Hi, I made a post about how I have a chance to study for a semester in Budapest, Hungary and it sounds really cool, but there is one other option and thought I’d ask just so I don’t dismiss it immediately: Reykjavík, Iceland. I also know next to nothing about Iceland, whether it’s safe for students, if it’s welcoming, if it’s a good place for an American to study at, so might as well ask about it as well. It also sounds fascinating admittedly
Having been to both I would say both are amazing but Budapest is your best bet for studying and enjoying a quintessential European atmosphere. Iceland is starkly beautiful but you aren’t going to able to see the whole country properly unless you do a week or two long road trip. It’s also considerably more expensive especially to eat out. People are kind but more reserved and distanced.
Budapest is a central hub to an incredible array of European trips that you can do on a weekend with public transport. Being in the east it’s also relatively cheap. It’s a big city full of young people, nightlife and culture with a rich history that you can walk to and experience every day.