6 Pros and Cons of Studying in Europe

The advantages of studying in europe are many! A wide range of incredible universities with a bigger, better selection of study choices, all equipped with state of the art facilities, with iconic architecture, situated in even more iconic cities. It’s almost too much to list.

Alas, there are disadvantages too. Considerations like the language barrier, cost of living, education fees, separation from family and friends, and the stress of arranging it all cannot be overlooked when deciding: Is studying in Europe worth it for you?

Below we’ll run through the pros and cons of studying in Europe so you have all the facts ready at hand when making your decision.

3 advantages of studying in Europe

Are you excited at the prospect of studying abroad in Europe? You should be! Here are some of the major benefits of heading to Europe to study abroad.

1. High-ranking universities and excellent study choices

As a student in Europe, you’ll feel prestigious.

There is no continent with an academic heritage, ongoing track record for academic excellence, and wide selection of globally ranked universities like Europe.

According to QS World University Ranking 2023, five of the top ten universities in the world are situated in Europe, and 31 of the top 100. This is perhaps due to all European universities residing under the European Higher Education Area, a governing board that works to increase staff and students’ mobility and to facilitate employability.

On top of all this, many universities offer much more flexible study choices, meaning your degree could combine courses from different departments to suit exactly your study interests.

2. Fantastic career prospects

Studying abroad anywhere will gain you international exposure and networking opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise have. Add to that the globally recognized standard of European universities and the advantages of studying in Europe should become clear.

The most immediate benefit is to your CV. Having an international degree or study abroad experience on your resume indicates ambition, independence, and confidence. You personally become a better prospect for employers too. As well as the professional development from your course, you’ll gain soft and hard skills from your experience abroad.

In fact, a survey from the Institute of International Education found that studying abroad positively impacted on the development of a range of skills with 60% of participants reporting significant skills gains.

3. Travel

Explore an entire continent by train!

Possibly the most exciting thing about studying in Europe is the chance to travel. Of course, there’s a lot of fun to be had traveling, but more than this, it's a fantastic opportunity for personal growth.

You’ll develop independence as you explore new cities, interpersonal skills as you interact with people from all over the world, and self-awareness as you navigate new cultures and ways of life.

Another thing to consider, when studying in Europe your visa will grant you entry to more than 30 countries, so you’ll have plenty to do with your weekends.

3 disadvantages of studying in Europe

Europe is beautiful—but rarely affordable.

Studying abroad in Europe is an amazing experience to consider, but naturally has its own downsides. Here are some of the cons of choosing Europe for study abroad.

1. Cost of living and education fees

While not as steep as in the USA, tuition fees in Europe are expensive, especially in the more prestigious universities of western Europe. Although there are scholarships available for studying abroad in Europe, they can be tricky to secure, and without them students will have to take out substantial loans or cover the cost personally.

Then, there is the actual cost of living to consider. In countries like France, Germany, the UK, and anywhere in Scandinavia, just the cost of food and accommodation can be staggering. Of course there are plenty of ways to study abroad in these countries on a budget, but it's definitely worth saving beforehand.

2. Language barrier

You’ll pick up language skills just by going to your favorite cafe and ordering a coffee!

In reality, the language barrier you may experience can easily fall in either the pros or cons of studying in Europe. For many students from English-speaking countries, it can be daunting to live somewhere where a different language is spoken. In all honesty though, it’s fairly easy to overcome.

First, the majority of Europeans speak very good English, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to communicate in English within big cities. Additionally, you’ll likely be studying with other international students, and there might even be a few from your home country, all of whom will most likely have a command of the English language.

Not to mention, there’s no better way to learn a language than when living among native speakers! Foreign language skills are exceptionally valuable today in terms of both education opportunities and career growth.

One thing worth checking is whether your course will be taught in English or the local language. Other than this small bit of planning and forethought, there’s no reason the language barrier should stop you from studying in Europe.

3. Separation from friends and family

To some this might not seem like a big deal, but for others it can be quite wrenching, especially if it’s their first time traveling to another country alone. What’s more, making new friends while studying abroad can be a challenge.

Yes, your first time traveling alone can be a big step but studying a year in Europe might be one of the best ways to take it. You’ll be well-integrated into a community of both international and local students, you’ll have plenty of assignments to keep yourself busy, and you’ll find so much adventure in your host city that you won’t have time to miss home.

Moreover, you won’t be the only one feeling nervous on your first day. You’ll be surrounded by loads of students all in the same boat, all just as eager to make friends as you are. It can be scary, but it's definitely worth taking the leap.

So…is studying in Europe worth it?

Trust us: Studying abroad in Europe should be your next move.

So, is studying in Europe worth it? We can’t make the decision for you, but for what it's worth, we think so.

The benefits to the quality of universities, career development, and opportunity for personal growth vastly outweigh the disadvantages of studying in Europe. What’s more, a lot of the negatives could be better described as opportunities or challenges!

A new language is an incredible skill to pick up, and there is no better time to do so than when you're young. Leaving home is a scary thing to do, but it has to happen some time and studying abroad is a great way to do it. The costs can be considerable and budgeting may be a challenge, but you’ll never regret the investment.

Either way, we hope that now with the pros and cons mapped out, you feel better-equipped to make your decision. And take your time! It’s best to think through every angle and make sure you know what you hope to get from the experience. Remember: Expectations don’t always match reality.

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If you’re ready to start planning your study abroad adventure, you’re in the right place. Explore programs, get recommendations, and utilize our study abroad resources. If you need more convincing that studying abroad in Europe is the right move for you, explore what skills you’ll gain from studying abroad, consider interning during study abroad, or learn the benefits of studying abroad remotely. Ready to get started?