Where Would They Go?
- Education Abroad Office
- 14 hours ago
- 6 min read
Where in the world would the cast of New Girl study abroad?
Welcome back to our “Where Would They Go?” series! This time, we’re hopping into the delightfully chaotic loft of New Girl to imagine where each of our favorite roommates would take their study abroad adventures. From Jess twirling through Paris like a rom-com heroine to Nick finding his literary soul in Dublin, these destinations match each character’s energy, interests, and let’s face it—very specific personal vibes. Whether you’re all about structure, spontaneity, or somewhere in between, we’ve got a global pick with your name on it.
Jess Day - Paris, France
Jess Day would approach studying abroad in Paris like stepping into her own quirky indie film - complete with striped shirts, accordion music, and accidental baguette sword fights. She’d spend her mornings sipping espresso while journaling about love and art, her afternoons skipping through Montmartre like a musical number, and her evenings attending jazz shows or befriending bookstore cats. With its romantic charm, deep literary and artistic history, and general sense of whimsy, Paris is practically built for someone who believes life is best lived in bold colors and vintage cardigans. Let’s be honest - she’d cry (in a good way) the first time she saw the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
If Jess’s Parisian dream makes your heart sing (preferably in French), explore our study abroad programs in Paris! Students can experience life in the City of Light through Instructor-Led Programs, Direct Enroll or Exchange at American Business School Paris, or Affiliate Partner Programs with AIFS, CEA CAPA, CIEE, and SIT. Whether you’re inspired by art, music, language, or just want to perfect your croissant order, there’s a Paris program waiting for your own joie de vivre.
Nick Miller - Dublin, Ireland
Nick Miller didn’t so much choose Dublin as much as Dublin happened to him. After a chaotic week, a misplaced wallet, and a very intense conversation with a pigeon, he flipped a coin and landed in Ireland—spiritually and literally. Once there, he’d claim Dublin “just gets him,” falling for its literary soul, cozy pubs, and the kind of city energy that lets you be alone with people. He’d spend his days starting (but not finishing) moody short stories in cafés, getting overly emotional during live music in Temple Bar, and insisting—loudly—that he’s “probably 12% Irish, by vibes alone.” For Nick, Dublin would be the perfect balance of broody inspiration and chaotic comfort… which is also how he describes himself.
If Nick’s Dublin escapade sounds like your kind of study abroad experience, explore our programs in Ireland! Students can study in Dublin through Affiliate Partner Programs with AIFS, CIEE, and WorldStrides (ISA), or on an instructor-led program. Whether you’re into literature, music, history, or just want a welcoming city full of stories (and storytellers), Dublin has something for everyone. Grab a notebook, order a tea, and start your own Irish chapter.
Schmidt - Seoul, South Korea
Schmidt would thrive in Seoul—and yes, he’d say that exact phrase at least ten times a day. Between the ultra-stylish streetwear, skincare that’s practically sorcery, and a public transit system that runs like a dream, he’d quickly declare Seoul “a city that understands the assignment.” Every morning would start with a 10-step skincare routine and a dramatic iced Americano selfie in front of a sleek café. He’d attempt to become fluent in Korean immediately, take K-dramas way too seriously, and launch a one-man campaign to get cast as a background dancer in a K-pop video. Schmidt would soak up every minute of Seoul’s polished chaos—and yes, he’d make it everyone's problem in the best way possible.
If Schmidt’s Seoul glow-up sounds like your kind of adventure, explore our study abroad programs in South Korea! Students can study in Seoul with Affiliate Partner Programs through CIEE, CIS Abroad, USAC, or Worldstrides - or join an Exchange Program at Sogang University. With academic options in everything from international business to Korean culture, plus access to one of the most exciting cities in the world, Seoul has something for every global go-getter. (Bonus points if you can keep up with Schmidt’s energy. No pressure.)
Winston Bishop - Tokyo, Japan
Winston would pick Tokyo for his study abroad experience after claiming it came to him in a dream—and also because Furguson knocked his passport onto a map of Japan. From the moment he lands, he’d be in love with Tokyo’s quirky charm and high-energy vibe. His days would include deep dives into vending machine culture, befriending locals over matcha, and definitely spending way too much time in cat cafés “for research.” He’d also become a self-declared “Train Whisperer,” insist on collecting every gachapon toy available, and briefly try to start an international prank war. And don’t worry—he’s already writing a musical about it.
If Winston’s Tokyo adventure sounds like your study abroad vibe, check out our programs in Japan! Students can experience Tokyo through Instructor-Led Programs or Affiliate Partner Programs with CIEE, CIS Abroad, and WorldStrides. Whether you're into tech, fashion, food, or just want to spend your semester in a place where karaoke and cat cafés can be part of your routine, Tokyo’s got a little something for every kind of explorer.
Cece Parekh - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cece would turn Buenos Aires into her personal runway slash reality show—equal parts fashion, flair, and fierce opinions on empanada quality. She’d dive headfirst into the city’s creative energy, rocking bold prints in Palermo Soho, judging tango dancers like she’s on the panel of Argentina’s Got Talent, and casually launching a line of leather handbags by week three. Naturally, she’d sip mate on a chic rooftop like it’s a green juice, mastering the art of holding the gourd just right for Instagram. With the city’s fashion scene, dramatic sunsets, and endlessly stylish locals, Cece would be fully booked and fabulous.
If Cece’s Buenos Aires era sounds like your kind of energy, explore our study abroad programs in Argentina! Students can study through an Exchange Program at Universidad de Palermo or join Affiliate Partner Programs with CIEE, SIT, or CEA CAPA. Whether you're chasing the art, the language, the fashion, or all of the above—Buenos Aires is ready for your fabulous arrival. ¡Chao, boring semesters!
Coach - Sydney, Australia
Coach wouldn’t just go to Sydney—he’d treat it like a full-body workout and personal mission. Within hours of landing, he’d be sprinting down Bondi Beach yelling “Let’s crush this semester!” to confused seagulls. He’d declare Vegemite a superfood, adopt “no worries” as a coaching philosophy, and try to organize intramural rugby despite not knowing the rules (“It’s just football with an accent, right?”). He’d high-five kangaroos, challenge emus to footraces, and start referring to the Sydney Opera House as “that swole hat building.” But under all that energy, he’d genuinely fall in love with Sydney’s coastal beauty, friendly community, and sporty, sunny vibes.
If Coach’s full-send semester in Sydney sounds like your kind of abroad experience, check out our programs in Australia! Students can study in Sydney through Instructor-Led Programs or Affiliate Partner Programs with Worldstrides or CIEE, offering a mix of coursework and plenty of outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking to grow academically, explore new cultures, or just live life at full volume, Sydney is ready to be your next big move. Let’s go, team!
Thanks for tagging along as we sent the New Girl gang on their dream study abroad adventures! From Jess living her technicolor fantasy in Paris to Schmidt aggressively overachieving in Seoul, we had way too much fun imagining each character’s perfectly chaotic academic journey.
Whether you're vibing with Nick’s slightly accidental writer’s retreat in Dublin, Winston’s quest for the coziest cat café in Tokyo, or Cece being effortlessly cool basically anywhere, we hope this gave you some inspiration (and maybe a laugh).
Keep an eye out for more of our “Where Would They Go?” series—we’re not done playing international matchmaker for your favorite TV characters. Got a show or movie in mind? Tell us! No passport required (yet). 🌍✈️
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