the most active professors in the world. It’s really central, meaning the campus is very close to bus stations and the eurostar terminal. If you like conducting research in a fast-paced environment, UCL is probably a good bet.</p>
<p>Barnard is, as you know, one of the best all female schools in the United States (Obama gave the commencement address so you know it’s legit). It’s a small utopia on the upper west side of Manhattan, located right across the street from Columbia college. There’s a large jewish community and a pretty big sorority culture.</p>
<p>Harvard is sometimes referred to as America’s McGill. McGill is arguably Canada’s most prestigious university and for good reason. Although the facilities are not great, it is situated in Montreal (a fantastic European-esqe city) and has an internationally-acclaimed faculty. The most popular programs are probably management and medicine. </p>
<p>St Andrews is one of the world’s oldest universities and boasts a world-renowned golf course (don’t be surprised to see Tiger Woods if you go). There’s a big drinking culture but students are very outdoorsy and motivated to do well; they strike a fine balance from what I know. Plus, your chances of getting in are pretty high because Americans pay more than British residents. </p>
<p>Hope some of this helps!</p>
<p>I am also very much interested in studying American University in Beirut. However, it may not be possible for either of us because there’s a lot of safety issues to consider. More-so than even Cairo, Beirut has been a powder keg of political dissent recently. It’s very possible that your school’s policy may preclude traveling to a country where travel warnings exist. At least, that’s how it is for many schools in the United States, and France does currently have a travel alert out for Lebanon ([url=<a href=“http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/liban-12277/]Liban”>Liban - Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères]Liban</a> - France-Diplomatie-Minist</p>
<p>You are already studying at a European university with ample oppotunity to visit London, Geneva or Scotland at any time. You come from the US so i don’t understand why you would want to do study abroad in your home country. if that’s the case, why didn’t you enroll in a US university? Th culture of Canada is extremly similar to the US. Therefore I would choose the most different environment from where you are now - Shanghi or Beirut/Cairo. If personal safety is a consideration (ie you do not believe study in Beirut/Cairo would be in a protected/safe environment for your peace of mind - though accept that this would not worry other students), choose Shanghi.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t do Barnard, because you can always come back and live in the United States. I also wouldn’t do Montreal because if you are from the US, you can get to Montreal rather easily.</p>
<p>Personally, I would choose Fudan in Shanghai. Second choice would be University of Geneva.</p>
<p>St Andrews is a very isolated small town. The nearest big city is Edinburgh, which is 55 miles away. Whilst it’s pretty, popular with Americans and good for golfing, I suspect it’s not quite what you’re after.</p>
<p>I’d avoid studying in your home country - it’s just not getting the most possible out of your experience (and it may not be allowed - I know that my own university doesn’t let internationals study abroad in their own country). The same goes for McGill - it’s just too similar. Geneva is also likely to have many similarities to France, so (without knowing a lot about it!) I’d steer away from it too. </p>
<p>UCL certainly offers the big city experience, but bear in mind that the cost of living is astronomical - rents are often £150-200+ per week. </p>
<p>Shanghai, Cairo or Beirut would certainly offer more by way of adventure, whilst still being big cities. China is a massive country though, so it would be far harder to spontaneously go to another country, as you could if you were in the Middle East. The low cost of living there (compared to that of France / US) would leave you with a lot more spare cash for luxuries and travel. The idea of hopping on a plane and going to a Moroccan souk is rather attractive! I presume that they all teach in English?</p>