Must-visit locations while studying in the Northeastern USA

Northeastern USA is one of the most famous regions in the world. As the Philadelphian hub of independence for the Founding Fathers, home to DC politics at the White House and Capitol Hill, and one of the planet’s most famous and vibrant cities, New York, the Northeast USA has some incredible spots for you to explore.

As an international student, you’ll combine study with discovery, exploration, and education beyond the classroom in a region rich in history and cultural relevance.

Let’s start with Baltimore, Maryland. This major metropolis is home to Johns Hopkins University.

Beyond the university’s beautiful tree-lined campus are the welcoming neighborhoods of Inner Harbor and Fells Point, both with a reputation for great local food, impressive cultural experiences, and a good amount of independent and main-street shopping.

Definitely worth a visit is Fort McHenry, a former military fort where the USA’s national anthem was written during a battle. There’s also the world-renowned National Aquarium and its 20,000 dolphins, sharks, turtles, and a whole lot more. Be sure to pop by Hampden, too — a trendy neighborhood complete with quirky shops, vintage stores, and hipster restaurants.

Now, New York City! As famous as any place on Earth, this city is a smorgasbord of incredible life experiences and iconic sites. It’s difficult to condense NYC into a slimline itinerary, but there are some places you simply shouldn’t miss.

The Statue of Liberty is an enduring US symbol of freedom and democracy, and it’s easy to get to by ferry from the southern tip of Manhattan. You should also spend time in Central Park — one of the most famous parks in the world — and visit iconic buildings such as the Empire State.

Times Square, always abuzz with energy and excitement, is a must, even just for a few minutes. If you’ve got the time, funds, and energy after a busy day, catch a show on Broadway, the epicenter of American theater.

NYC’s Columbia University has incredible study abroad opportunities, so you can follow in the footsteps of world-famous alumni, from stars of the silver screen to Nobel Prize winners.

Just Southwest of NYC, Philadelphia has the University of Pennsylvania, the country’s first higher education institution. Philly is steeped in US history: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Museum of the American Constitution are all here. It was in Philly that modern America was formed, and where it underwent early development.

In your downtime, before your next lecture or session in the library, get some food at Reading Terminal Market. Maybe on the weekend, head to the Museum of Art — sprawling, remarkable, and a stroll through global history — and see the Impressionist art at the Barnes Foundation. They’re both near the famous Rocky steps, too, and the world’s flags waving along Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Finally, Washington DC, where American University has a distinguished history as a leader of change. In DC, you can visit the National Mall, a two-mile stretch of parkland housing the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the US Capitol.

Then there’s the White House, official residence of the US President, the world-class Smithsonian Museums, which trace American History, maritime, and space in its galleries and exhibits. The Library of Congress, the world's largest library, with over 170 million items, is an incredible sight.