Study Abroad Programs
Take your academic career abroad! Gain school credit, immerse in a new culture, and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Top Study Abroad Providers

Featured Provider of the Month
with Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
Featured Study Abroad Opportunities
This Month’s Recommended Study Abroad Programs

AIFS Abroad
Traveling and seeing the world doesn’t necessarily mean taking a break from your studies. Study abroad with AIFS and broaden your academic knowledge while learning about foreign cultures!Serving more than 1.5 million students since 1964, AIFS is a reco...

WorldStrides
Spend a semester in Switzerland, where stunning Alpine scenery, sparkling lakes, and an international atmosphere create the perfect setting for academic discovery. Study at the University of Geneva, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, and jo...

University Studies Abroad Consortium
The colorful, vibrant country of Thailand is considered the "land of smiles," and for good reason: the friendliness and hospitality of the Thai people, 95 percent of whom are Buddhist, will enrich your experience living there. Khon Kaen is located in t...

EF Education First
Learn French in Nice with EF Language Abroad and experience the perfect mix of language learning and Riviera living. EF’s French program in Nice is an unforgettable way to study abroad and live like a local.Located on the sun-soaked Côte d’Azur, EF’s i...

Expanish
Spend your summer studying in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most exciting and culturally rich cities. The Expanish Summer Program allows students to earn academic credit while exploring Spanish and Catalan culture through engaging coursework and cultural ...

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to pro...

Go Abroad China Ltd.
Join Go Abroad China's University Chinese Language Program to master Mandarin at China's most prestigious institutions, including Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), Peking University, and Fudan University. Designed for all proficiency leve...

SAI Programs
Paris College of Art (PCA) is a premier art and design school rooted in the rich artistic landscape of Paris. For over 30 years, the school has offered visiting and degree seeking students the opportunity to engage with the Parisian art scene while dev...
How to Study Abroad
Types
Types of Study Abroad Programs
There are three common types of study abroad programs:
- Direct enrollment. This program allows you to study abroad in an international university, often alongside local students. Your course choices may be limited to classes in English, classes for international students, or classes designed for study abroad students, such as language and area studies. In some cases, you might be able to choose any courses offered at the university. These programs are ideal for any student and are usually the desired choice for upperclassmen who need classes in their major.
- Provider or University Program. The second type of study abroad program is one designed entirely by a study abroad provider or a university for international study abroad students. While there may be less interaction with local students, the curriculum may be ideally suited for you and other international students. You may also study alongside peers from around the world. These programs may last a week, a summer, a semester, or a year.
- Customized Program. The final type of study abroad is the customized program, or often referred to as the faculty-led program. This is a study abroad opportunity designed specifically for a group of students from one university and may or may not be hosted by an international university. This might include a research project in the field with other students and researchers, or it may be as simple as a trip organized by your professor visiting key destinations in his/her course.
There are other types of study abroad opportunities, including service learning for university credit, internships abroad for academic credit, non-credit study abroad, including language school learning, or study programs abroad, excluding any credit. You might also consider an exchange program, which is typically a reciprocal agreement between your home university and another university, allowing students to swap places and pay their home tuition and fees.
Why
Why Study Abroad
The majority of students who study abroad report it to be their most significant learning experience during the university program. Students also often report studying abroad as a life-changing experience. It is one of the activities that will help you perform better overall at university, engage more with your classmates and faculty, and improve your communication skills and academic performance. There are dozens of convincing reasons you should consider studying abroad.
Whether or not you study abroad for credit and how you utilize that credit is up to you. For many students, this may be the most important question. Ask yourself important questions to decide why studying abroad might be a great choice for you. Do you want to satisfy some degree requirements? Check off some general studies or core requirements? Do you need a foreign language proficiency for your major? Do you feel like some parts of the world may be better settings for courses in your major?
You might start by making a checklist of your goals in study abroad. If your number one goal is to see Angkor Wat, any program to Cambodia might satisfy your goal. If your primary goal is to take Advanced Nuclear Physics, you need to find a program that offers this class, teaches in English, and allows international students to enroll in advanced courses in Nuclear Physics. If language acquisition is your goal, be sure the study abroad program offers language classes for foreign speakers and that they offer these classes at all levels.
Benefits
Benefits of Studying Abroad
There are countless benefits to studying abroad—broadened horizons, new perspectives, and marketable skills! If you’re interested in a career in international sectors or in the humanities, then studying abroad is a no-brainer. Your cross-cultural communication skills will improve tenfold, and you’ll have the opportunity to study a new language as well. But even if your long-term career goals aren’t internationally-oriented, you’ll still come away from study abroad as a more well-rounded person with cool stories to tell, having learned more than a few new things about yourself in the process.
You know all this, the real benefit will be the internal rewards you get from this experience. You will have memories that last a lifetime, you may make friends who you will be close to for the rest of your life, and you will look at the world through a new set of eyes. The transformation is so profound that students occasionally change their major, decide a career choice and perhaps modify their entire life plan after studying abroad.
There are many more benefits of studying abroad you've never even thought of, too.
Funding
Study Abroad Scholarships & Funding
Many students need financial help in order to study abroad. If you’re studying abroad and you expect to earn credits, federal financial aid may help cover the costs. Each university has its own policies, but most US universities will allow you to utilize federal financial aid as long as your credits are pre-approved and you enroll in the minimum number of classes to remain full-time (typically 12 credit hours during the semester and 6-9 credits in the summer. The best way to be sure is to consult your financial aid advisor, meet with your study abroad office, and talk to your academic advisor to be sure your credits will count. Institutional aid or scholarships from your home university have varied policies regarding their application to study abroad. Often, institutional aid is simply a discount and may not be used for study abroad. Other schools support study abroad and are willing to subsidize the experience by allowing your aid to be utilized.
If you don’t receive financial aid, or if you’re studying through a university or provider where you can’t apply your typical aid, then you may need to rely on study abroad scholarships, study abroad loans, or crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel. Your study abroad department will also be a great lead on where to find study abroad scholarships and how to qualify. If you get creative, there are many other ways of paying for study abroad.
Popular Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is study abroad?
To put it simply, study abroad is a set time (perhaps a semester or year) when you pursue your academics overseas. This can be through a program at your home university, or it can be through an independent study abroad company in coordination with your university or degree program. Although studying abroad is typically done during college, you can try it out in high school too!
Can I study abroad?
You absolutely can study abroad! There may be a few requirements through your university, degree program, or study abroad provider though. For instance, some universities don’t allow you to study abroad with a GPA under 3.0. You’ll also need to consider your academic goals and how studying abroad fits in. For instance, are you an accounting major? You can still study abroad of course, but it may be a bit more difficult for you to find an opportunity in your degree track. Be sure to speak with your study abroad department or academic advisor to figure out the best move for you.
How long is study abroad?
Your study abroad program could be as short as two weeks, and as long as a full academic year. It could be during any season, and during any year of your academic career. How long your study abroad program lasts is up to you and your goals! Do you want to come home fluent in a second language? Then maybe a full academic year abroad is the right choice for you. Do you want to take fun electives or knock out a few additional credits outside the regular school year? Consider studying abroad for a couple months during the summer. Your study abroad department, academic advisor, and program coordinator will be able to help you decide.
And by the way, if you’re interested in earning your full degree abroad, there are lots of options!
What are some benefits of studying abroad?
There are countless benefits to studying abroad—broadened horizons, new perspectives, and marketable skills, just to name a few! If you’re interested in a career in international sectors or in the humanities, then studying abroad is a no brainer. Your cross cultural communication skills will improve tenfold, and you’ll have the opportunity to study a new language as well. But even if your long term career goals aren’t internationally-oriented, you’ll still come away from study abroad as a more well-rounded person with cool stories to tell, having had learned more than a few new things about yourself in the process.
How to get scholarships to study abroad
Most students need financial help in order to study abroad. If you’re studying abroad through your home university, the financial aid and scholarships you normally receive each semester will most likely cover at least part of the tuition. However, you’ll want to check with your financial aid office about the specifics.
If you don’t receive financial aid, or if you’re studying through a university or provider where you can’t apply your typical aid, then you may need to rely on study abroad scholarships, study abroad loans, or crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel.
Your study abroad department will be a great lead on where to find study abroad scholarships and how to qualify. We’ve also put together the resources below to help you learn more about finding and securing funding for your study abroad experience.
What are the best study abroad programs like?
With so many study abroad programs available to you, how can you be sure which one is the one? To find the study abroad program that will suit you best, you’ll need to narrow down your goals. What do you want to learn? What do you want to see? Who do you want to be after studying abroad? Do you want 24/7 on-site support, pre-departure assistance, and resume writing help? And what are your absolute dealbreakers? Once you have your answers, it’ll be easy to find the best study abroad programs for you.
Latest Program Reviews
three months in Beijing
September 04, 2026by: Elena Morales - SpainI spent three months studying Mandarin at Peking University through GAC, and it completely transformed my confidence with the language. My homestay family was incredibly welcoming — they spoke only Chinese at home, so I had to practice daily. My teacher made grammar and tones easy to understand with interactive lessons. By week eight, I could order food, take the metro, and even bargain at the markets. The GAC team organized a trip to the Great Wall and a traditional tea ceremony, which made the cultural side unforgettable. I returned to Spain with real fluency and a second family in Beijing.

짧은 시간에 많이 배웠어요!
September 04, 2026by: Sarah Jung - South Korea지금까지 다녀본 어학원 중에 단연 최고예요! 다른 어학원들과 비교해 봐도 이렇게 짧은 시간 안에 많은 걸 배운 건 처음이에요. 수업 진도가 빠른 편이라 처음에는 조금 어렵게 느껴질 수도 있지만, 하루하루 실력이 눈에 띄게 느는 게 보여서 정말 신기하고 뿌듯해요! 문화 체험 활동도 정말 재미있었는데, 특히 야간 보트 크루즈와 현지 일본인들과 함께한 본오도리가 가장 기억에 남아요!
Summer abroad experience
September 04, 2026by: Tanvi Mandiratta - IndiaProgram: Study Eco, IR, History, Hindi, Biology - Semester at Ashoka
I’m very grateful to Ashoka University for giving me the opportunity to attend the HEC Paris Summer School. Being nominated for the program and spending two weeks at HEC was a wonderful learning experience, both academically and personally. The program gave me the chance to explore my interest in finance in a new setting, while living in Paris and meeting students from different backgrounds made the experience even more special. I truly appreciate the Office of Global Education for making this possible and for encouraging students to take up opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
A first rate language learning experience!
September 04, 2026by: Daniel Villarreal - United StatesThis is my second summer with LTL. Last year was in Hanoi. The teachers are highly skilled, and the staff takes excellent care of students. In only three weeks, I have gained enough knowledge to continue learning via self-study upon my return home. I recommend both the homestay and Safari options. Living with a Vietnamese family and taking field trips with your teacher will give you cultural insights beyond the classroom. LTL gives lots of bang for the buck!

Total beginner to order Coffee like a Pro
September 04, 2026by: Jannick Alpers - GermanyIch bin absolut begeistert von dieser Sprachschule! Sowohl der Gruppen- als auch der Einzelunterricht waren hervorragend. Als völliger Anfänger war der Start mit einer neuen Sprache zunächst eine Herausforderung, aber meine Lehrerinnen Thư und Ân haben sich unglaublich viel Mühe gegeben. Ihre Geduld, Engagement und motivierende Art haben mir sehr geholfen, schnell Fortschritte zu machen und Selbstvertrauen zu gewinnen. Besonders gut gefallen haben mir die vielen kleinen Spiele und Rollenspiele im Unterricht. Auch die „Student Safari" war ein tolles Erlebnis! All das hat dafür gesorgt, dass der Unterricht unglaublich viel Spaß gemacht hat, auch wenn 6 Stunden Sprachunterricht pro Tag schon sehr intensiv sind. Ich kann diese Sprachschule, besonders für den Bildungsurlaub, wärmstens empfehlen!


Spanish Medical Immersion Program in Buenos Aires, Argentina
September 04, 2026by: Karlie Sims - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina with WorldStrides
I couldn’t have had a better experience abroad! I got to meet new people, go to beautiful places, and so much more! WorldStrides provided me with endless excursions and opportunities to explore Buenos Aires! I gained not only a wealth of knowledge but memories to last a lifetime. Not to mention, I was there during the World Cup!

I spent a month in Xi'an and loved it!
September 04, 2026by: Elise Marie Aasen - NorwayI'm doing HSK3 as a hobby in my spare time, and chose to travel with LTL to Xi'an for one month during July. LTL Xi'an is an immersion location, meaning they have no localized school – which is perfect for someone like me who prefer learning through one-on-one classes and outside of a classroom! My teacher Yan was extremely experienced with language teaching, very patient and had a great sense of humour throughout my classes. She was great at varying the method of teaching, and quickly adjusted to the level and learning needs I had. I distinctly remember one day I was super tired and told her I had to leave class early and go home, she instead suggested we leave the books for a bit and learn Chinese through watching some Chinese drama – it was the perfect solution to a low-energy day! I also lived with a homestay family, where I really got to know my hostmother. She was super kind and so incredibly helpful, no matter how busy she was she always reached out to me and was there if I needed any kind of help. We bonded over breakfast, over homecooked dinners and meals at restaurants, walking in the neighbourhood, going to the mall, or just sitting and chatting at home. I was mainly practicing speaking, and will forever be thankful for her patience when listening to my broken Chinese haha. If you have a month to spare, some cash laying around, and are keen on learning Chinese while adventuring in a new city – this is the place for you!
Coolest program ever!
September 04, 2026by: Rose Solga - United StatesI am so grateful that I found this program. My semester abroad in Guatemala and Costa Rica with CGEE was everything I hoped it would be and more. When considering what I wanted my semester abroad to look like, I knew I didn't want something basic. I wanted to go on an adventure and to expose myself to a greater world. One of the major reasons I chose this program, other than doing something awesome, was to learn Spanish. Having studied French in high school, I had no background Spanish and wanted to develop that skillset from the ground up. Thankfully, that's exactly what happened. My Spanish went from ground zero to basic conversation skills. Highlights of my time in Guate and Costa Rica include participating in a Mayan ceremony on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, visiting a national park on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, exploring the cafes of Quetzaltenango with friends that I plan to hold close for life, and learning from many incredibly impactful organizations and individuals. My time in Guatemala forever changed me and I sincerely hope to return in the future. My experience was the perfect mix of academically engaging and personally fulfilling. I seriously cannot recommend this program enough.



An Unforgettable Moroccan Adventure
September 03, 2026by: Charaf Eddine - MoroccoProgram: Morocco Cultural Trip
My experience with Morocco Global Adventures was truly exceptional. From the beginning, the team was professional, friendly, and very welcoming. They made the entire journey comfortable, well-organized, and enjoyable. What I appreciated most was the authentic experience of Morocco. From discovering the local culture and traditions to exploring the beautiful landscapes and experiencing the Sahara Desert, every moment was special. The guides were knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about sharing their country with travelers. I highly recommend Morocco Global Adventures to anyone looking for an authentic, safe, and memorable experience in Morocco. Their attention to detail and personalized service made the trip unforgettable!
A Clear and Well-Organised University
September 03, 2026by: Rami Khoury - United KingdomI have had a very positive experience with New Anglia University so far. What I appreciate most is how clear and organised everything has been, from the programme information to the communication and support provided. As a pre-med student, I like having a clear understanding of what to expect and how the programme is structured. The process has been straightforward, and I am very much looking forward to getting started and making the most of my studies.
Amazing time!
September 03, 2026by: Adrian Williams - United StatesProgram: Physical Therapy Observation Program in Merida, Mexico
I can’t express enough how a great time it was. New friends and family. Learned some Spanish, PT Techniques, and saw some beautiful sights what more can you ask for! PT’s were very supportive and helpful we went to two clinics and saw how they worked. Everyone wqs happy to be there. Everything was so personal and engaging teaching things step by step. We observed for a total of 75 hours and each hour was filled with a new question and discussion. Thank you to our wonderful coordinators for setting up this program for us.
BEST MONTH OF MY LIFE
September 03, 2026by: Ali Hinds - United StatesTHE THINGS I WOULD DO TO GO BACK TO MAY! A month is seriously never enough when studying abroad. Being part of this program has become a turning point in my life. I grew in every possible way and made the best friends and memories ever. Working with WorldStrides made my program easy to apply to, and I knew what was going on every step of the way. I can't wait to go back to Europe!
An Amazing Experience!
September 03, 2026by: Aidan Hochstetler - United StatesProgram: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
I've been with Maximo a little over two months into my 6 month stay doing Spanish immersion. The locals, staff, and friends I have met here have been nothing short of incredible! Learning Spanish from native speakers and immersing yourself in the culture is the best way to do it. Cusco, Peru is such an amazing city full of history and wonderful nature. I cannot recommend it enough!

I can’t believe it had to end!!!
September 03, 2026by: Avery Beck - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea with WorldStrides
I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea at Sogang University through WorldStrides!! I had the most incredible, unforgettable experience studying Korean music globalization, exploring the country, and immersing myself completely in the culture. Thanks to Sogang and to WorldStrides, I was taken care of every single step of the way and had an experience I’ll miss every single day!

Osaka with Meiji rocks!
September 02, 2026by: Will Woosley - United StatesFabulous time with these bunch of amazing people. They instructors did a great job and went the extra mile to explain me all my questions in detail. I know myself very well I can be demanding so I really appreciate their patience😉 The events were top-notch and they had such a great time exploring the city and engaging in a lot of cultural events. Two weeks were not enough! Next time I make sure to stay in Kenai for at least two months!
Life Changing Experience!
September 02, 2026by: Samuel Acosta - United StatesMy time in Italy was one of the most amazing, life-changing, and enjoyable experiences I have ever had. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit Italy for the first time, especially since it was also my first time flying on an airplane. I loved how affordable the program was for everything that was included. We traveled throughout Central Italy, enjoyed amazing food and accommodations, and were guided by caring faculty and tour guides who truly wanted us to have the best experience possible. This trip gave me unforgettable memories, new friendships, and experiences that I will always be grateful for.
Excellent Intensive Mandarin Course for Adults
September 02, 2026by: Nitant Pratap - IrelandProgram: Chinese Programs in Shanghai&Suzhou with Silk Mandarin
After taking demo classes at several schools, I chose the intensive Mandarin program at Silk Mandarin, and it has been a fantastic decision. Everything from the materials to the teachers is exceptionally professional. They do an excellent job helping you understand the core logic of the Chinese language. Additionally, their unique Learning Management System provides video lectures for previewing and reviewing material, making it easy to re-watch and solidify new concepts. I am delighted with my progress and look forward to continuing my Mandarin journey with them..
So glad I took the jump!
September 02, 2026by: Kate UWEC - United StatesProgram: USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Latin American Studies & Ecology
I was originally very nervous about studying abroad. I almost backed out multiple times. However, immediately upon meeting the staff of USAC, I felt instantly better. The staff made me feel so safe and cared for. Any questions I had were answered promptly. Beyond that, the travel experience was amazing. I feel like I learned so much on this trip, not just about the world, but about myself too. I met some of my best friends on this trip, and we still keep in contact today. If you're considering traveling with USAC, go for it. Take the jump. Make it count.
Best 4 weeks of summer!
September 02, 2026by: Supriya Dahal - United StatesI had so much fun studying abroad in Costa Rica through Arcos. My program director Angie was super caring! The university professors and the rest of Arcos staff were super friendly as well. I learned a lot of Spanish, ate really good food, made some new friends and explored really beautiful places.The study abroad had excursions and activities planned throughout the weeks. There was enough structure to have something to look forward to, but also enough flexibility to do something on your own!
Amazing experience with an extremely smooth, well-ran program.
September 02, 2026by: Jay Robertson - United StatesI had an unforgettable time in Italy with Molise Italian Studies. It was my first time visiting a country outside of the United States, so I was a little worried at first. However, the program was so well run and smooth that I soon had no worries whatsoever. Our guide, Andrea, was excellent and our trip would not have been what it was without him. I would highly recommend Molise Italian Studies to any one who is interested in Italian culture, history, or exploring another country.
Latest Interviews

Anastasiya Vinogradova
The Academy of Tourism Antalya
Growing up, I lived in Thailand and practiced tennis, so travel and new cultures always felt natural to me.

Arseniy Ovchinnikov
The Academy of Tourism Antalya
I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to gain international experience, improve my English, and learn from professionals in the hospitality ind...

Maria Huerta
European Centre for Career Education
What inspired me to go abroad was not just curiosity, but the need to understand the systems that shape people's lives beyond borders.

Andrew Messersmith
College Year in Athens
What inspired me to go abroad was all of the different opportunities that my university provides. I believe that spending a semester abroad can be an ...

Jonathan Ulicny
CES Maastricht
I was inspired to travel abroad because of my commitment to learning more about international cultures and interacting with individuals across Europe....

Vanessa Chairez
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
I was inspired to go about because it truly is a once in a lifetime experience and we are only this young once, so why not take advantage of that. It ...

Bethel University Global Studies
My family has been my motivation and inspiration to go abroad. I come from a family where most of us are complacent with small, everyday life. My fami...

Kesa Ferguson
Academic Programs International
My brother was my primary inspiration to go abroad; seeing his transformative experience in China showed me how much a global perspective can change a...

Lia-Mara Bösch
StudyInBali
What inspired me to go abroad was partly a requirement of my university, as we have to either complete an internship or study abroad for one semester.

John Peterson
Instituto Hemingway
Going abroad was inspired by my desire to step outside my comfort zone and experience life from a different perspective. I wanted to improve my langua...

José Gonzalo Solís Baca
European Centre for Career Education
Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and the opportunity to experience other cultures deeply inspires me. Going abroad allows me to build genu...

Amal Azabova
European Centre for Career Education
Although I graduated some time ago and currently live in Prague, I felt a strong desire to return to a structured academic environment. I wanted to re...

Elise Monroe
Academic Programs Abroad (APA)
I was always determined to study abroad because of the stories my dad told me about his own time living overseas. He once spoke French fluently, and I...

Mikhail Mikhaylov
Learn Russian in the European Union
I wanted to deepen my understanding of the post-Soviet region through direct immersion, especially given my academic focus on conflict mediation. The ...

Makayla Ross
IES Abroad
Studying abroad was not a part of my original 4-year plan. I'd anticipate joining campus clubs, meeting new people and making lifelong friendships, an...

Grant Dockery
IES Abroad
This was not my first experience studying abroad. I have always loved traveling and experiencing new cultures (I'm a big foodie). I also adore languag...

Eddie Kaake
CES Maastricht
I had known from a young age that I wanted to study far from home, but due to the illness of one of my parents, I was afraid to make that jump. After ...

Jon Shepherd
Bethel University Global Studies
My first trip abroad was to Mexico when I was in college, studying Spanish. That experience changed everything for me; it brought the language to life...

Anika Freestone
Phezulu Pre-Vet
I’ve always wanted to go to Africa, or specifically South Africa, to experience and work with its wildlife since I was a little girl. I’ve wanted to e...

Mounif Ghrayeb
Forum-Nexus Study Abroad
I was inspired by a deep curiosity to experience the world beyond textbooks and classrooms. I’ve always believed that education doesn’t end within fou...
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