7 Page-Turnin’ Study Abroad Programs in English Literature

Do you want to study abroad as an English major? Step right up! There’s nothing quite like losing yourself in a book–and if you study English literature, you understand the extraordinary joys of throwing yourself into this pursuit on a much broader scale! With the turn of a page, you can be transported to the cobblestone streets of an Irish town; to the open plains of Africa; or to the coast of the Mediterranean as your adventures take shape and leaps into life. When you make the decision to study English literature abroad, you can take that opportunity even further by reading your favorite authors in the places they lived, or by exploring their novels, plays, stories, and poems in the very places in which they are set.

In many ways, avid readers already know the merits of travel. So why not find study abroad programs in English literature?

Study Cervantes in Spain. Read Zola in the French countryside. Lose yourself in the poems of Wisława Szymborska as you travel to Poland by train. Once you make the decision to investigate the best places to study English literature abroad for your particular field of interest, you’ll find the authors you read—and their writings—come into view even more clearly than before. With so many incredible places and opportunities to choose from, you only need to decide which of the many available English literature study abroad programs are right for you.

Here’s a sneak preview of the top study abroad programs in English literature!

• API at the Universidad Nabrija in Madrid, Spain
• Boston University: London History & Literature Program
• USAC Ireland: Cork–Full Curriculum
• CISabroad: Semester on the Gold Coast–Bond University
• IES Abroad Amsterdam–Social Sciences & Humanities
• ISA Study Abroad in Stirling, Scotland
• AIFS Study Abroad in Prague, Charles University: Semester

The best programs for study abroad in English literature this year

Editor’s note: This information on ways to study English literature abroad was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. API at the Universidad Nabrija in Madrid, Spain—10.0

“If you only read one sentence, let it be this: you should study abroad. API was absolutely incredible, and four years later I still cannot say enough great things about them. They made everything easy and bent over backwards to help out...This program in particular was awesome. I loved Madrid, and the classes at Nebrija were phenomenal. I lived in a residencia, and made friends that will last a lifetime. Maria and Quique were great as hosts, and I loved getting to know them as they showed us the amazingness of Spain. The excursions are fantastic, and easily some of the best offered by a study abroad program. If you're ready to have the experience of a lifetime, I highly recommend using API!”––Read more reviews of API at the Universidad Nabrija in Madrid, Spain here!

• Where: Madrid, Spain
• When: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
• Why: Madrid blends the old world with the new, and this opportunity allows you to experience the culture of this bustling urban center. As part of the study abroad programs in English literature here, not only do you get to study English literature in a beautiful place, you can also take advantage of Spanish language and history programs as part of your studies. And if you love to travel and explore new places, the extensive list of included excursions offered as part of this program will surely be music to your ears.
• More Info: API at the Universidad Nabrija in Madrid, Spain

2. Boston University: London History & Literature Program—8.93

“Studying abroad with the BU London History Programme was an excellent experience! The history we covered in the courses was intriguing and diverse and many of the subjects were often supported by related field trips throughout the city. We also went on a day trip to Oxford and overnight trip to Liverpool, which was particularly helpful to gaining a better perspective into the history and variety of culture within the UK. The research seminar was my favorite part of the study abroad programme as we were able to utilize amazing research sources such as the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, the London Library, and the National Archives at Kew. The location of BU's London facilities is conveniently located near some of the major museums, such as the Victoria & Albert and the Natural History Museum, as well as Hyde Park and Royal Albert Hall.”––Read more reviews of Boston University: London History & Literature Program here!

• Where: London
• When: Fall
• Why: If you study English literature abroad in London, you’re going to be right at the heart of some of the most significant literary influences–from the writings in Old English to the present! In this specific program, you’re working with an established American program, designed to enhance your historical understanding of literary studies, all while offering you up to a total of 16 earned credits during your time abroad.
• More Info: Boston University: London History & Literature Program

3. USAC Ireland: Cork–Full Curriculum––9.55

“The amenities of the University of College Cork paired with the knowledge of USAC created a semester full of opportunities for fun, education, and lots of craic of course! I was able to take a variety of interesting classes across campus including a traditional fiddle course. The international student administration was super organized in getting students to register for classes. University College Cork not only offers a variety of courses but they have a huge selection and involvement in clubs...USAC Cork could not have been a better experience!”––Read more reviews of USAC Ireland: Cork–Full Curriculum here!

• Where: Cork, Ireland
• When: Year Round, Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
• Why: If you study English literature abroad in Cork, Ireland you will be in one of the most desirable travel locations. While there, you can study at any number of world-renowned universities, and enjoy all kinds of active pursuits–ranging from hiking to swimming, or climbing, tennis, and rugby. And, if you’re someone who enjoys a good spa experience, you’ll be delighted to learn that you can also relax from your studies in one of the community steam rooms or saunas. So, if a good balance between reading and being out in the world sounds appealing, then Cork might be just the place for you!
• More Info: USAC Ireland: Cork–Full Curriculum

4. CISabroad: Semester on the Gold Coast–Bond University––8.98

“Thanks to CISabroad, I was able to spend 4 amazing months in Australia! Getting the chance to study abroad is an opportunity of a lifetime. CISabroad has a variety of different destinations, and there were so many places I had considered before choosing a semester on the Gold Coast. My advisor helped me through the process, provided scholarships, and made me even more excited for the journey I was about to embark upon...The team is dedicated to making sure you are safe, happy, and getting the most out of your experience.”––Read more reviews of CISabroad: Semester on the Gold Coast–Bond University here!

• Where: Gold Coast, Australia
• When: Year Round, Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
• Why: When you spend time on the Gold Coast, you can combine your classes with plenty of access to sun and surf–and dinner and dancing! This program is consistently ranked among the best places to study English literature abroad because of the excellent offerings, but also because of the focus on the whole person, balancing coursework with health club access, personalized attention, and a comprehensive year-long program. This opportunity includes the books–and the beach! 
• More Info: CISabroad: Semester on the Gold Coast–Bond University

5. IES Abroad Amsterdam–Social Sciences & Humanities––9.18

“There is a reason Amsterdam has a reputation for being a great city. From nightlife to museums to shopping to a combination of modern technology and historic architecture, Amsterdam has it all. Since I grew up in a suburb and go to school in a college town in the United States, I wanted to experience the thrill of a big city, and Amsterdam did just that for me. There is always something to do in Amsterdam, and I wish I had more time to live there and experience everything I missed out on!”––Read more reviews of IES Abroad Amsterdam–Social Sciences & Humanities here!

• Where: Amsterdam
• When: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
• Why: What could be better than an English literature study abroad program in Amsterdam? The customized curricular offerings here are only the beginning! Not only do you get to design your own course of study, you also get to do it while walking the peaceful streets, wander around the canals, and enjoy the excellent mix of historic charm and modern amenities. You can even pursue direct enrollment in one of their well-known affiliated universities as part of your overall program, possibly extending your experience into one that includes not just literature, but art and music, as well. 
• More Info: IES Abroad Amsterdam–Social Sciences & Humanities

6. ISA Study Abroad in Stirling, Scotland––10

“This program is absolutely a must-do! My study abroad experience in Stirling was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. Stirling is the perfect location- close enough to both Edinburgh and Glasgow for day trips and also to the Highlands! Stirling itself is a smaller, quaint town but has everything you would need and more! There are many restaurants for going out to eat, a shopping mall, the Stirling Castle, other sightseeing destinations, with very friendly people. Every time I went into town I discovered someplace new! The University is small but beautiful, with many things to do during the day- walk around the loch, hike to the top of Dumyat, take a bus into town and explore Stirling–never a dull moment!”––Read more reviews of ISA Study Abroad in Stirling, Scotland here!

• Where: Stirling, Scotland
• When: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the Year
• Why: Scotland offers beautiful (and meaningful!) experiences to any traveler–but Stirling, specifically, is one of the best places to study English literature abroad! The medieval castles at the heart of this historic city now serve as home to music, theater, and concert experiences, blending the old with the new in ways that are fitting for this lush (and modern!) university center. Considered to be a very pedestrian-friendly location, you can amble about, reading and thinking in the nearby forested areas one weekend–and hopping a quick 45-minute train ride to Glasgow or Edinburgh the next. With something for everyone, and easy access to outlying areas, this program has it all!
• More Info: ISA Study Abroad in Stirling, Scotland

7. AIFS Study Abroad in Prague, Charles University: Semester––9.03

“Studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic was probably the most memorable experience of my college career thanks to AIFS. Looking at the program itself, the program with AIFS is both very affordable and super immersive in the Czech culture...Living in Prague is also super affordable, as meals, going out, and planning trips never push your wallet's limit and allow you to do whatever you want for reasonable prices. You are also afforded a wide wage of classes...with great professors and amazing learning opportunities. The program administrators are also the most amazing people you will meet, the trips they take you on are very planned out, and the support they provide the students goes beyond expectations. Prague itself is such a beautiful city with so much to do and see. The year I spent in Prague was spectacular and I miss it every day since I left, and AIFS helped make that experience even more great!”––Read more about AIFS Study Abroad in Prague, Charles University: Semester here!

• Where: Prague, Czech Republic
• When: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
• Why: When you think of Prague, you’re likely imagining the gorgeous scenery–including some of the most interesting architecture to be found anywhere! But it’s not just the incredible opportunities for sightseeing and culture immersion that this program has to offer–not when you can also enhance your plans to study English literature abroad with embedded internships teaching English to local elementary school students, or working with the Prague Shakespeare Company as part of your program! Add in the trips to Moravia (included in the program) and excursions to the opera, ballet, theater, and other benefits, and you’ll be impressed by all the exciting things you can Czech off your list!
• More Info: AIFS Study Abroad in Prague, Charles University: Semester

[Browse ALL English Literature Study Abroad Programs]

You’re ready to Study Abroad in English Literature!

You’ll find a whole new kind of adventure when you study English literature abroad!

With so many different options, it really comes down to which of the many fields within English literature are most appealing to you—and where you’re most likely to find your study abroad match. Wherever you may go, the experience will certainly be one to remember!

Imagine yourself not only reading and writing about the Brontë sisters as part of your English literature study abroad program, but also walking the streets they walked and having a picnic in the same fields in which they sat? This opportunity for total immersion is unparalleled, and it won’t just enhance your abilities as a scholar—it will expand your opportunities as a student of life. So grab your books, pack your bags, and read your way to your next adventure!

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