14 Best Study Abroad Programs for Art History Majors

Picking a major can go two ways. One way involves automatically knowing what you want to study for the next 4+ years. The other way includes potentially changing your major a couple of times, agonizing over what you want to do with your life, but eventually making a decision. Art history majors are no different.

Because of the passion and thirst for knowledge about culture this major inspires, studying art history abroad is a dream for art majors. Your choice of best study abroad programs for art history majors may depend on your area of focus. For instance, if you are learning about Renaissance art, you can’t go wrong with studying art history abroad in Florence, Italy.

The best study abroad programs for art history majors involve hands-on, in-person learning that allows students to engage with the art while viewing it all firsthand. Living and engaging with the culture and history of a country makes studying art history abroad an unforgettable and worthwhile experience.

What makes these programs the best?

Choosing the best study abroad programs for art history majors focused on several criteria, including but not limited to provider reputation, reviews and ratings, quality of the program, and program inclusions.

First, the provider’s reputation was one of the main criteria for picking the best study abroad programs for art majors. This research was conducted by scanning and reading reviews and ratings by past participants. The reviews and overall reputation of the providers helped determine if the program was legitimate and worthwhile for students seeking to study art history abroad.

You can’t beat studying art history abroad to take your major out of textbooks.

Next, the overall value of specific programs offered was also a consideration. Even if the provider has an excellent reputation, that does not necessarily mean all of their programs have quality standards.

Finally, program inclusions such as excursions and hands-on learning experiences were considered. In addition, housing opportunities like homestays, apartments, and hotels were considered when determining the best study abroad programs for art history majors.

14 best study abroad programs for art history majors

1. IES Abroad Dublin DE - Trinity College Dublin

• Why? Take your art history lessons way back to the Middle Ages and study in Dublin. This program enrolls students at an Irish university, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Irish academic culture. IES Abroad will be supporting you before and throughout your stay on the Emerald Isle. Feeling lucky? Apply to study art history in Dublin, Ireland today.
• Where? Ireland
• Read IES Abroad reviews

2. CIEE Liberal Arts in Seville, Spain

• Why? Studying abroad on a liberal arts-focused program is perfect for art history majors. This CIEE program allows students the chance to take a variety of courses, not just art history specifically. For example, you can improve your Spanish language skills by interacting with locals at the Universidad de Sevilla and Universidad Pablo de Olavide.
• Where? Spain
• Read CIEE reviews

3. Arcos Learning Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico

• Why? Head south of the border to learn about colonial architecture and indigenous cultures while studying art history abroad. Oaxaca is known for its arts and food culture, making it one of the best study abroad programs for art history majors. See archeological sites up close and earn credits while living in Mexico!
• Where? Mexico
• Read Arcos Learning Abroad reviews

4. Study Abroad in Rome at John Cabot University

• Why? There’s no place like Rome. Studying art history at John Cabot University will give you the opportunity to see classic art pieces firsthand. This program gives students the chance to meet new people with similar interests while overseas. John Cabot University offers clubs, community service opportunities, and cultural activities to push students outside of their comfort zones.
• Where? Italy
• Read John Cabot University reviews

5. TEAN - Australia - University of New South Wales, Sydney

• Why? Interested in the land down under for your study abroad adventure? This program holds classes at the University of New South Wales, which is in the top 50 universities in the world—and just minutes away from the beach. This program is great for art history majors who want to experience living in a new culture while learning about art and history.
• Where? Australia
• Read The Education Abroad Network reviews

6. SAI Study Abroad at Florence University of Arts

• Why? Where better to study art history than the birthplace of the Renaissance? Florence, Italy is the perfect place to study art and culture. You can take an internship on this program and view the classic art collections obtained by the Medici family in your spare time! Excursions included in the program could include a walk up to the Piazzale Michelangelo, a cooking workshop, and a trip to Milan!
• Where? Italy
• Read SAI Programs reviews

7. Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

• Why? Too indecisive to pick one country where you want to study abroad? Why not consider a semester at sea! This program lets you set sail for the semester while earning college credits from Colorado State University. Countries that this program goes to include: Japan, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, India, South Korea, Germany, China, Vietnam, Brazil, and more.
• Where? Multiple countries
• Read Semester at Sea reviews

8. Argentina: Memory and Social Activism Through the Arts

• Why? This program is extremely unique because of its focus on social activism through the lens of art. Topics you can study include Argentina’s artwork, art movements, and artists. Learn about how Argentinian artists used new technologies to send messages to spark conversations about global problems. This is definitely one of the best study abroad programs for art majors.
• Where? Argentina
• Read SIT Study Abroad reviews

9. Study Abroad in Greece with CYA

• Why? College Year in Athens allows you to study abroad for one academic year or one semester. While this program is not designed for art history majors, there are still opportunities to observe and study archeological sites and ancient art history. During this program, students can learn about the history of Greece and its impact on modern society.
• Where? Greece
• Read College Year in Athens reviews

10. AIFS Study Abroad in Barcelona, UAB

• Why? Study art history at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona while immersing yourself in the local community. This program gives back by offering volunteer programs to their students. The best part about this program is that social and cultural activities, field trips, and excursions are designed to help you learn about Barcelona.
• Where? Spain
• Read American Institute for Foreign Study reviews

11. IFSA: University of Edinburgh Partnership

• Why? Escape to a location with ancient historical sites and a fascinating history on this IFSA program in Edinburgh, Scotland. The University of Edinburgh is where you will be studying and learning about how this gorgeous city came to be where it is today. This program especially appeals to art history majors because the largest arts festival in the world, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, takes place in this city.
• Where? Scotland
• Read IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad reviews

12. American University of Beirut

• Why? The American University of Beirut allows art majors to choose from multiple courses in the liberal arts. You can easily knock off general education courses while living abroad in Lebanon and learning at an American institution. Course subjects available to take include: Arts and Sciences, Business, Architecture, Public Health, Engineering, and more.
• Where? Lebanon
• Read American University of Beirut reviews

13. LdM Florence: Study Abroad

• Why? Study art history in the city where Michelangelo lived and practiced his artistic talents during the Renaissance. This program’s location, Florence, is home to one of the largest international schools in Italy. There are large art studios, a cafeteria, a courtyard, and a library all nearby the famous Duomo Cathedral.
• Where? Italy
• Read Lorenzo de’ Medici reviews

14. Barcelona SAE: International Business and Humanities Semester at UAB

• Why? Barcelona’s historical art pieces and locations are unmatched anywhere else in the world. With the Barcelona SAE program, you will get to stay at a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hospital Sant Pau Campus. On top of this, you will live minutes away from Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia where you can gaze in amazement at this beautiful work of unfinished art.
• Where? Spain
• Read Barcelona SAE reviews

Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE

Studying art history abroad is a great move for your academic career

You’ll step right into history when you study art history abroad.

You can experience art and its history on a different level when you visit the cities and towns where the art was created. Even visiting the location where the art has ended up may offer a fascinating story to explore. This is why studying art history abroad is highly recommended for art history majors.