Editor’s note: This article is part of our Meaningful Travel Forecast series and official travel report for 2019. Accelerate your academic goals and expand your global perspective—all while spending quality and meaningful time in the best international cities for college students. You'll be able to mingle with fellow students from all over the world and create a truly global network. Not only will you be able to challenge yourself in a new international powerhouse of a city, you’ll get to do so alongside local and international students like you!
Read the GoAbroad Official Report on the 10 Best College Cities in the World in 2019
But, what qualifies towns as “good college towns,” you ask? Is one place “better” for a masters degree abroad than another? Should you go to an internationally recognized institution or a school more off the beaten path? These are the kinds of questions we asked our community of meaningful travelers, program administrators, and international education experts. Read on to learn our collective predictions for the 10 best college cities in the world in 2019!
The best college cities in the world in 2019
1. London
GoAbroad CCO Nikki Powers predicts: “The UK, Ireland, and Australia are usually front runners—and this year won't be any different.” London is the city of cities. When you think about the top cities abroad, it’s probably one of the first to come to mind. That being said, it is considered one of the best college cities abroad! On degree programs abroad in London, you can find opportunities ranging from theater to business, and everything in between.
If you're a native English speaker, this will work to your advantage, although some English accents and slang may throw you off! London is an international hub, so your degree programs will most likely be made up of people from various places worldwide—which only adds to the perspectives you'll learn and grow from during your time in London! Whether you are looking for an undergraduate opportunities or graduate degrees, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for in London! You’ll be a master of the Tube and avoiding tourists in no time.
- Traveler’s program pick: Queen Mary University of London
2. Sydney
Get your degree in the land down under in one of the best international cities for college students! Your address may not be P Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney, but you’ll have a swimming time completing your undergrad or grad degree in anything from design to information technology. Unfortunately, we can’t promise any Nemo sightings, but we can promise top-notch academics in this ideal city for international students! Your classes will inspire you and lead you towards achieving the academic success you are working so hard for. You'll be able to find the perfect balance between work and play—or study and surf—while completing your degree in Sydney. Getting your degree in Sydney is all about putting in what you hope to receive, so make sure to pack some sunscreen and plenty of notebooks, so you can enjoy the sun’s embrace while you develop that noggin, duuuuude!
- Traveler’s program pick: University of New South Wales
“Because of continued negative press towards US and UK, Australia and Canada will become more aggressive in marketing their countries as welcoming to international students.”—Troy Peden, GoAbroad Founder
3. Dublin
On degree programs abroad in Dublin you’ll be able to hit the pub after long days of studying to enjoy some local delicacies and classic tunes. With options of full degree programs and some short term programs, you’ll be able to indulge in the local scene that is filled with ye’ ol’ Irish, and international students, like you! Feed your stomach with corned beef with cabbage while you feed your mind with wisdom and inspiration. Feel the charm of the Irish spirit while walking through cobbled streets and quaint pockets of sunshine—especially on those rare cloudless and rainless days! Dublin is your pot of gold under the rainbow of your international degree program. Expand your mind and fall in love with the land of the green and gold. Pack an open heart and a pair of Irish step shoes, and you’ll be prepared for the degree abroad experience of a lifetime!
- Traveler’s program pick: Dublin City University in Dublin
4. Barcelona
Get your Sangria and study on with degree abroad programs in Barcelona, the city of Gaudi. Learn about Catalonia’s history and culture while completing your degree in Hotel and Tourism Studies or Dance. Your days will be filled with academic rigor and the famous siestas in the afternoon, which is the perfect time for you to relax and recoup. In your downtime, you’ll also be able to enjoy the amazing beaches in this fine beach city. With opportunities for undergraduate and graduate programs, you'll find the perfect opportunity for your academic goals! Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time for you to play and enjoy Barcelona’s incredible 24/7 party energy. By completing your degree in Barcelona, you’ll be able to be inspired by the 2000+ year old architecture that also influenced the likes of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró—both of whom can be celebrated in museums dedicated to their work.
- Traveler’s program pick: Master of Culinary Arts with Instituto Hemingway
5. Berlin
Complete your degree abroad in this city that never sleeps! You'll be surrounded by—and inspired by—deep rooted history and incredible culture during your academic studies. This lively city requires some stamina if you try to keep up with the diverse nightlife, but the laidback lifestyle will help you to smooth things over...until the next party! With options ranging from high school abroad in Berlin, up through graduate programs, your options vary. This means that if Berlin is the perfect combination of dark charm for you, then you’ll be able to find an opportunity that meets your academic needs. Develop your international business and management skill set or expand your understanding of medical neuroscience practices on degree programs in Berlin. Each day you’ll walk by major historical sites that will continue to tell you stories and unfold your understanding of the past and the present.
- Traveler's program pick: Bachelor of Arts in International Management from Macromedia University
6. Madrid
Come alive in Madrid while getting your degree abroad! It will be a challenge not to fall in love with the architecture, the art, the food, and the lifestyle—there’s a great chance that you’ll never want to leave! With bachelors and masters options in Sports Marketing, Content Writing, Business, and Molecular Biomedicine, you’ll be able to find your ideal degree abroad program in Madrid that will allow you to soar—both academically and socially. Practice those Spanish skills and flaunt your Flamenco moves on the dance floor with your new international peers as well as the local Spaniards. Life in Madrid will pulse through your veins as you become immersed in its embrace. Your heart—and stomach—will be filled with love, happiness, and tapas. As a city with more bars than you can count, you’ll never run out of fun places to go while you take a break from your studies!
- Traveler’s program pick: Saint Louis University in Madrid
7. Seoul
Find your soul in Seoul with these degree abroad programs—too cliche? Yeah, too cliche. No matter, Seoul will inspire you by its advanced technology and fashion, while setting the beat of your heart to the ever famous K-Pop. If you’re not a K-Pop fan now, you and your international buddies will be in no time! With unique degree abroad program options of Foreign Studies and the Art of Peace, you’ll walk away with a more holistic and inclusive approach to the world.
Find something to do, or anything you need, in this 24 hour city whether you are an early bird or a night owl—or whether you are neither but need to pull an all nighter to play catch up in one of your classes. You’ll have no trouble getting around either since the public transportation is efficient and well developed. So jump on the Seoul train and ride away with your degree!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: SKIP
- Traveler’s program pick: United Nations and the Art of Peace, M.A.
Studying abroad should not be considered a luxury but rather a powerful and necessary tool to effectively market yourself and successfully operate in a global workforce. Studying abroad should be a natural progression for all students.—Sue Macchiarella of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
8. Stellenbosch
"All destinations in Africa seem to be hot, in particular new destinations outside of Ghana and Kenya," states Troy Peden, GoAbroad Founder. On top of top-notch Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa is known for its wine! And we all know what that means—hard work during the day for your degree abroad in South Africa, and a nice glass of wine, or two, to relax at night! You will be left in awe of the beauty of the wineries in this region. But, wine is not the only reason this college town is one of the best college cities abroad for college students. There are plenty of museums, restaurants, and bars to create an active and lively lifestyle during your stay in the Rainbow Nation. You will never get bored during your downtime since Cape Town is less than an hour away, and opportunities for seeing the big five on safari or penguins on the Cape of Good Hope are accessible as well.
South Africa is known for its natural beauty, so degree-seekers who enjoy hiking and surfing, among other outdoor activities, will find plenty of opportunities for adventure and awe as well. Enjoy the warm South African culture and experience the resilience of the people who have experienced intense trauma and change in their lifetimes. You will find ample learning opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.
“The affordability and variety of programming offered in South Africa—not to mention English as the language of instruction—is going to put degree programs in this more off-the-beaten-path location on the map.” —Megan Lee, International Educator
9. Paris
Complete your degree abroad in this classique international city. Under the twinkling gaze of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll fall for this City of Love and your degree program—whether you are studying fashion, hospitality, or bioengineering. The essence of French life will permeate into your every breath and dream, just embrace the experience.
Spend your downtime enjoy culinary perfection and artistic magnificence in the many world renowned museums and restaurants. As you walk to class, you’ll be charmed again and again by the quaint neighborhoods and the high-end streets. Baguettes and beres are not required, as Paris is an international city that requires no effort for falling in love. Just bring along an open heart and an open stomach, and Paris will do the rest (besides study…Paris can’t study for you).
- Traveler’s program pick: Paris College of Art Undergraduate Degree Programs
10. Edinburgh
Be ready to be swept off of your feet and inspired by the great thinkers of the past in the Athens of the North. Your time in Edinburgh will be occupied by time admiring the incredible cityscape rocky hills overlooking the sea—the perfect combination of city and nature all wrapped up into one of the best college cities abroad! Be prepared for some foul-mouthing in the many pubs and restaurants around town.
The residents in Edinburgh are not shy when it comes to speaking their minds, which may rub off on you—especially in moments of frustration with the progress of your term paper or thesis project. Edinburgh will keep you on your toes. Every time you and your international peers think you’ve got things figured out, you’ll realize you’ve got it figured out all wrong. Try not to hold onto this confusion too much as it can be distracting to your studies! The best solution is to keep expectations open and be ready for castles and clubs, and quiet and excitement.
- Traveler’s program pick: Edinburgh Napier University by CISAbroad
Next steps to find degree programs abroad
Here are a handful of resources to get you started on your very own journey to becoming an international student. 2019 could be YOUR year to go abroad for a degree—and we can help make it happen! Get free program recommendations that match your travel goals, or use MyGoAbroad to bookmark and compare program options with confidence.
Still hungry for more? Bookmark these bad boys:
Degree Abroad Inspiration
Applying for University Abroad? Here’s How to Do It Right
- The Most Popular Degrees to Earn Abroad
- Here’s Where to Get a Cheap Master’s Degree for International Students
Program Selection Advice
- Want to Study Abroad for Masters Programs? 9 Questions to Ask First
- 8 Criteria to Consider as You Shop for Universities Abroad
- 11 Things to Look for When Comparing Study Abroad Programs
Paying for Your International Degree
- Paying for Your Degree Abroad: Student Loans, Savings, & More
- 3 Countries with Free Tuition for International Students
- Hundreds of Scholarships for Study Abroad
[Get Matched with 5 Degree Programs Abroad for FREE]
Earn a degree abroad in one of the best international cities for college students this year!
You’re one step closer to the degree program abroad of your dreams!
Good college towns aren’t necessarily hard to come by, but these international wonders will elevate your degree experience by leaps and bounds. Your global perspective will expand and deepen, your compassion will warm and embrace, and your perspective on yourself and the world will change. Not only will you learn immense amounts inside the classroom while you complete your degree, but you'll learn just as much—if not, more—outside of the classroom as well.
Each day will present itself with lessons to be learned and adventures to be had. Say yes to the chance to experience something out of your wildest dreams, while fulfilling them with your studies all the same. Embrace each high and low, and enjoy the ride! These incredible international cities are waiting for your arrival!
This article was written with help from Hannah Sorila
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