Editor’s note: This article is part of our Meaningful Travel Forecast and official travel report series for 2019. There are over 190 countries in the world. How are you supposed to pick ONE for study abroad?! Of course, you can find a program that takes you to multiple destinations, but there is something to be said about spending a semester (or year!) in the same city abroad to get the full cultural immersion experience. Just imagine feeling like a local in Spain as you order tapas in fluent Spanish with friends, or writing a dissertation on gender equality in Scandinavia with a professor you’ve worked with all year.
Read the GoAbroad Official Report on the 10 Best Majors for Study Abroad in 2019
There is so much you can soak in from a country during your study abroad experience. Depending on your area of interest and type of experience you are looking for (living in a shared flat downtown or living in a hut with a family?), time’s-a-ticking to find the best place for YOU to explore meaningful travel as you study abroad in 2019.
We asked the experts, and here’s what they have to say: read on to learn the best places to study abroad, according to our community of meaningful travelers, program administrators, and international educators.
The best countries to study abroad in 2019
1. Japan
With its invigorating metropolitan cities and high-speed innovation, Japan is a great choice to study abroad for those interested in technology, finance, and business. Learning Japanese while you are there would give you a leg up in the business world as Japan continues to grow as a global powerhouse, making it one of the best places to study abroad for business majors. The contrast between the cities and the countryside would also make it an interesting destination for cultural or Asian studies.
The ever-efficient transportation system, English-medium international schools, and high-regard for quality education make studying in Japan appealing for many foreigners. Plus, living on an Island can’t be all that bad!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: AFS-USA
- Traveler’s program pick: World Campus International
2. Australia
Longtime traveler Rachael Van der Werff agrees: “Australia is an English speaking country that has a lot to offer anyone visiting.” Perfect for those who can’t quite seem to pick up a second language. If you can add “mate” into your vocab, your English will do! But don’t think for a second that Australia lacks diversity. You will find varied landscapes, cuisines, wildlife, cultures, and overall vibe as you move between the coastal cities and the vast outback. Because of this diversity, you can choose almost any course of study, making this dream destination one of the best places to study abroad! Tap into the lively arts culture in the cities to expand your creative studies, or take advantage of Australia's rich environment as you study geology, animal science, or marine biology. Even techies will find their place among some top-ranked facilities in the world.
- Traveler’s program pick: AUIP - American Universities International Programs
3. Spain
Ole your way through an experience of tapas, sangria, nightlife, flamenco, and muchos more traditions when you study abroad in this cultural explosion of a country. An easy choice for those wanting a Spanish-language immersion, Spain promises to provide a full study abroad package. Not only will you be able to study subjects such as politics, business, and arts within Spain’s rich historical context, you can easily join a futbol league, go on a self-led tour of Gaudi architecture, and enjoy countless midday meals with large groups of friends (who will surely introduce you to jamon iberico and paella). Whether you are fluent in Spanish or just learning, Spain is one of the best places to study abroad in Europe.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: IES Abroad
- Traveler’s program pick: Academic Studies Abroad (ASA)
One of the great benefits of study abroad is that it allows students to learn the skills necessary to thrive when the environment, culture, or language may not be their own. Building these critical skills and perspectives leads to informed, engaged citizens prepared to enrich their own lives and the world.—Vicky Wolf Bender, IFSA-Butler
4. Germany
We can’t talk about the best places to study abroad in Europe without talking about Germany. Germany has so much to offer to study abroad students - affordable programs, high quality and regard for education, and plenty of course offerings to choose from. European history, the sciences and maths, and economics and business are popular choices for students who want to study in big cities like Berlin and Munich. Besides growing in your area of study, studying in Germany will help in your overall skill development, as students are expected to be independent and self-directed. When you aren’t sitting in perfectly structured lecture halls, grab some friends and explore historical sites and natural views. Germany’s organized transportation system makes it easy to see the whole country without breaking the bank. (or getting lost!)
5. Italy
Foodies come from far and wide to experience the culinary wonder that is Italy. History and architecture buffs drool over the iconic (and sometimes leaning) sites and ruins. And students… well students get to experience all this while gaining course credits! Sign me up! There are clear benefits to choosing to study abroad in Italy if you are majoring in vocal performance, music, history, architecture, art design, fashion design, hospitality and tourism, (shall I go on?). You will literally be IN the cities where it all began or where its currently booming! Since Rome wasn’t built in a day, you should probably chose a full year program to soak in all that Italy has to offer and gain a lot of language practice along the way. (You can tryyy to get by in English, but when in Italy…)
- GoAbroad’s program pick: International Studies Abroad (ISA)
- Traveler’s program pick: John Cabot University - Study Abroad in Rome
6. England
If you love fish and chips, want to study abroad at a top university, and your second language skills are laughable, England is the place for you! London’s big city and urban chic lifestyle attracts many students from all over the globe. No matter if your choice of study is European history or theatre, you will be sure to find diversity among your peers. Smaller cities and towns include the ever-so-famous Manchester, Oxford, and Cambridge. Business studies, communications, and liberal arts majors will benefit from the quality and prestige that come along with these names. Since there are so many options for study abroad in England, you have to do your research to find the right program for you. No matter where you select, the global position England holds will create an educational and worthwhile experience.
- Traveler’s program pick: University of Evansville's Castle Program
“With more people traveling during their high school years and with family, we'll see an increase in popularity in a few destinations such as Japan, Argentina, and South Africa.”—Nikki Powers, CCO of GoAbroad
7. China
The Eastern powerhouse that is China is ready to share its unique culture, natural wonders, and abundant cities with you! The bustling organized chaos of Shangai, Beijing, and Hong Kong are prime locations for studies in economics, political science, and global affairs. China’s growth as a major international player also makes it one of the best places to study abroad for business majors. Not to worry if big cities aren’t your cup of green tea, China is HUGE and will have something to offer everyone if you do your research. A big disclaimer: most programs are taught in Mandarin, so some prior Chinese language study is highly preferred and beneficial. But most programs also include intensive language classes during your stay, so you will be a natural in no time!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: USAC
- Traveler’s program pick: Silk Mandarin
8. France
Who doesn’t have the Eiffel Tower on their bucket list? France is the most visited tourist country in the world. You better bet it has great things in store for study abroad! Paris offers an exciting cosmopolitan city that will keep you enthralled in activities from day to night, while other well known cities like Lyon and Nice will keep you engaged in local culture. No matter where you study, your course options will be far and wide, making it one of the best places to study abroad in college. Learn the language of love while immersing yourself in your own love of culinary arts or art history, or take advantage of France’s modern facilities for science and engineering research. Its multicultural atmosphere will teach you lessons in more ways than one.
SAI's Program Coordinator in Paris, Jennifer Wright, further gushes: "Most young people don't realize the diverse cultural opportunities in the central location of Paris within the EU. Paris hosts headquarters of many prominent multinational and international organizations, giving students academic and professional access to these organizations and their activities."
- Traveler’s program pick: Academic Programs International (API)
9. Argentina
Are you ready for adventure in the great wide somewhere? Do you want to perfect your ability to order your favorite dish in Spanish? Then Argentina is the place for you! Argentina boasts major metropolitan cities and gorgeous natural landscapes—a perfect blend of experiences for students who want to study anything from finance and business to art and agriculture. Head to Buenos Aires to join the many international students attracted to its renowned universities and tango-filled nightlife or settle into a more rustic scene just outside Cordoba and Mendoza. With all that it has to offer, Argentina is without a doubt one of the best places to study abroad in South America and one of the best places to study abroad in college! As Vicky Wolf Bender of IFSA-Butler put it: "The courageous students are selecting Buenos Aires, Lima, Pune, or Shanghai where the language and the culture dominate the experience."
- GoAbroad’s program pick: Academic Programs International (API)
- Traveler’s program pick: Mente Argentina
10. South Africa
Also for the adventurous type, South Africa has loads of thrills to experience and incredible scenic landmarks to venture through. With its nature reserves and unending coasts, it is a common study abroad choice for environmental studies, conservation, and marine biology. You will gain up-close-and-personal experience in the oceans along the Western Cape or in the inland preserves like Kruger National Park. Social policy, political science, and journalism majors will visit major historical sites while studying pre and post apartheid society in the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, and medicine or public health students will gain first hand experience volunteering in an HIV or TB clinic. South Africa is one of the best countries to study abroad because its programs offer a unique service-learning approach to their students, allowing first-hand experience to be the main teacher.
- Traveler’s program pick: CISabroad
It’s important for young people today to expand their horizons and to be confronted with and challenged by new and different perspectives and ways of doing things.—David Comp, Columbia College Chicago
Next steps to book study abroad programs
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
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Find programs in the best places to study abroad this year!
Which fabulous study abroad destination will YOU choose?
The world is overflowing with sites, culture, and experiences for all of us to learn from. As a student, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad and enhance your education tenfold! We’ve narrowed down some of the best countries to study abroad, and within that, some of the best places to study abroad, now it’s your turn to dig deeper as you research to find the right place for you. You are just a few steps away from a picnic near the Great Wall of China or a canal tour in Venice—what are you waiting for?! Get the most out of your study abroad experience and bring back everything you’ve learned to make a meaningful impact in your hometown.
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