Somewhere different to spend a summer (student)

Podgoricka

Im planning on heading away for 3 months next summer and instead of doing the normal J1 getting pissed in the states kind of job, i wanna do something unique. iv been all over Europe including eastern Europe at this stage so i want to spend next summer outside Europe.

so far iv been thinking (with out to much thought)
1. South Africa
2. New Zealand
3. India/Vietnam
4. South America/Mexico/Brazil

the hope is to do alot of moving around. if anyone can recommend websites too it would be great:)

MooShop

Have you thought about travelling around China. I am currently in China but only have a few days left. Its a really nice country, cheap and loads to see and do. There is some fantastic scenery and there's alot of places you can hike.

I am travelling around Asia and Im going to Vietnam next. I really liked Korea, but I think if you really want to travel somewhere different and off the beaten path, you should at least look into China.

Its got everything from the bustling cities of Beijing and Shanghai to quiet countryside regions like tiger leaping gorge. I have been here 6 weeks and could easily spend that here again. Its a massive country and I have only seen a small part. I would have loved to get around on more of the country, but I will come back some day for sure to see what I have missed this time.

chinatravelguide.com is a fairly good site - tripadvisor can be hit and miss, more of an AMerican site, I found that alot of information on there, I wouldnt necessarily agree with. But I suppose thats the fun of travelling as well, you can see what you want and make your own decisions about what you think of somewhere.

Also, I havent been to South America but a few of my friends have and they loved it. A friend who travelled there for 3 months told me though that if I want to go there allow 6 months as theres so much to see and its a huge area to cover.

Anyway, thats just my opinion. Im sure wherever you choose to go, you will have a great time.

I lived a year in China, and will be returning for another year in a months time, so I'd highly recommend there. I'd suggest skipping Beijing and Shanghai and heading into the center areas. I lived in Xi'an and both the city and surrounding areas have plenty to do, see and eat.

Asia is always a good bet, since there is so many places to see, and it can be quite cheap to do so. If you have the money, Japan is seriously awesome. Thailand is a bit over rated, but there are some amazing scenic places outside the main cities. Vietnam is stunning and interesting. Cambodia can be nice, but a bit heart wrenching with poverty in parts. Haven't done Korea except for Seoul, and that's an interesting place to visit. Indonesia is also very nice... with plenty of options both inner city and in the countryside.

Alternatively there's Australia which was heaps of fun. I went there originally for one year, and ended up staying for two. Wasn't terribly impressed with N.Zealand, but TBH I tend to visit places that have a vibrant nightlife rather than scenic vistas...