Asia is a magical place; meaningful travel opportunities are as vast as the continent itself. With a multitude of rich, diverse cultures to immerse yourself in, there’s really no reason you shouldn’t study abroad in Asia.
Do you fancy high-end shopping malls and futuristic transportation? Singapore is the spot for you. Or would you rather get lost in bucolic rolling hills where there are more yaks than humans? Mongolia is quite literally one of the coolest and best places to study abroad.
If you’re deep into pondering your Asian adventure, you might be a little overwhelmed by the myriad of destinations. There are 48 extremely different countries with extremely different people, cultures, values, and climates! Figuring out the absolute best Asian cities to study abroad may have left you staring blankly at your laptop, left eye slightly twitching from exhaustion.
Should you study economics in the booming business hub of Beijing? Or take a break from the hectic buzz of a city and camp out for a semester in rural Nepal? Would you prefer a country with skiing opportunities, like Japan? Or are you trying to avoid cold weather at all costs, and would prefer tropical Thailand?
Everything looks amazing (because it is), so it’s impossible to choose. That’s why we’re culling the list for you and presenting the 9 absolute best places to study abroad in Asia. But when it comes down to it, you can’t really mess this decision up.
Why study abroad in Asia?
Because you are sure to find your niche in Asia, no matter what kind of person you are. It’s a great continent to discover high quality study abroad opportunities because there are soooo many to choose from!
Obviously, we talk up study abroad in general (meaningful travel, hello!), but Asia is something spectacular. The programs offer many unique experiences, each with their own special sauce that makes them worth every hour of that lengthy flight.
9 best Asian cities to study abroad
1. Tokyo, Japan
The color and lights (and study abroad programs) in Tokyo will blow your mind.
Is it really possible that Tokyo is here on Earth and not somehow on a futuristic space base? Last time we checked, it’s still the thriving capital city of Japan, and one of the best Asian cities to study abroad in.
Tokyo is a culture trip and metropolitan mayhem in all the right ways. It’s a great choice for students interested in tech and business (seeing as it’s the world’s third-leading economy), but there are programs for culture, law, humanities, and economics as well.
They don’t mess around with academics in Japan, so you’ll get your time and money’s worth while attending the prestigious universities in Tokyo.
Recommended Programs:
- IES Abroad Tokyo – Language & Culture
- CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Tokyo, Japan
- View ALL Study Abroad Programs in Tokyo
2. New Delhi, India
We’ve got culture, we’ve got modern infrastructure, and we’ve got the home of the Indian government. Welcome to New Delhi! New Delhi is great for people looking for a serious adventure for their study abroad, but who also want to get hands-on academic skills under their belt. The capital is home to the government (obvs) and a lot of policymakers, nonprofits, and organizations promoting health and human rights.
It’s easy for students to get involved in policy advocacy, medicine, and other work-study programs that’ll give you tangible experience in the field. The universities are competitive to U.S. schools, so you won’t get behind during your time in Asia. BONUS: The classes are (usually) taught in English, so you won’t need to memorize a new language to get A’s in Asia.
New Delhi also has a killer public transport system that’s cheap, too, making it easy to explore on a budget. When you’re not in school, dive into the rich history of this cosmopolitan city with ancient roots.
Recommended Programs:
- India: Public Health, Policy Advocacy, and Community
- Semester in India: Spirit & Service | Carpe Diem Education
- View ALL Study Abroad Programs in New Delhi
3. Singapore City, Singapore
You have to see Singapore to believe it.
Singapore is not only one of the best Asian cities to study abroad, but one of the best places to tell your parents about. It can be a little intimidating to hear your baby is going abroad! Ease their fears by telling them that Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Besides, they’ll be impressed that you chose a city with such highly-acclaimed education programs.
You might want to get study tips from your new local roomie, because schools in Singapore can be a bit...rigorous — but well worth the effort. And it’s an excuse to rub elbows with the locals who can introduce you to the burgeoning diversity. You’ll have a chance to experience a range of cultures: Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Eurasian people bring their culture, religion, and food to the island city.
Recommended Programs:
- TEAN: Singapore Management University
- Global Innovation Program - Singapore
- View ALL Study Abroad Programs in Singapore
4. Shanghai, China
Once a small fishing city...now it’s freakin’ Shanghai, a city bursting at the seams with culture, people, and technology. Shanghai is one of the best places to study abroad in Asia because it offers a stunning contrast between cosmopolitan, urban flair, and ornate, ancient temples.
You can learn Mandarin Chinese (just the most-spoken language in the world, NBD) while you study your program of choice. Since it’s a huge business hub, students in Shanghai have access to international business leaders, where networking can truly get you places.
While you’re not climbing academic and professional ladders, treat yo’self to some drool-worthy Chinese cuisine: crispy fried sweet pork, sweet and sour fish, and dumplings for DAYS.
Recommended Programs:
- USAC CHINA: Shanghai-International Business Studies
- ISA Study Abroad in Shanghai, China
- View ALL Study Abroad Programs in Shanghai
5. Seoul, South Korea
You won’t mind getting lost in Seoul, one of the best Asian cities to study abroad.
Students go to Seoul because there is always something new and exciting to discover. South Korea is a beautiful country with a lot to offer, but Seoul is almost a mini country in itself. It’s made up of different districts, each like a little pocket of culture that only exists in that area.
You’ll stumble across places with very traditional vibes to bumping eclectic modernity. Seoul is one of the best Asian cities to study abroad because it has one of the most advanced economies in the Asian continent, and a culture that has seeped into mainstream culture across the world. (BTS, we see you. Oh, we see you.)
Recommended Programs:
- CIEE Arts and Sciences in Seoul, Korea
- Semester in South Korea - Sogang University
- View ALL Study Abroad Programs in Seoul
6. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
And now for something completely different! Programs in Mongolia are for students who want a little peace and quiet, and something totally different from life as they know it. Culture shock might get ya good here, but what’s life without a little discomfort? That’s pretty much synonymous with adventure if you ask us!
The capital city is actually more of a hub than people may realize, with mining companies bringing people and wealth to the country throughout the last 20-30 years. But it’s an easy trip to the quiet countryside of Mongolia for a break from city life. Go to Ulaanbaatar to get lost in the nomadic world of Northern Asia, and come back a different person.
Recommended Programs:
7. Bali, Indonesia
Find inner peace when you study abroad in Bali.
“Island paradise” doesn’t begin to describe Bali. The local cultures mixed with a strong international presence make Bali an exciting hub brimming with diversity. Universities offer a unique opportunity to connect with students from around the world, as they are attracting more international students every year.
English is relatively common in Bali, so you’ll be able to make your way around fairly easily. It’s one of the best places to study abroad because it’s a gorgeous place to live! The vibrant green rice paddies and lush jungles are going to suck you into the island, and the cerulean waves will pull you back to the beaches. You might accidentally get academic credit for going on the best vacation of your life. #SorryNotSorry
Recommended Programs:
- Study Abroad in Bali, Indonesia with Asia Exchange
- Indonesia: Community Nature Conservation in Bali
- View ALL Study Abroad Programs in Bali
8. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is quite the little gem in Asia, and Chiang Mai is one of the best Asian cities to study abroad in, hands down. Known as the cultural capital of the Land of Smiles, Chiang Mai is a warm, welcoming city that offers students a special version of Thailand not most tourists get.
Sure, the beaches and islands of the south are fabulous (definitely check that out while you’re there), but Chiang Mai’s mountains and nature reserves are alluring and magical. The charm of the city lies in the people: a mix of students, families, and many, many monks.
You’ll quickly learn the Thai way of living is relaxed and endearing. When in doubt, mai pen rai — go with the flow, and don’t worry about it! Be careful: that Thai smile is contagious.
Recommended Programs:
- TEAN: Chiang Mai - Summer in Thailand
- USAC THAILAND: Chiang Mai-Southeast Asian Economic Studies
- View ALL Study Abroad Programs in Chiang Mai
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Let’s take another dive into idyllic island vibes in Malaysia! There’s something nice about tropical, humid climates with days as sunny as the people. Kuala Lumpur (or KL) is a popular city for international education, so you’ll make great connections with people from around the world.
It’s on our list of best Asian cities to study abroad because it offers a variety of academic programs, access to a buzzing urban center, a modern blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian culture, and street food that’ll knock your socks off.
It’s also a great option for students looking to save a bit of cash while studying abroad because the cost of living is generally lower than a lot of European and other Asian countries.
Recommended Programs:
- Malaysia and China: International Relations & New Economies
- View ALL Study Abroad Programs in Kuala Lumpur
Need more help? Talk to our Online Advisor and get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Asia!
Study abroad in Asia for a heavy dose of culture!
Relax! You’ll have a blast no matter what when you study abroad in Asia.
Asia is one of the best places to study abroad in the world because there’s always something new to discover. The diversity across the continent is impressive, but even one single city is a mixed bag of goodies. This place is expansive, and we guarantee that you’ll be able to find the perfect program no matter what your interests and goals are.
When you’re trying to figure out the absolute perfect match for your semester, year, or summer abroad, lists like this can almost make it worse. Now you’re probably going to be off studying abroad for the next nine years!
Sure, these may be our top nine best places to study abroad in Asia, but the best place is where you end up. The only terrible decision you can make at this point is to not go abroad at all. So what are you waiting for?
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