Where Would They Go?

Where in the world would the cast of Brooklyn Nine-Nine study abroad?

Welcome back to our “Where Would They Go?” series! This time, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of Brooklyn Nine-Nine to imagine where each member of the 99th precinct would study abroad. From Amy meticulously organizing her coursework in Berlin to Jake treating Rio like an action movie set, we’ve matched each character with a destination that fits their personality. Feeling inspired by their global adventures? Check out our study abroad programs—you might just find your perfect match, noice and toit!

Jake Peralta – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Jake Peralta would treat studying abroad in Rio de Janeiro like stepping straight into an action-packed buddy cop movie. With its high-energy vibe, stunning beaches, and soccer-obsessed culture, Rio is basically a playground for his overactive imagination. He’d spend his days chasing down the best street food (definitely claiming it’s “for investigative purposes”), getting way too competitive in beach soccer matches, and narrating his own fake undercover missions in dramatic fashion. Whether he’s ziplining over the rainforest, hyping up the intensity of a samba parade, or dramatically removing his sunglasses while staring at Christ the Redeemer, Jake would be living his absolute best life in Rio.

If Jake’s Rio adventure sounds like your kind of study abroad experience, check out our programs in Brazil! You can study in Rio through an Exchange Program at Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro, one of the country’s top universities. With courses in a variety of subjects and plenty of opportunities to soak up Rio’s vibrant culture, this program offers an unforgettable academic and cultural experience. Whether you're drawn to the adventure, the energy, or just want to master the art of Brazilian street food, Rio de Janeiro is waiting for you!

Amy Santiago – Berlin, Germany

Amy Santiago would approach studying abroad in Berlin with the same level of intensity as prepping for a high-stakes exam—color-coded schedules, flashcards for every historical landmark, and a personal goal of becoming fluent in German by mid-semester (which, let’s be honest, she’d achieve). She’d meticulously plan every museum visit, take extensive notes on Cold War history, and probably give unsolicited lectures on the Brandenburg Gate to confused tourists. Between studying at one of Berlin’s prestigious universities and taking highly efficient public transportation for fun, Amy would be living her dream of structured learning in one of Europe’s most intellectually rich cities.

If Amy’s Berlin adventure sounds like your ideal study abroad experience, check out our programs in Germany! You can study in Berlin through Affiliate Partner Programs with CIEE and AIFS, or with the Direct Enroll Program with Freie Universität Berlin European Studies Program (FU-BEST), for an immersive academic experience. Want to add some real-world experience to your résumé? Consider a full-time internship in Berlin with AIFS to gain hands-on professional skills in an international setting. Whether you’re drawn to the history, the efficiency, or the chance to perfect your note-taking system in a whole new country, Berlin is the perfect place to make it happen!

Rosa Diaz – Tokyo, Japan

Rosa Diaz would feel right at home in Tokyo, a city that values efficiency, precision, and—most importantly—minding your own business. She’d appreciate the structured order of the city, from its perfectly on-time trains to its no-nonsense culture, where people don’t ask unnecessary questions (ideal). Between mastering the art of navigating Tokyo’s massive subway system without speaking a word and silently enjoying the city’s best ramen at a tucked-away noodle shop, she’d thrive in an environment where independence is key. Of course, she’d also take the opportunity to train at a traditional samurai dojo—partly for the skills, but mostly to keep people guessing.

If Rosa’s Tokyo adventure sounds like the right fit for you, explore our study abroad programs in Japan! You can study in Tokyo through Affiliate Partner CIS Abroad or gain real-world experience with a full-time internship in Tokyo through TEAN. Looking for a unique short-term program? CIS Abroad offers a summer experience that lets you study in both Tokyo and Seoul, perfect for those who want to experience two incredible cities in one trip. For an Exchange Program option, consider Kansai University in Osaka, where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture while enjoying everything the region has to offer. Whether you’re here for the fast-paced city life, the structured order, or the general cool factor, Tokyo is ready for you.

Terry Jeffords – Copenhagen, Denmark

Terry Jeffords would absolutely thrive in Copenhagen, a city that basically runs on hygge, fresh air, and well-balanced meals. With its family-friendly atmosphere, bike-friendly streets, and focus on work-life balance, Terry would quickly declare it the ideal place to live. He’d spend his mornings cycling to class (getting in some cardio, obviously), his afternoons researching Denmark’s progressive social policies, and his evenings unwinding with a perfectly portioned Scandinavian meal. And let’s be real—Terry would go all in on Danish pastries, claiming he’s just “appreciating the local cuisine” while making his way through every bakery in town.

If Terry’s Copenhagen experience sounds like your kind of study abroad adventure, check out our programs in Denmark! You can study in Copenhagen with the CIEE Open Campus Block Program (Affiliate Partner Program), which lets you customize your coursework and explore different academic disciplines. Want to gain hands-on experience while immersing yourself in Danish culture? Consider a full-time internship in Copenhagen with CIEE, where you can work in fields like business, sustainability, or public policy. Whether you're drawn to the city’s relaxed vibe, innovative mindset, or just want an excuse to eat pastries daily (no judgment), Copenhagen is the place to be!

Charles Boyle – Lyon, France

Charles would pick Lyon because it’s France’s food capital, and let’s be honest—he’s here for the cuisine. With its world-class restaurants, bustling food markets, and deep-rooted culinary traditions, Lyon would be Boyle heaven. He’d take every opportunity to learn from local chefs, obsess over regional delicacies, and dramatically declare that he’s finally found himself through the art of French cooking. Naturally, he’d document every meal, snack, and life-changing bite on his food blog, providing detailed reviews that only three people read—but he’d still treat it like a Michelin Guide. Whether he’s befriending bakers, hosting elaborate cheese tastings, or passionately debating the best bouchon in town, Charles would be living his absolute best foodie life.

If Charles’s Lyon adventure sounds like your dream study abroad experience, check out our programs in France! You can study in Lyon through USAC, where you’ll experience the city’s rich food culture firsthand. Want to explore more of France? Try AIFS in Cannes, CEA CAPA in the French Riviera, AIFS Paris, or CEA CAPA in Grenoble for different perspectives on French life. For those looking for a more immersive experience, consider Direct Enroll Programs with IAU in Aix-en-Provence or American Business School Paris. Whether you're here for the croissants, the charm, or to perfect your food blogging skills, France has a program for you!

Gina Linetti – Lisbon, Portugal

Gina would thrive in Lisbon, a city that is just the right mix of trendy, historic, and effortlessly cool. She’d spend her days lounging at pastel-colored cafés, dramatically gazing out over the city’s scenic overlooks, and pretending she’s filming a high-fashion documentary about herself. She’d immediately declare herself “the queen of Portuguese nightlife” after attending one Fado music performance, despite having no idea what’s going on. Between the city’s street art, boutique shopping, and endless opportunities for “spontaneous” photoshoots (carefully choreographed, of course), Gina would fully embrace Lisbon as her European creative rebirth. She’d also insist she’s a natural-born tram-rider after hopping on one of Lisbon’s iconic yellow streetcars exactly once.

If Gina’s Lisbon adventure sounds like your ideal study abroad experience, check out our programs in Portugal! You can study in Lisbon through Affiliate Partner Programs with SIT or API, both offering immersive experiences in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Want to gain some international work experience? Consider an internship with AIFS in Lisbon, where you can explore fields like business, communications, or the arts. Whether you’re here for the creative energy, the scenic cafés, or just to say you’ve lived in a city with trams way cooler than New York’s, Lisbon is waiting for you!

Captain Raymond Holt – Vienna, Austria

Captain Holt would feel right at home in Vienna, a city that values precision, intellect, and a well-timed symphony. Known for its classical music, grand architecture, and deep philosophical roots, Vienna would offer him the perfect setting to engage in stimulating discourse over a meticulously prepared espresso. He’d spend his days attending operas, debating the nuances of 18th-century diplomacy, and taking long, contemplative strolls through historic palaces—most likely while wearing an impeccably tailored overcoat. He would, of course, develop a deeply personal relationship with a local orchestra conductor and politely decline any activity described as “casual” or “fun.” Vienna is not just a city for Holt—it is a way of life.

If Holt’s Vienna adventure sounds like your perfect study abroad experience, consider studying in Austria! You can enroll in an Exchange Program at the University of Vienna, where you’ll immerse yourself in the city’s rich academic and cultural traditions. With access to world-class lectures, historical sites, and the most orderly public transportation system imaginable, Vienna is the ideal destination for those who appreciate excellence, structure, and a city that takes coffee seriously.

Scully & Hitchcock – Rome, Italy

Scully and Hitchcock would choose Rome for one very important reason: the food. They’d proudly declare their study abroad mission as “total cultural immersion” while spending 95% of their time eating pizza, pasta, and gelato. Their semester would be a blur of long, leisurely meals, befriending every local chef, and ranking carbonara from every trattoria in the city. They’d somehow charm their way into honorary nonna status, be on a first-name basis with every bakery, and insist that walking anywhere is unnecessary unless it’s to a restaurant. If there’s an award for “Most Plates Cleaned” in Rome, these two are winning it.

If Scully and Hitchcock’s Roman holiday sounds like your dream study abroad experience, check out our programs in Italy! You can study in Rome through Affiliate Partner Programs like CIEE, CIS Abroad, or SAI, all offering incredible opportunities to explore the Eternal City (and its legendary food scene). Want to gain some hands-on experience while indulging in daily pasta research? Consider a full-time internship in Rome with AIFS, where you can work in fields like business, communications, or hospitality. Whether you’re here for the history, the culture, or just really dedicated to food appreciation, Rome is ready for you!

Thanks for joining us as we imagined where the Brooklyn Nine-Nine squad would take their study abroad adventures! From Jake turning Rio into his personal action movie set to Amy transforming Berlin into an academic masterclass, we had a blast figuring out the perfect destinations for each of our favorite detectives. Hopefully, this gave you a few ideas for your own study abroad plans—or at least a good laugh picturing Scully and Hitchcock earning honorary nonna status in Rome. Stay tuned for more in our “Where Would They Go?” series, where we’ll continue matching TV and movie characters with study abroad destinations that fit their personalities. Have a character or show you want to see next? Let us know! No matter where your dream destination is, there’s a study abroad program out there waiting for you. Happy exploring!