Study Overseas

In the uppermost region of the United States is a clustering of states commonly referred to as the "New England" states. These states are Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. These states, along with the nearby New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, combine to form the historic, mostly costal Northeastern region of the United States. Come along as we continue our journey of America through this historic route that helped form the backbone of America's history and the exciting cities that exist in the Northeast today.

Portland, Maine - Population: 63,882 (2004)

Sights to See: Take a stroll down cobblestone streets through the Downtown Arts District. See the sights, but don't forget to save some time for shopping at the local boutiques. Take a detour to the many harbors that surround Portland or take a boat ride to one of the surrounding islands.

Things to Do: Take part in the First Friday Art Walk, the monthly tour of Portland gallery exhibits that are shown in moving caravans, street performances, and studios. Antique shopping is a popular pastime, as is visiting the scenic Casco Bay Islands, or popping into the Portland Museum of Art.

Night Scene: Maine is famous for its lobster, so pop into one of the many restaurants established in Portland for this favorite local dish. Portland has a national reputation of having many quality restaurants and breweries, so find a pub and see for yourself what the fuss is all about.

Manchester, New Hampshire - Population: 110,000 (2005)

Sights to See: Experience the beauty of the northeast during a scenic driving tour of the rivers and waterways. Continue your afternoon with a stroll along Manchester's historic districts.

Things to Do: Take advantage of all there is to do in New England's 16st city! Spend time in the over 900 acres of Manchester's parks and public beaches, and enjoy local skiing during the winter seasons. Take advantage of a unique learning experience at the Amoskeag Fishway's Learning and Visitor's Center and gain a new understanding of this region's legendary fishing industry. Enjoy a sporting event in downtown's 10,000 seat Verizon Wireless Arena or take advantage of the short train commute to Boston.

Night Scene: Roam around the newly re-developed Amoskeag Millyard Shopping Center or take in a performance at The Palace of Theatre. Enjoy a late-night meal at "The Red Arrow" diner, one of the Top 10 Diners in the US.

New York, New York - Population: 8,214,426 (2006)

Sights to See: No trip to "The Big Apple" would be complete without a visit to any of the city's world-famous landmarks. Attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and ferry rides to historic Ellis Island are just a few of the many activities you can enjoy in the 16st city in America!

Things to Do: NYC is a major center of culture in America, so spend an afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, walk by famed Wall Street and relax in the most visited public park in the America, Central Park. For sports fans, no visit would be complete without a stop by historic Yankee Stadium to take in an afternoon baseball game.

Night Scene: The "city that never sleeps" holds endless excitement for night owls. Visit world-famous night clubs and eateries and take in the sight of Times Square, the "crossroad of the world. Whatever your plans are, be prepared for the wild experience that is a night on the town in New York City!

Atlantic City, New Jersey - Population: 39,958 (2006)

Sights to See: Just a hop skip and jump from the excitement of New York City, Atlantic City offers its' own unique recreational activities. This city revolves around tourism, so take advantage of the many forms of entertainment, or spend the day soaking in the sun at the Jersey Shore.

Things to Do: Visit the Boardwalk, the oldest boardwalk in America. Walk along and stop in at one of the many hotel, restaurants, and resorts located right on the shore. If walking isn't your style, you can hire a guide to drive you around the boardwalk in an old-fashioned rolling-car ”but be prepared to pay!

Night Scene: Hopefully you've saved some energy to enjoy an evening of Atlantic City's notorious entertainment. Try your luck at one of the many casinos ”but don't get carried away! Enjoy your luxurious getaway by checking into a waterside resort and resting up for another day at the Shore!

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Population: 312,819 (2006)

Sights to See: Industry helped create the "Steel City" but there is still plenty for visitors to see and do. Pittsburgh is centered between three major waterways, so travel one of the many bridges that connect visitors to various shopping and dining districts in the city.

Things to Do: Culture lovers can take on a performance of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, or a performance at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre. This fast-growing city boasts a growing downtown district known as the "Golden Triangle". Sports fans should take advantage of the close proximity of major-league baseball stadium, PNC Park, while football enthusiasts can watch the celebrated Pittsburgh Steelers play in Heinz Field.

Night Scene: Pittsburgh has long been a town with a growing intellectual and cultural scene. No evening is complete without a show at the theatre or catching a musical performance. Make sure to make time in your evening for dinner overlooking the three rivers, then dance the night away at popular local nightclubs like Matrix. Pittsburgh is one of the safest cities in America so feel free to explore the city all night long.

Burlington, Vermont - Population: 38, 889 (2000)

Sights to See: Take a drive along Lake Chaplain and enjoy the natural beauty of the northeastern city. This region is very student-friendly and is ranked among the Top 10 Cities to Have It All," so there is sure to be something for everyone.

Things to Do: Since Vermont is perhaps best known for its incredible skiing, enjoy a winter day hitting the nearby slopes. Waterfront sports are popular along Lake Champlain in the summer months. Take a break from the outdoors and drop by the Shelbourne Museum to soak up some culture. The locals are proud of their music scene and relaxed atmosphere, so slow things down and match the easygoing pace of native Burlington residents.

Night Scene: Many popular musicians and many up-and-comers originate in Burlington. Pay close attention to your musical performers ”they might be the next big thing! Enjoy a day by the lake and a night of dining and scoping out in the local music scene.

Boston, Massachusetts - Population: 590,763 (2006)

Sights to See: Boston is a beautiful costal city that is the site of many of America's most famous historical moments. Follow the Freedom Trail as it leads you along Boston's most historical landmarks, and visit preserved houses such as the one formally occupied by Paul Revere. Make your way to the harbors of Boston and enjoy an afternoon watching all the waterfront activity.

Things to Do: If you're looking for a sports lovers' paradise, you need look no further than Boston. Boston is home to Fenway Park, the oldest sports arena still in use in the US and home of the first World Series in 1903. After the game, stop by any local eating venue for the excellent clam chowder, cod, and other seafood dishes freshly caught from the sea.

Night Scene: A Boston evening just wouldn't be complete without taking time to enjoy local dishes and restaurants that boast of the city's history of immigration and diversity. Italian eateries abound, and no meal is complete without a dish of locally-made ice cream. To finish out your evening, take the "T," Boston's subway transit system, to any of the famed Irish pubs that are a trademark of the city.

New Haven, Connecticut - Population: 124, 001 (2004)

Sights to See: New Haven is nicknamed "The Elm City" because of its involvement in the first tree planting program in America, so feel free to wander the shady streets even during the hottest months. Like many other northeastern cities, New Haven has a 16 harbor and many waterways for you to explore.

Things to Do: Be sure to spend some time exploring newly-revitalized downtown New Haven. Shop in the retail district and explore local cuisine at any of the numerous restaurants. New Haven is the home of the renowned Yale University, so a visit to the campus is a must.

Nightlife: Be sure to spend some time exploring New Haven's Crown Street, a major entertainment district. Check out the many retail shops downtown and if you haven't had enough of the northeast's cultural scene, take in a performance at one of New Haven's classic theatres.

Providence, Rhode Island - Population: 175,225 (2006)

Sights to See: Since no part of the state of Rhode Island is more than 30 minutes from the water, fans of the coast will never be lacking in scenic drives or water activities. Providence is one of the first established cities in America and historic walkways and buildings abound. Downtown Providence is lined by the Waterplace Park amphitheatre and the riverwalk, a near-mile of cobblestone streets and walkways.

Things to Do: Grab some coffee (a staple for locals) and explore the 1,200 acre park system in Providence. Residents spend a lot of time exploring and enjoying their city, so join them in enjoying the local scenery and historic atmosphere. Every summer Providence hosts Waterfire, an event consisting of over 100 bonfires lining the rivers, accompanied by classical music and live performances of musicians. Mingle in with the average of nearly 40,000 people that attend this summertime event!

Night Scene: Enjoy a meal out at a local restaurant (Providence has the highest per capita of restaurants in the US!) then do some last minute shopping in the Westminster Arcade, the oldest enclosed shopping center in America. From there, head to the Federal Hill district and enjoy shopping and nightlife entertainment for all ages.