Editor’s note: This article is part of our Meaningful Travel Forecast and official travel report series for 2019. The best part about studying abroad is exploring the city you are living in. It is part and parcel of the learning experience: not only will you earn that sweet, sweet university credit, but you will also learn about the ins and outs of your study abroad location. There’s a reason why metropolitan cities are such popular locations for international students! There are endless new places to explore and activities to try, all while immersing yourself in the local culture and meeting other like-minded, international students and travelers.
Read on to Find the GoAbroad Official Report on the 10 Best Cities to Study Abroad in 2019
What makes an ideal study abroad city? Good schools and livability certainly help! But beyond that, it is all up to your preferences. Do you want to live in a city with a crazy nightlife scene? Or a city that is a stone's throw away from mountains or beaches? Or maybe museum and art gallery hopping is more your style?
GoAbroad’s Meaningful Travel Forecast for 2019, brought to you by travelers and international education professionals alike, can help you make these decisions for your study abroad adventure! Here’s our collective predictions for the best cities to study abroad in 2019.
The best study abroad cities in 2019
1. Madrid
Hola, Madrid! Madrid is the capital city of Spain, and the city is the perfect blend of chaotic and calm. As a student in Madrid, you get the best of both worlds: relaxed Spanish culture and exciting big-city living. Madrid is the place to be if you love food and drink (but really, who doesn’t?). Madrid has embraced culinary creativity, while sticking to its Spanish roots, creating some pretty delectable eats (patatas bravas or chocolate con churros, anyone?). The city is also known for its lively nightlife. You can eat, study, and relax your way through the day, and then party all night in one of the most enchanting cities in Spain!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: USAC
- Traveler’s program pick: IES Abroad Madrid Summer
2. London
There are a few reasons why London makes it into pretty much every list of best cities to study abroad in Europe. It has some of the best schools in the world, tons of international students, and age-old cultures and traditions. Go posh with afternoon tea or a visit to Buckingham Palace, or go a little more laid back and enjoy London’s pubs scene. Once you have the chance to cozy up with a spot of tea on a perfectly rainy day, or wander around any of London’s iconic landmarks, you’ll see why London remains one of the best cities to study abroad in Europe.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: IES Abroad
- Traveler’s program pick: Queen Mary University of London
London and Sydney continue to be popular destinations for U.S. students looking to study abroad without a language barrier, but the slightly more adventurous students are choosing Edinburgh, Prague, or Dublin where they can study and operate in English but still experience and explore another language.—Vicky Wolf Bender, IFSA-Butler
3. Barcelona
Beautiful Barcelona is all warmth: warm climate, warm vibes, and warm people. Whether you want to amble along its gorgeous beaches or its sun-filled streets, you will be plunged into Mediterranean bliss in Barcelona! The city is almost too romantic to be true. Your study breaks can consist of drinking wine, trying tapas on beachfront terraces, or taking a dip into the deep blue. Its famous arts and architecture scene makes it one of the best cities to study abroad in Spain, and perfect for students who want an arts and culture centered study abroad experience.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: IFSA - Institute for Study Abroad
- Traveler’s program pick: American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS)
4. Sydney
Sydney is known for its laid-back atmosphere, iconic Opera House, and famous beaches (no matter how busy, Bondi Beach is always worth a visit!). If you’re a beach bum, Sydney should be at the top of your list of best study abroad cities! With tons of coastal walk paths, awesome surfing, and over 100 beaches, you’ll have endless excuses to spend a day at the beach. Sydneysiders love two things that are student essentials: coffee and beer. In third place comes smashed avo toast. Trust us, you’ll fit right in!
- Traveler’s program pick: CAPA Global Education Network
“Students are getting wise to the perks of studying in Sydney—Is there anywhere that captures world-class urban living with access to nature better than Sydney?! They can pack their power skirt/tie AND their laziest beach outfit—all are fair game in this powerhouse coastal city.”—Megan Lee, International Educator
5. Florence
In Florence, you’ll find yourself with a full stomach and an even fuller heart. It is a city that loves food and wine. Surrounded by abundant hills, it is easy to find local, sustainable, and delicious food in Florence. As the birthplace to the Italian Renaissance, it’s is one of the best cities to study abroad for any art student. We must say, it’s a city that is pretty easy on the eyes as well (by easy on the eyes, we mean breathtakingly gorgeous). You’ll fall in love with Florence!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: Academic Programs International (API)
- Traveler’s program pick: SAI Progams
6. Paris
Paris has it all: cheese, baguettes, and wine. Just kidding, there’s so much more! There’s a reason why Paris is such an iconic traveller’s city. It is one of the best cities to study abroad in France (but you probably already know that!). There’s something alluring about Parisian culture, and there are endless places to explore in the city Take your pick: nightlife, museums, art galleries, cafe terraces, or restaurants? Paris chooses all of the above!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: CISabroad
- Traveler’s program pick: Academic Programs Abroad (APA)
7. Rome
Rome itself is a work of art, scattered with famous landmarks and Roman architecture. You have the chance to explore past relics all across the city. Rome’s modern buildings and squares, built around ancient architecture, are all truly a spectacle to behold. It only takes a day of Rome’s dolce vita lifestyle to want to stay in the city forever! Rome’s charm, history, and out-of-this-world pasta makes it one of the best cities to study abroad.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: IFSA - Institute for Study Abroad
- Traveler’s program pick: CEA Study Abroad
Quests to find the best pizza and gnocchi shops are a delicious adventure. Summer crowds mean tons of interesting people to meet, and gelaterias mean escape from the heat! You’ll feel absolute awe when seeing the Colosseum for the first time (a true reward after crowded trains and piazzas).—Jessica Rosa in 13 Best Study Abroad Programs in Italy for Summer 2019
8. Berlin
Revolution spawns art, and art draws a pretty hip crowd, which is exactly what you will find in Berlin. The city is buzzing with culture and history. Although the name invokes the Berlin Wall (which, of course, is worth a visit) the city is so much more. As a city that has shaped history and survived being torn down and rebuilt in a multitude of ways, Berlin isn’t afraid of a little change. The city is gritty and glamorous, and has become a centre for dreamers and creators, which makes it one of the best cities to study abroad. For students that like a little bit of partying, Berlin filled with people who know how to have a good time: the party culture is alive and well here!
- Traveler’s program pick: TU Berlin Summer and Winter University
9. Tokyo
Tokyo is overwhelming in the best way possible. The city is filled with a constant, frenetic energy. Home to over 37 million people, it truly is a city that never sleeps! Tokyo is known for being futuristic, and a master of convenience. A near-perfect transit system, konbinis on every corner, and laneways of handy vending machines, student life in Tokyo is easy-breezy (if you can handle the crowds!). As the hotbed of Japanese pop culture and mouth-wateringly delicious food, Tokyo is high on our list of top study abroad cities!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: KCP International Japanese Language School
- Traveler’s program pick: Temple University
10. Shanghai
Shanghai. A city of brilliance, mystery, and innovation lies inside the city’s recognizable neon skyline. Shanghai is one of the best study abroad cities because it is an international centre for finance, culture, and education. As with many mega-cities, Shanghai combines the old and new, the traditional and the futuristic, all into one intriguing package. No visit to Shanghai is complete without trying xiaolongbao (pork filled soup dumplings), amongst all of the delicious food in Shanghai, it is a savory favorite! As a student in Shanghai, you’ll find yourself among bustling markets, ancient temples, and modern skyscrapers, for a thrilling study abroad experience!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: IFSA - Institute for Study Abroad
- Traveler’s program pick: The Education Abroad Network (TEAN)
Next steps to book study abroad programs for college students
Here are handful of resources to get you started on your very own journey to becoming an international student. 2019 could be YOUR year to travel—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:
Study Abroad Inspiration
- How to Study Abroad: The Busy Student's Guide
- 8 Ways to Study Abroad
- Study Abroad 101: What to Know As a First Time Student Abroad
Program Selection Advice
- 10 Best Study Abroad Programs in 2019
- How to Choose Between Study Abroad Programs
- 20 Short & Sweet Ways to Study Abroad This Summer
Paying for Study Abroad
- Can I Study Abroad for Free?
- How to Cover the Cost of Study Abroad
- 15 Low Cost Study Abroad Programs
- Dozens of Study Abroad Scholarships
[Get Matched with 5 Study Abroad Programs for FREE]
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Which of these best study abroad cities will YOU call home?!
The city you choose to study in will shape your study abroad experience. Luckily, with so many students worldwide, each city on our best cities to study abroad list has something exciting to offer. Whether you choose to hang out with the ‘roos in Sydney, drift in the Mediterranean blues in Barcelona, or eat your way through all the different types of sushi in Tokyo, you’re sure to collect some awesome memories along the way. These best cities for study abroad definitely won’t disappoint.
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