Study Abroad Programs
Take your academic career abroad! Gain school credit, immerse in a new culture, and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
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Featured Provider of the Month
Featured Study Abroad Opportunities
This Month’s Recommended Study Abroad Programs
AIFS Abroad
Studying or interning abroad should be more than just exploring a new destination. With AIFS Abroad, you'll:- Earn academic credit- Gain real-world experience- Discover new interests- Build skills that can help you stand out in your future careerWhethe...
WorldStrides
Spend a semester in Switzerland, where stunning Alpine scenery, sparkling lakes, and an international atmosphere create the perfect setting for academic discovery. Study at the University of Geneva, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, and jo...
University Studies Abroad Consortium
The colorful, vibrant country of Thailand is considered the "land of smiles," and for good reason: the friendliness and hospitality of the Thai people, 95 percent of whom are Buddhist, will enrich your experience living there. Khon Kaen is located in t...
Expanish
Spend your summer studying in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most exciting and culturally rich cities. The Expanish Summer Program allows students to earn academic credit while exploring Spanish and Catalan culture through engaging coursework and cultural ...
Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to pro...
Go Abroad China Ltd.
Join Go Abroad China's University Chinese Language Program to master Mandarin at China's most prestigious institutions, including Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), Peking University, and Fudan University. Designed for all proficiency leve...
SAI Programs
Paris College of Art (PCA) is a premier art and design school rooted in the rich artistic landscape of Paris. For over 30 years, the school has offered visiting and degree seeking students the opportunity to engage with the Parisian art scene while dev...
Centro MundoLengua
Want to live abroad in Spain and gain official university credits in your desired field of study while enjoying an authentic Spanish immersion experience? Come and study with Centro MundoLengua! We are a dedicated Spanish center that has signed agreeme...
How to Study Abroad
Types
Types of Study Abroad Programs
There are three common types of study abroad programs:
- Direct enrollment. This program allows you to study abroad in an international university, often alongside local students. Your course choices may be limited to classes in English, classes for international students, or classes designed for study abroad students, such as language and area studies. In some cases, you might be able to choose any courses offered at the university. These programs are ideal for any student and are usually the desired choice for upperclassmen who need classes in their major.
- Provider or University Program. The second type of study abroad program is one designed entirely by a study abroad provider or a university for international study abroad students. While there may be less interaction with local students, the curriculum may be ideally suited for you and other international students. You may also study alongside peers from around the world. These programs may last a week, a summer, a semester, or a year.
- Customized Program. The final type of study abroad is the customized program, or often referred to as the faculty-led program. This is a study abroad opportunity designed specifically for a group of students from one university and may or may not be hosted by an international university. This might include a research project in the field with other students and researchers, or it may be as simple as a trip organized by your professor visiting key destinations in his/her course.
There are other types of study abroad opportunities, including service learning for university credit, internships abroad for academic credit, non-credit study abroad, including language school learning, or study programs abroad, excluding any credit. You might also consider an exchange program, which is typically a reciprocal agreement between your home university and another university, allowing students to swap places and pay their home tuition and fees.
Why
Why Study Abroad
The majority of students who study abroad report it to be their most significant learning experience during the university program. Students also often report studying abroad as a life-changing experience. It is one of the activities that will help you perform better overall at university, engage more with your classmates and faculty, and improve your communication skills and academic performance. There are dozens of convincing reasons you should consider studying abroad.
Whether or not you study abroad for credit and how you utilize that credit is up to you. For many students, this may be the most important question. Ask yourself important questions to decide why studying abroad might be a great choice for you. Do you want to satisfy some degree requirements? Check off some general studies or core requirements? Do you need a foreign language proficiency for your major? Do you feel like some parts of the world may be better settings for courses in your major?
You might start by making a checklist of your goals in study abroad. If your number one goal is to see Angkor Wat, any program to Cambodia might satisfy your goal. If your primary goal is to take Advanced Nuclear Physics, you need to find a program that offers this class, teaches in English, and allows international students to enroll in advanced courses in Nuclear Physics. If language acquisition is your goal, be sure the study abroad program offers language classes for foreign speakers and that they offer these classes at all levels.
Benefits
Benefits of Studying Abroad
There are countless benefits to studying abroad—broadened horizons, new perspectives, and marketable skills! If you’re interested in a career in international sectors or in the humanities, then studying abroad is a no-brainer. Your cross-cultural communication skills will improve tenfold, and you’ll have the opportunity to study a new language as well. But even if your long-term career goals aren’t internationally-oriented, you’ll still come away from study abroad as a more well-rounded person with cool stories to tell, having learned more than a few new things about yourself in the process.
You know all this, the real benefit will be the internal rewards you get from this experience. You will have memories that last a lifetime, you may make friends who you will be close to for the rest of your life, and you will look at the world through a new set of eyes. The transformation is so profound that students occasionally change their major, decide a career choice and perhaps modify their entire life plan after studying abroad.
There are many more benefits of studying abroad you've never even thought of, too.
Funding
Study Abroad Scholarships & Funding
Many students need financial help in order to study abroad. If you’re studying abroad and you expect to earn credits, federal financial aid may help cover the costs. Each university has its own policies, but most US universities will allow you to utilize federal financial aid as long as your credits are pre-approved and you enroll in the minimum number of classes to remain full-time (typically 12 credit hours during the semester and 6-9 credits in the summer. The best way to be sure is to consult your financial aid advisor, meet with your study abroad office, and talk to your academic advisor to be sure your credits will count. Institutional aid or scholarships from your home university have varied policies regarding their application to study abroad. Often, institutional aid is simply a discount and may not be used for study abroad. Other schools support study abroad and are willing to subsidize the experience by allowing your aid to be utilized.
If you don’t receive financial aid, or if you’re studying through a university or provider where you can’t apply your typical aid, then you may need to rely on study abroad scholarships, study abroad loans, or crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel. Your study abroad department will also be a great lead on where to find study abroad scholarships and how to qualify. If you get creative, there are many other ways of paying for study abroad.
Popular Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is study abroad?
To put it simply, study abroad is a set time (perhaps a semester or year) when you pursue your academics overseas. This can be through a program at your home university, or it can be through an independent study abroad company in coordination with your university or degree program. Although studying abroad is typically done during college, you can try it out in high school too!
Can I study abroad?
You absolutely can study abroad! There may be a few requirements through your university, degree program, or study abroad provider though. For instance, some universities don’t allow you to study abroad with a GPA under 3.0. You’ll also need to consider your academic goals and how studying abroad fits in. For instance, are you an accounting major? You can still study abroad of course, but it may be a bit more difficult for you to find an opportunity in your degree track. Be sure to speak with your study abroad department or academic advisor to figure out the best move for you.
How long is study abroad?
Your study abroad program could be as short as two weeks, and as long as a full academic year. It could be during any season, and during any year of your academic career. How long your study abroad program lasts is up to you and your goals! Do you want to come home fluent in a second language? Then maybe a full academic year abroad is the right choice for you. Do you want to take fun electives or knock out a few additional credits outside the regular school year? Consider studying abroad for a couple months during the summer. Your study abroad department, academic advisor, and program coordinator will be able to help you decide.
And by the way, if you’re interested in earning your full degree abroad, there are lots of options!
What are some benefits of studying abroad?
There are countless benefits to studying abroad—broadened horizons, new perspectives, and marketable skills, just to name a few! If you’re interested in a career in international sectors or in the humanities, then studying abroad is a no brainer. Your cross cultural communication skills will improve tenfold, and you’ll have the opportunity to study a new language as well. But even if your long term career goals aren’t internationally-oriented, you’ll still come away from study abroad as a more well-rounded person with cool stories to tell, having had learned more than a few new things about yourself in the process.
How to get scholarships to study abroad
Most students need financial help in order to study abroad. If you’re studying abroad through your home university, the financial aid and scholarships you normally receive each semester will most likely cover at least part of the tuition. However, you’ll want to check with your financial aid office about the specifics.
If you don’t receive financial aid, or if you’re studying through a university or provider where you can’t apply your typical aid, then you may need to rely on study abroad scholarships, study abroad loans, or crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel.
Your study abroad department will be a great lead on where to find study abroad scholarships and how to qualify. We’ve also put together the resources below to help you learn more about finding and securing funding for your study abroad experience.
What are the best study abroad programs like?
With so many study abroad programs available to you, how can you be sure which one is the one? To find the study abroad program that will suit you best, you’ll need to narrow down your goals. What do you want to learn? What do you want to see? Who do you want to be after studying abroad? Do you want 24/7 on-site support, pre-departure assistance, and resume writing help? And what are your absolute dealbreakers? Once you have your answers, it’ll be easy to find the best study abroad programs for you.
Latest Program Reviews
Great time in Kunming
October 28, 2026by: Josephine Hop - NetherlandsMy time studying in Kunming so far has been one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. Especially with my great teacher. Everyone at Ltl has made me feel very welcome and I have been able to experience many amazing things.
So glad you've had a great time in Kunming, Josephine :) We loved having you here with us and are happy your experience matched your expectations!! LTL Team
A nicely structured course
October 28, 2026by: Andy Miller - United KingdomProgram: Accredited 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Course $29 with certificate
My experience was surprisingly good: this is a pro course with plenty of effort to actually train me through feedback and semi challenging tasks. It didn’t have individual feedback for assignments but I believe they have that option for a little more money. What they did have was a great attitude and lots of extra resources when I finished
Mandarin Improvements and Social Atmosphere at LTL
October 28, 2026by: Anthony Covello - United StatesI’ve been at LTL for about 6 weeks so far, and I have nothing but good things to say about it. LTL as a whole is a very welcoming environment. All of the staff are super friendly, whether it’s Alin and Riona, who you can usually find at the front desk helping students with logistical things, or Sunny, who creates and leads the social events. Speaking of social events, LTL is also a really great social environment. To foster connections between classes, LTL usually has about 2 social events per week, along with lots of social lunches, which helps build community among the students. Through this, I’ve made a lot of friends and feel very connected, even though I’m so far from my home country. As for the classes, I feel my Chinese has improved a lot since coming here, thanks in large part to my teacher, Sissi. She’s done a great job of making my 4 hours of daily classes fun and engaging, while also making sure I gain a deep understanding of the grammar structures and vocabulary we cover. All in all, I’d highly recommend LTL to anyone looking to travel abroad and study a language. Not only will LTL’s intensive courses ensure you make progress, but the friendly environment will also let you form connections and have experiences you’ll remember long after you return home.
Nothing but good things is music to our ears, Anthony :) Glad you've had 6 great weeks with us and super happy to hear you making great progress too. Keep up the great work. LTL Team
I will recommend Thailand and our program to anyone who is looking to explore a new culture
October 28, 2026by: Bridget Mulica - United StatesThis was such a great experience, filled with memorable moments and unique opportunities for learning. Once we arrived, there were so many opportunities to explore the community and experience Thai culture beyond the classroom and clinic. One of my favorite activities was the cooking class, which was amazing. Preparing food offered a hands-on way to learn about the culture while enjoying the experience with our group. I also appreciated how our guides responded to our interests. When we expressed interest in visiting temples, they planned an opportunity for us to go into the community and explore them. Seeing the temples in person was beautiful and gave us a greater appreciation for the traditions and cultural significance of these spaces. Visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary was another unforgettable experience and truly a highlight of a lifetime. Being there was something I will always remember and felt incredibly special. Overall, this trip offered much more than I could have learned through coursework alone. The combination of cultural experiences, community exploration, and shared learning made it meaningful. I am grateful for the thought and planning that went into these opportunities and for the memories and perspectives I will carry with me moving forward.
BEST!
October 27, 2026by: 美咲 小林 - JapanProgram: Barcelona Study & Travel: Spanish Classes + Private Studio
バルセロナでスペイン語を勉強してみたくて、今回初めて短期留学しました！最初はちょっと緊張してたけど、先生たちがすごく優しくて、授業もアットホームな雰囲気だったので楽しく通えました☺️ いろんな国から来ている人たちと交流できたのもよかったです！英語もスペイン語も完璧じゃないけど、みんなフレンドリーで自然と話す機会が増えました。 あと、個人的に一番よかったのは宿泊施設！お部屋も綺麗だし、キッチンも付いていて、屋上にはプールまであります。学校と同じ建物なので移動も楽だし、授業が終わったら街を散策したりカフェに行ったり、毎日充実してました♡ 普通の語学留学とはちょっと違って、バルセロナで実際に暮らしているような感覚を楽しめたのがよかったです。また行きたいなと思える場所でした！
Meiji nandeyanen??😝
October 27, 2026by: David Montgomery - United KingdomOsaka caught my heart and yes Osaka people are the best and MOST FUNNIEST in all of Japan! I couldn't go wrong with combining this great bustling place with Meiji. Classes were fun, activities crazy and the social gatherings...I won't tell too much but be prepared for crazy Karaoke nights and hilarious outings in Namba. And yes, the food is top notch! Nandeyanen, you'll see me soon again😁
Yanqin - Highly Recommend
October 27, 2026by: Sean Hyde - United KingdomI’ve really enjoyed my experience with Silk Mandarin so far. Learning Mandarin can feel quite overwhelming at first, especially with the tones and pronunciation, but the way the lessons are structured makes everything feel much more approachable. One of the things I appreciate most is that the teaching goes beyond simply memorising vocabulary. The teachers explain things clearly and make sure you understand how to use what you learn in practice. The teaching methods are engaging and make the lessons feel interactive, which helps keep me motivated and interested. I’ve also found the teachers to be very supportive, creating an environment where I feel comfortable making mistakes and learning from them. I think this is especially important when learning a language as different from English as Chinese. Overall, Silk Mandarin has made learning Chinese a genuinely enjoyable experience. Progress takes time, of course, but having a good learning structure and supportive teachers makes a real difference. I’d happily recommend them to anyone looking to start learning Mandarin or improve their existing skills.
5/5 for almost everything
October 27, 2026by: Miguel Carrera - SpainProgram: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification course from $34
Okay I’m impressed by this and happy to share my thoughts. I start with doubtful thoughts and finish with thoughts of how happy I am at the quality and elegance of the course. Now I can teach and have confidencia for my ambition.
Improving my spoken Chinese !
October 27, 2026by: Andrei W - RussiaProgram: Online Chinese Learning 1-on-1 - Schönberg Education
This school leaves a very positive impression. The learning process is well structured and strongly focused on practical usage, with particular attention to speaking skills, pronunciation, and real-life communication. The teachers are native speakers with solid teaching experience and are able to explain complex topics in a clear and systematic way. Thanks to everyone I was studying with!!
We're so happy to hear that, andrei! Making Chinese learning simple and enjoyable is exactly what we strive for. 😊
A great experience !!
October 27, 2026by: Alejandro Jose - MexicoI had a great experience here during my 6-month stay. I gained many new experiences and met wonderful people, like my teacher helena. Her teaching style is very easy to understand, and she did her best to teach me Chinese, even though my English wasn't the best. She did everything possible to help me learn, and I did. Honestly, these experiences were some of the best. I thank my teacher for everything she taught me and everything she did for me, both as a student and as a friend. Thank you!
Hello Alejandro, we’re happy to hear that you had a positive experience with our team. Your feedback mean a lot to us and motivate our team to continue providing the best support. Please keep up your great work. 😊
Helen is great
October 27, 2026by: Martina G - ItalyI joined the school program for two weeks. Helen was our teacher, and she is so funny and good at translating local slang. We had five students in that group and all of us loved her. We didn't expect a young teacher could be very professional and patient but she was amazing.
Two weeks just go too quick, Martina :) But we still had a great time! Keep up the great work. Thanks for your lovely words. LTL Team
missed Beijing
October 27, 2026by: Artion Amoroso - ItalyWe joined the Beijing trip this spring, and i really miss the feeling there! Everyday's classes with friendly and funny teacher, chinese local food differed each day, cultural challenges with locals! I also bought a mini mahjong set back home!
Love to hear it, Artion, we miss you too. Come back and let's do it all again :) LTL Team
I joined Beijing program
October 27, 2026by: M B - ItalyIt was a great trip in Beijing evenif it was not my first time. Teachers were very patient and professional. I enjoyed the class very much. There are much more students from all other countries in LTL, there were also Spanish, German and other countries.
So glad to hear you had a great time in Beijing with us. Come back again soon and thanks for the 5 stars!! LTL Team
enjoyed LTL
October 27, 2026by: Maurizio B - ItalyThe goal of my trip to China, beyond studying the language, was to get to know the small part of the country that I visited. Anya helped me a lot to manage the practical aspects, guided me in choosing places to see, and encouraged me to try new things in Xi'an(as street food f.e). Thank you.
Thanks so much Maurizio :) We're so glad you had a blast with us. Hope to see you again and thanks for the lovely words. LTL Team
A very eye opening experience
October 27, 2026by: Melanie Lee - United StatesI enjoyed each activity that was planned for us! I appreciated how our group leaders listened to our needs and were flexible with our schedule so that we could participate in all of things that we wanted to do. Each guide was kind and cared about what we were doing. Translations were timely and accurate!
Great academic trip!
October 27, 2026by: Jane Meister - United StatesThis was a great trip! I really appreciated Pooi, Pan, and Amber's planning and adaptability. It was very well organized and I couldn't believe they managed all 25 of us. They were great at answering our questions and helping us around the city. It went very smoothly and I had the best time ever.
booked a one-week intensive beginner’s course.
October 26, 2026by: Hector R - GermanyI booked a one-week intensive beginner’s course. It was really worth it and I do feel it did push me to improve a lot. My teachers (Sara in the morning and Lilia in the afternoon) were very supportive, made the class interesting and challenging. And this with a lot of humor and charm. The school has as well organized activities which you can join eg roasted duck dinner, and there is always someone to have a chat or ask for help to navigate Beijing.
Love to hear it, Hector :) We equally had a blast teaching you as well. Come back again soon for more Beijing Duck!! LTL Team
Uma experiência incrível estudando mandarim na China
October 26, 2026by: Jonnas Lima - BrazilMinha experiência estudando mandarim na LTL em Beihai tem sido excelente. Os professores são atenciosos, pacientes e dedicados. As aulas são dinâmicas e proporcionam uma verdadeira imersão na língua e na cultura chinesa. Recomendo a escola para quem deseja aprender mandarim e vivenciar a cultura chinesa de perto.
Muito obrigado por compartilhar a sua experiência! Ficamos felizes em saber que as aulas dinâmicas e a imersão na cultura chinesa em Beihai fizeram tanta diferença para você. Continue com o ótimo trabalho nos estudos de mandarim e esperamos ver você novamente na LTL algum dia! LTL Team
2 weeks Osaka with Meiji Academy
October 25, 2026by: Ramona Turban - ScotlandIt has been a great experience and my second time studying with Meiji Academy. Last year I did their Summer course in Hokkaido but this year I was curious about their Osaka campus. To be honest, it's a completely different experience. You still got the wonderful support and family-like atmosphere that Meiji is known for. However the flair and vibe was much more bustling and much more Osaka-style? lol I loved both of my experiences a lot, but I think off the Summer season Osaka is a great choice. Especially for the city events and shopping sprees I've had. The support and lessons were as always not disappointing, but it was a bit tricky finding the school on the first day...
Osaka is my new home!
October 25, 2026by: Jessy Blundell - IrelandI've been three times to Japan and ticked all the main tourist spots to visit and yes even Okinawa and Hokkaido didn't excite me so much like Osaka! Meiji's staff did an amazing job to bring the Osaka spirit and warmth these locals have directly to my heart! Variety of fun events, cultural experiences and sometimes a bit intense classes. haha
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The Academy of Tourism Antalya
Growing up, I lived in Thailand and practiced tennis, so travel and new cultures always felt natural to me.
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I was inspired to go about because it truly is a once in a lifetime experience and we are only this young once, so why not take advantage of that. It ...
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My brother was my primary inspiration to go abroad; seeing his transformative experience in China showed me how much a global perspective can change a...
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StudyInBali
What inspired me to go abroad was partly a requirement of my university, as we have to either complete an internship or study abroad for one semester.
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José Gonzalo Solís Baca
European Centre for Career Education
Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and the opportunity to experience other cultures deeply inspires me. Going abroad allows me to build genu...
Amal Azabova
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Although I graduated some time ago and currently live in Prague, I felt a strong desire to return to a structured academic environment. I wanted to re...
Elise Monroe
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I was always determined to study abroad because of the stories my dad told me about his own time living overseas. He once spoke French fluently, and I...
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I wanted to deepen my understanding of the post-Soviet region through direct immersion, especially given my academic focus on conflict mediation. The ...
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Studying abroad was not a part of my original 4-year plan. I'd anticipate joining campus clubs, meeting new people and making lifelong friendships, an...
Eddie Kaake
CES Maastricht
I had known from a young age that I wanted to study far from home, but due to the illness of one of my parents, I was afraid to make that jump. After ...
Grant Dockery
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This was not my first experience studying abroad. I have always loved traveling and experiencing new cultures (I'm a big foodie). I also adore languag...
Jon Shepherd
Bethel University Global Studies
My first trip abroad was to Mexico when I was in college, studying Spanish. That experience changed everything for me; it brought the language to life...
Anika Freestone
Phezulu Pre-Vet
I’ve always wanted to go to Africa, or specifically South Africa, to experience and work with its wildlife since I was a little girl. I’ve wanted to e...
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