Best places to study abroad: Top destinations for college students

Key takeaways

• The best place to study abroad depends on your budget, language goals, major, and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
• Europe is one of the most popular regions for U.S. students, with Spain, Italy, France, and the UK topping the list year after year.
• Latin America and Asia are growing in popularity, with rich cultural experiences and lower costs of living.
• Costa Rica is one of the top choices for students wanting to build Spanish skills in a welcoming, immersive environment.

Picking where to study abroad might be the most exciting decision of your college years, but it can be overwhelming. When the whole world is technically an option, where do you even start?

Good news? There’s no wrong answer. European locations consistently top the list of the best places to study abroad, but there are great options around the world depending on what you want from the experience. Whether you want to improve on a language, keep costs low, dive deep into history, or wake up somewhere that feels different from home, there is a study abroad program for you.

Here’s a look at some of the best places to study abroad and what makes each one worth considering.

What makes a study abroad destination stand out?

Before you fall in love with a city on social media, it helps to think through what actually matters to you. Here’s what you should consider:

• Language goals: Do you want to practice a new language or are you looking for a country with many English speakers? Consider how immersed in language you hope to be.
• Cost: Western Europe tends to cost more than Latin America, Southeast Asia, or Eastern Europe. Your daily expenses add up fast, so set a realistic budget.
• Academic programs: Does the destination or school have programs that go with your major or career interests? Check with your academic advisors to see which study abroad programs fit into your course load. Some majors have partnerships with specific countries.
• Culture and lifestyle: Do you want a big city, smaller town, beach, or mountains? All of those are real options and considerations.
• Safety and support: Look for destinations with strong student communities and programs that offer support when you’re there.

Once you know what matters most, the list becomes a lot shorter.

Best study abroad destinations in Europe

Europe is where most U.S. students study abroad, and it’s easy to see why. With rich history, culture, world-class universities, and easy travel between countries, it’s hard to beat.

• Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville each offer something different, but all three deliver an immersive Spanish experience. If you’re building on high school Spanish or working toward fluency, Spain is hard to beat.
• Italy: History, art, food, and beauty all in one place. Rome lets you walk past 2,500 years of history on a Tuesday afternoon, and Florence is the art capital of the world. Italian food alone is often reason enough.
• United Kingdom: For students who want an international experience without a language barrier, London is a great option. University College London and other top schools welcome international students, and day trips across Europe are easy to plan.
• France: Paris needs no introduction. Art, food, fashion, and history fill the city. Most students say navigating daily life in France gave them some of the most valuable skills they brought back home.
• Germany: Berlin is a city of contradictions in the best way. With a reasonable cost of living, great public transit, and a fascinating mix of history and culture, it is a standout for students interested in European politics or arts.

Best study abroad destinations in Latin America

Latin America has been growing quickly as a study abroad destination. The cost of living is significantly lower than Europe, and programs are well-established.

• Costa Rica: Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America according to the Global Peace Index, and one of the best host countries for study abroad programs. Students combine Spanish immersion with outdoor adventures, wildlife, and day trips to beaches and rainforests.
• Argentina: Buenos Aires is one of the most vibrant cities in South America. There is a strong European influence, incredible food, and a rich arts scene. Students who study Spanish here tend to come back close to fluent.

Best study abroad destinations in Asia

• South Korea: Seoul surprises almost everyone who visits. The city is modern and fast-paced, but full of centuries-old palaces and neighborhoods that feel untouched by time. The food, transit, and university system are all world-class.
• Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, and beyond offer deep cultural immersion that is hard to describe until you’re there. English-taught programs are available, and even a single semester tends to leave a lasting impression.
• New Zealand: For students who want a southern hemisphere experience, New Zealand delivers. With stunning scenery, it is particularly popular with students who love the outdoors. Studying abroad in an English-speaking country might be a perk for you too.

How to choose the right study abroad destination

There is no single “best” place to study abroad. The right fit depends on what you want to get out of the experience, what your budget looks like, and what your academic program requires. Talk to students who have gone before you. Visit your study abroad office early. Don’t be afraid to consider somewhere less obvious; some of the most memorable experiences happen in places students did not originally have on their radar.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular destinations to help make your decision:

Get your passport ready

Ready to find a school with a strong study abroad program? Use College Raptor’s College Match tool to explore colleges based on your goals and interests. Search for study abroad scholarships to help cover the cost, and check our Best College rankings to find schools with standout international programs.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular study abroad destinations for U.S. students?

Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany consistently top the list for American students. South Korea, Japan, Costa Rica, and Australia have grown significantly in popularity in recent years.

Is Latin America a good place to study abroad?

Yes, especially for students looking to build Spanish skills or keep costs lower. Costa Rica, Argentina, and Chile offer strong programs, welcoming cultures, and significantly lower daily expenses than most European destinations.

What is the cheapest place to study abroad?

Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia tend to be the most affordable regions. Countries like the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Thailand, and South Korea offer excellent academic programs at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.

Do I need to speak the language to study abroad?

Not necessarily. Many programs, especially in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea, are taught entirely in English. That being said, learning even basic phrases in the local language goes a long way toward making the experience feel more immersive and rewarding.