Studying abroad is always an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures and gain valuable experiences that can help you grow as an individual—no matter where you decide to study. Arguably one of the most difficult parts of the process is choosing your destination. Both Australia and Europe rank highly on the list of best study abroad destinations, so a common question arises: Should I study abroad in Australia or Europe?
Both Australia and Europe offer unique travel and study experiences, making the decision a challenging one for many future study abroad students. Let GoAbroad break down all the factors for you to make the process easier. Once you do your research and weigh the pros and cons of each destination, you’ll be able to decide whether study abroad in Europe or Australia is the perfect journey for you.
6 differences between studying abroad in Australia vs. Europe
When you compare Australia vs. Europe study abroad opportunities, it’s easy to spot some of the differences. As a student abroad, there are a few major factors you’ll want to consider, including cost, travel logistics, and culture shock, but there are also many other factors that might not be on your radar just yet. Here are the biggest differences between Australia vs. Europe study abroad programs:
1. Cost
Let’s cut to the chase: Australia tends to be more expensive than Europe. Sure, European destinations vary, but generally speaking, the tuition fees, accommodations, and cost of living are going to be higher in the Land Down Under. Many European destinations will be more appealing to students on a tighter budget.
On top of your academic and living costs, it’s also much cheaper both to get to Europe and to travel around to surrounding destinations, while flights to and around Australia are very expensive and very long.
2. Travel opportunities
Cost aside, one of the highlights of studying abroad in Europe is how easy it is to travel to different countries across the continent, allowing students to access different cultures and languages with just a short, cheap flight or train ride on the weekends. While Australia is full of bucket list excursions and diverse travel destinations, it’s much more geographically isolated, meaning travel opportunities around the country and to surrounding islands often require more planning, higher travel expenses, and longer journeys.
READ: Study Abroad in Europe: 8 Insider Tips You Need
3. Adventures
When you compare study abroad in Australia vs. Europe, it’s clear that both offer adventures of a lifetime, but the experiences are on opposite sides of a spectrum. Australia is known for its outdoor adventures, and students can fill their free time with adrenaline-pumping nature experiences, like scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Outback, hiking through some of the world’s oldest rainforests, and coming face-to-face with koalas, quokkas, and kangaroos.
You’re sure to find adventure with this guy as your neighbor.
Europe, on the other hand, offers a rich cultural experience. Students can immerse themselves in history, explore ancient castles, and spend free time at some of the world’s most renowned museums.
4. Weather
Because Australia and Europe are on opposite sides of the globe, they have distinct climate patterns. Australia tends to be much warmer, and many parts of the country don’t experience the typical four seasons, meaning you should always pack your sunscreen and can hit the beaches almost year round if you don’t mind a dip in icy waters.
Europe’s climate is more diverse, with a Mediterranean climate in the south and colder temperatures in the north. Neither is better, it just depends on your personal preference.
5. Study structure
The academic structure is important to consider when debating whether you should study abroad in Europe or Australia. Australian universities often follow a more practical and vocational approach, with an emphasis on networking and real-world experience. European universities often focus more on theory and research.
In addition to the structure of the academics themselves, the academic calendar also runs differently. Europe tends to follow a calendar similar to the United States, with semesters running September to December and January to May. Australia’s semesters run February to June and July to November, which can be tricky to navigate when figuring out your timing for a semester abroad.
6. Language and culture
Language and cultural diversity vary significantly when comparing Australia vs. Europe study abroad programs. Australia’s primary language is English, making it very easy for native English speakers to study overseas.
In Europe, however, students will be surrounded by other languages, from Italian to German to Spanish to French. While there are English-speaking universities across Europe, students will need to enroll in language classes and put those new skills to use when navigating their destination, enhancing their understanding of the surrounding culture.
4 similarities between studying abroad in Australia and Europe
While there are many differences between studying abroad in Australia and Europe, there are also some ways that these two destinations are similar. Here are a few things both destinations have in common:
1. Nightlife
Both Australia and Europe can promise one thing: FUN! Both destinations pride themselves on vibrant and diverse nightlife scenes to suit every type of student abroad.
From Sydney and Melbourne to Barcelona and Berlin, both Australian and European cities are teeming with bars, pubs, clubs, live music, festivals, and entertainment for students to let loose in their time off. No matter which side of the world you land on, you’re sure to have a blast with new friends in the city of your dreams.
2. Top-notch study programs
You can’t make a bad choice when it comes to academics—both continents have you covered with top-notch universities.
Both Australia and Europe are known for their high-quality education systems and world-renowned universities. Despite the academic style being slightly different, your resume will shine whether you decide to study abroad in Europe or Australia. Not only that, but you’ll have access to experienced faculty and excellent academic resources that will create an epic learning experience, no matter which destination you choose.
READ: How to Study Abroad in Australia
3. Travel opportunities
While your travel opportunities will look vastly different in Australia vs. Europe, study abroad in both of these destinations offers endless opportunities for exploration. Europe gives you easy access to multiple countries that are just a short train or flight away, while Australia offers you diverse cities, natural landscapes, or the opportunity to cross oceans to a nearby island, like New Zealand, Fiji, or Bali.
4. Safety
Australia and Europe are two of the safest places in the world, and both have a reputation for being welcoming for international students. Both destinations have well-established support systems and infrastructure in place to ensure international students are safe and supported. Whether you choose to study in Australia or Europe, you’re sure to expect a home base that prioritizes student welfare.
4 study abroad programs in Europe and Australia
Still asking yourself, should I study abroad in Australia or Europe? These top-notch study abroad programs might help sway your decision:
1. TEAN - Australia - Bond University, Gold Coast
- Why it’s great: Bond University is Australia’s largest private university, with half of its student population coming from overseas. Students will have the opportunity to find home on the Gold Coast, nestled on the East Coast and known for its sunshine, surfing, and gorgeous national parks scattered through the hinterlands.
- Unlike many other Australian universities, Bond University’s academic calendar is similar to American semesters, making it easy for students to travel from the U.S. without disrupting their study flow. Most classes transfer back to U.S. degree programs, so students who want to travel to Australia will have an easy transition studying at Bond University with TEAN.
- Where: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Read TEAN (The Education Abroad Network) reviews
2. Study Abroad at Curtin University
- Why it’s great: While the majority of study abroad programs in Australia are located on the East Coast, Curtin University offers the unique experience of studying off the beaten path in Western Australia.
- WA is much more isolated than other parts of the country, but Curtin University is nestled in the pristine city of Perth and offers students high-quality education, research opportunities, workplace learning experiences, and beachside living. Not only that, but Curtin University is rated in the top 1% of universities worldwide, so you’ll come home with a shining resume.
- Where: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Read Curtin University reviews
3. ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy
- Why it’s great: If you want to study abroad in Europe, you can’t beat getting lost in Florence—the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to arguably some of the best food on the planet. Florence is nestled in the heart of Italy’s Tuscany region, with classes held in centuries-old buildings just across the piazza from the famous Duomo.
- Students at ISA will feel at home as they study at Florence University of the Arts, taking classes in advertising, design, history, and the arts, or at Apicius International School of Hospitality. Either way, your ears will be filled with the songs of the Italian language and your belly will be full of gelato.
- Where: Florence, Italy
- Read ISA (International Studies Abroad) reviews
4. IES Abroad Berlin – Language & Area Studies
- Why it’s great: If you want to learn a new language, IES is the program for you. Learn German in Berlin, one of the most popular destinations in Europe and the booming center of German culture, politics, and business.
- With IES Abroad in Berlin, students can study for a semester or an entire year while perfecting their German language skills at several different universities, including Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Freie Universität. Students can also balance their study experience with an internship, offering the chance to immerse themselves deeper in the culture and gain practical work experience while abroad.
- Where: Berlin, Germany
- Read IES Abroad reviews
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Down under or across the pond—either way, studying abroad will be epic
If you’re asking yourself, should I study abroad in Australia or Europe?, know that you’re in for adventure either way!
The decision to study abroad in Australia vs. Europe ultimately depends on you. Both offer unique opportunities for growth, whether you want to explore diverse cultures, enjoy thriving nightlife, or study at top-notch programs. Yet your own personal preferences, academic goals, and budget will always play an important factor. No matter which side of the world you end up on, study abroad in Europe or Australia will be the absolute adventure of a lifetime.
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