Liberal Arts Study Abroad Programs

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390 Liberal Arts Study Abroad Programs


Tidelines Institute
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The Glacier Bay Semester offers an unparalleled opportunity for young people aged 18-24 to develop as leaders, community members, and global citi...
CIEE College Study Abroad
4.41
17
CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. Are you a U.S. college student looking to study and intern abroad? We have full-time and part-time placements across 40+ locations worldwide and in diverse fields, from AI and engineering to public policy and business administration. Fi
See All 12 ProgramsArcos Learning Abroad
4.78
249
Study abroad in the highlands of central Costa Rica, in the charming city of Heredia. Immerse yourself in the Costa Rican lifestyle while taking classes at the modern Latin University. Courses include Spanish for all levels, electives, certificate courses in English and Spanish, and internships. C
See All 5 ProgramsAdelante Abroad
4.63
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Seville is one of the most loved destinations among tourists. Enjoy a semester with Adelante Abroad in one of southern Spain's most popular Andalusian cities! In our Semester Study Abroad in Seville Program, students will develop their Spanish language skills while earning college credit in classes
See All 2 ProgramsUniversity Studies Abroad Consortium
4.25
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Spend one or two semesters in the “Sunshine State” of Australia, where a year has an average of 300 sunny days! The Gold Coast and Brisbane program is an ideal study abroad experience if you love the outdoors. Based along the country’s east coast, this program lets you explore beaches, a coral r
See All 6 ProgramsAIFS Abroad
4.58
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Spend a semester or academic year in the classic city of Florence with AIFS Abroad. Choose from a wide variety of courses at the AIFS Abroad Global Education Center with credit awarded by Fairfield University. Select the Traditional Academic Program to begin or advance your Italian language skills
See All 9 ProgramsWorldStrides
4.83
125
Experience Australia’s Gold Coast, a world-famous destination where surf beaches, lush rainforests, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle create an unforgettable study abroad experience. Study at leading institutions like Bond University or Griffith University while enjoying a welcoming community, diverse
See All 25 ProgramsSemester at Sea
4.77
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Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective t
See All 4 ProgramsIFSA, Institute for Study Abroad
4.48
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Academic excellence in one of Europe's greenest cities! With a sterling reputation for academic excellence that stretches back to 1583, the University of Edinburgh is also looking to the future. Witness the university’s Edinburgh Futures Institute, a thought lab focused on global challenges. (Hint:
See All 28 ProgramsNew York University
4.08
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Choose from courses in anthropology, business, and politics at NYU Madrid. You’ll have the chance to improve your Spanish language skills with intensive language courses as well as internships, class-related excursions, and regional trips. Located in the heart of the city, NYU’s newly renovated ac
See All 13 ProgramsSAI Programs
4.53
32
Experience the sweep of Italian history by spending a semester or summer in the heart of Rome! John Cabot University (JCU) offers students the opportunity to pursue an exceptional academic and cultural education in one of the most inspiring cities in the world. JCU offers a US-accredited liberal art
See All 5 ProgramsJohn Cabot University
4.2
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Imagine spending a year, semester, or summer studying in the heart of Rome, while earning academic credit, building your resume, and experiencing Italy beyond the classroom. Located in Rome’s historic center, John Cabot University offers a truly international study abroad experience where you’ll l
See All 2 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
4.62
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Get practical work experience in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru with Maximo Nivel’s professional International Internships. Gaining high-impact hands-on experience abroad sets you apart in competitive job markets and can help define long-term career goals. Maximo Nivel internships elevate your re
College Year in Athens
4.4
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CYA (College Year in Athens) has been offering study abroad programs in various academic disciplines for over 60 years. Athens, a European capital, is rich in history and a contemporary hub for art, international business, and relations and debate on economic, political, and migration issues. With
See All 3 ProgramsExpanish
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Combine professional experience with life on Spain’s Mediterranean coast through the Expanish Semester Internship in Málaga. This program allows students to earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience in a part-time internship placement aligned with their field of study. Students typical
See All 2 ProgramsUniversity of Haifa International School (UHIS)
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The International School is an integral part of the University of Haifa. As a student at the International School, you will be joining students from all over the world who have come to Israel to enhance their education. You will also be studying and living with Israeli students. The International Sc
See All 2 ProgramsSIT Study Abroad
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Explore global health issues and compare public health systems through the lens of development, humanitarian action, human rights, and social justice. Based in Geneva—the world capital of public health—you’ll learn from experts at leading organizations through lectures, site visits, and briefings. M
See All 13 ProgramsIES Abroad
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You won’t need the luck of the Irish to have an unforgettable study abroad experience in Dublin. By directly enrolling at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), you’ll have the joy of befriending the Irish, who are known for their hospitality. You’ll feel more at home knowing that Dublin has a young populati
See All 16 ProgramsUniversity of New York in Prague
4.27
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University of New York in Prague is the largest and leading English language Higher Education Institution in the Czech Republic. Teaching takes place in English and currently, more than 800 students from more than 60 countries study at UNYP. Lecturers come from the United States, EU and the Czech Re
University of Westminster, London
5
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The University of Westminster is a diverse and dynamic university located in the heart of London, England. Offering a vibrant learning environment and a commitment to education for professional life, one of our core aims since our foundation as the Royal Polytechnic in 1838. We offer a wide range of
See All 2 ProgramsHow to Study Liberal Arts Abroad
Why
Living in the land of generalities is only satisfying for so long. Why not use a study abroad experience as a launch pad to better understand what you want to focus on or specialize in under the great big umbrella that is the liberal arts?!
“To be or not to be”…as a study abroad student...“that is the question.”
As you know, studying liberal arts does not prepare you for a specific job (like our good friends the doctors and enginerds); instead, by giving you broad knowledge and an array of useful skill sets (decision-making, communicating, etc.) that can be utilized in almost any job you pursue, a liberal arts major prepares you for the world at large. Therefore, studying liberal arts abroad gives you the chance to practice your cross cultural skills and possibly even become proficient in another language, which are just two of some of the most valuable skills to have in the world today.
Employers love study abroad alum. Pair your international street cred with your desirable soft skills (besides, most people can be taught the technical skills of a job) and you can consider yourself a “1-2-3-hired” liberal arts graduate.
Locations
So you’ve decided, “YES, I want to diversify my liberal arts education in another country”, but now the question remains: “Where should you go?” Due to the broad appeal of a liberal arts degree, finding a destination where you can study liberal arts abroad should be fairly easy once you know the subject or field you would like to focus on during your time abroad.
Italy. The birthplace of the Renaissance and many artists, philosophers, and poets, Italy is home to some of the best liberal arts schools in the world. While walking around cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice, take in the sites by exploring some of history’s best architecture and art collections. If you are studying in some of the most artistic cities in the world, don’t expect to be sitting in a classroom all day! You’ll instead be viewing sites like the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican, and the Pantheon instead of sticking your nose in a dirty ol’ book.
South Africa. Home to one of the most well-known social justice advocates of our time, Nelson Mandela, South Africa has so much to offer those interested in social causes and philosophy. Students will have access to social and cultural activities outside of the classroom, some of which may involve conversations with political activists, exposure to local artists and philosophers, and the occasional safari. Located on the southern tip of Africa, study abroad in South Africa will not be lacking in beautiful landscapes or wildlife.
Peru. The local music, cuisine, geography, and history will make any liberal arts major fascinated with study abroad in Peru. The traditional aspects of its history are woven into the present day society, and you will be able to experience this while studying in Lima (Peru’s modern capital) or Cusco (the historical capital). Liberal arts student are encouraged to explore the cities, villages, and historic sites that truly make Peru a magical place to study abroad in.
As a liberal arts major, the world is literally your oyster - so follow your heart flutter to whatever corner of the planet (and subsequent study abroad program) feels right.
Program Options
Since liberal arts is such a broad field, there are a number of classes that can be considered part of liberal arts study abroad, from economics and mathematics to literature and film studies. Most liberal arts course options abroad will focus on the humanities, history, arts, languages, and other social sciences. While studying abroad, liberal arts majors can easily fulfill a multitude of electives or enroll specifically in courses required for a liberal arts degree.
If you have a focus or passion for a specific niche within the liberal arts, you will certainly be able to find unique study abroad programs that provide more in-depth and specialized courses. We always recommend students choose to take classes that relate directly with the location of their study abroad program too (especially if they are majoring in liberal arts), so as to really capitalize on the potential of the whole experience. It’s way more fun to learn about Spanish politics while in Spain than back home right?!
No matter your area of interest within the field of liberal arts, you should seriously consider studying a foreign language while abroad. However, that is not to say that classes are always necessarily conducted in a foreign language abroad, because you can certainly find liberal arts study abroad programs that are entirely taught in English.
Benefits & Challenges
Liberal arts were originally designed for the free man, to provide them with the skills necessary to be civically engaged, successful in debate, and attractive to employ. Things haven’t changed all too much since Ancient Greece. The skills acquired through studying liberal arts abroad will make you more competitive in the work force, especially as someone who has gained tangible skills (such as communication, problem-solving, and independence) in an international environment.
However, liberal arts can sometimes seem too general, which can make it more challenging for you to choose, let alone focus, on a concentration for study abroad. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all of the directions you can move in, you’re not alone. The silver lining is that your study abroad experience can help you make a decision on what you will do next in your college career, further focusing your liberal arts studies at home.
Fulfill the classic liberal arts mission of “learning how to learn” in an entirely new, foreign, and exciting context. Study liberal arts abroad, dag-nabbit!
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Latest Program Reviews
Such a fulfilling time abroad
September 10, 2026by: Jordan Bar - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica with WorldStrides
I am, and forever will be, grateful for the opportunity to live in San Jose; my host family, my friends (local and fellow foreign students), and every place I visited made the trip so worth it. My classes were an amazing balance between rigor and freedom, giving me space to fully immerse myself where I was every day while also providing an enriching experience!
Best four months of my life!
September 10, 2026by: Luke Hardin - United StatesMy time in Barcelona is extremely special to me, and the experiences and friends I made will last a lifetime. I was able to emserse into a new culture which felt so foreign in the beginning but towards the end felt like home. The people in barcelona were extremely friendly and helpful if there were any questions we had as tourists.
Once in a lifetime expierience!
September 09, 2026by: Sofia Zalinger - United StatesI had the privilege to have studied abroad in Sevilla with world strides and had the best semester of my life! The culture in Sevilla was amazing, and World Strides really embedded us in it. The kindness at the office really made me feel at home. Couldn't recommend it enough!
Live Laugh Love Lille!
September 08, 2026by: Matilda Schroeder - United StatesThis program was amazing! Northern France is so rich in culture and there are so many interesting place to explore. Housing, food, staff... everything was spectacular! I highly recommend this program.

Prague: An Experience Full of Life-Long Memories
September 08, 2026by: Grace Mossad - United StatesProgram: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic
Living in Prague for 2 months during the summer of 2026 was an unforgettable and life changing experience. I was given the opportunity to live in a major European city, housed in an apartment building alongside locals just minutes outside of the city center. I took two courses through CEA Education Abroad, one technical and one humanities course, both counting towards my chemical engineering major at the University of Michigan. Not only was I able to see the most impeccable works of art, architecture, and music I have ever encountered, I was able to do so with new friends that I made, and I am confident that those friendships will last a lifetime. I was also able to explore 9 additional countries thanks to CEA CAPA's travel-friendly schedule, and those travels made a huge positive impact on my view of the world. I gained a global perspective that I could only have learned through first-hand experience, and I made memories that will be with me forever.


Paris was a grand time!
September 07, 2026by: Siyona Naidu - United StatesStudying abroad is one of the best decisions I could have made. I found it to be a great learning experience and a taste of independent life. I enjoyed the freedom of getting to visit any place in the city, as well as neighboring cities and countries. I traveled to 3 other countries and went on both CEA-sponsored trips. I had a blast in the academic center and made a lot of great friends. I liked the instructors that I had for my Thermodynamics and Architecture classes. They were not trying to trick us or fail us, and they did a lot to incorporate the city of Paris into the class content. I took the train and metro everywhere! I didn't realize how convenient it was to get around. I was used to NYC subways, but Paris metros were so much better. The transportation system everywhere (even in Switzerland and Germany) was very easy to figure out. Pros: the great food ease of transport not really a language barrier Cons: cost of souvenirs transportation doesn't run after 1 am

The best decision I ever made!!
September 05, 2026by: Samantha Parker - United StatesMaking the choice to study abroad can be a very nerve racking and stressful process, but it can also be the most rewarding and fulfilling experience if you go with a program that puts your needs first. I traveled to Florence with WorldStrides this past spring and it was honestly the best months of my life. Program staff and support was accessible throughout my entire journey ever since the start of my application to even after my flight back home! One of my favorite things they provided us with was the chance to participate in included excursions, events, and activities. This helped me and my roommates get more involved around the city and allowed us to save a little money on travel. Overall, this was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and I’m so thankful that I was able to learn so much about the city, meet people from all over the world, and return home with a new appreciation for the world around me!

A cozy and beautiful country, with interesting topics to discuss
September 05, 2026by: Liken Hefte - United StatesProgram: Social Systems, Sustainability, and Justice in Norway
My cohort was the first to attend this program in Fredrikstad in the fall of 2025. I had an amazing time, full of different experiences (excursions to Copenhagen, Stavanger, Oslo) and were really able to have a deep understanding of the country and culture, their strengths and weaknesses. I would recommend this program to anyone that is interested in the topics of social welfare, democratic socialism, and democracy. The housing is really modern and nice, and you live 2 minutes away from beautiful hiking trails.


A Semester That Changed My Perspective
September 05, 2026by: Valeria Modesto - United StatesStudying abroad in Madrid, Spain, was one of the most memorable experiences of my college journey. I had the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, travel throughout Europe and Morocco, and become more independent. Living abroad pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow personally and academically. It is an experience I will always be grateful for and encourage other students to pursue.
Spanish Medical Immersion Program in Buenos Aires, Argentina
September 04, 2026by: Karlie Sims - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina with WorldStrides
I couldn’t have had a better experience abroad! I got to meet new people, go to beautiful places, and so much more! WorldStrides provided me with endless excursions and opportunities to explore Buenos Aires! I gained not only a wealth of knowledge but memories to last a lifetime. Not to mention, I was there during the World Cup!

Life Changing Experience!
September 02, 2026by: Samuel Acosta - United StatesMy time in Italy was one of the most amazing, life-changing, and enjoyable experiences I have ever had. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit Italy for the first time, especially since it was also my first time flying on an airplane. I loved how affordable the program was for everything that was included. We traveled throughout Central Italy, enjoyed amazing food and accommodations, and were guided by caring faculty and tour guides who truly wanted us to have the best experience possible. This trip gave me unforgettable memories, new friendships, and experiences that I will always be grateful for.
Best 4 weeks of summer!
September 02, 2026by: Supriya Dahal - United StatesI had so much fun studying abroad in Costa Rica through Arcos. My program director Angie was super caring! The university professors and the rest of Arcos staff were super friendly as well. I learned a lot of Spanish, ate really good food, made some new friends and explored really beautiful places.The study abroad had excursions and activities planned throughout the weeks. There was enough structure to have something to look forward to, but also enough flexibility to do something on your own!
Amazing experience with an extremely smooth, well-ran program.
September 02, 2026by: Jay Robertson - United StatesI had an unforgettable time in Italy with Molise Italian Studies. It was my first time visiting a country outside of the United States, so I was a little worried at first. However, the program was so well run and smooth that I soon had no worries whatsoever. Our guide, Andrea, was excellent and our trip would not have been what it was without him. I would highly recommend Molise Italian Studies to any one who is interested in Italian culture, history, or exploring another country.
Best Italy Trip
September 02, 2026by: Luisana Salas - United StatesMy study abroad experience to Italy was incredible. I had met so many new amazing people and new connections. Our tour guide, Andrea, was very helpful, patient, and kind throughout the whole trip. I am very grateful to be chosen to attend this trip.

10/10 Summer in Madrid
September 01, 2026by: Rylee Whelan - United StatesI recently completed a Study Abroad in Madrid Spain and I had the best summer of my life. I meet so many people both in the program and locally. I was immersed in so much culture from festivals to food to clubs. There will be something you love there. The academics were great not too easy or hard and a good balance with school and life. The only issue I had was with my host family. It was a small family with a mom and a son (23yrs). We barely talked or saw each-other, the rare times we eat it was microwave food. Despite this my time was not ruined and I know plenty of people with better host family experiences!


Best place ever
August 31, 2026by: erin stone - United StatesI studied abroad in Madrid this past summer, and it was the best time of my life. I thrived and would do anything to go back. Worldstrides was extremely helpful while I was in Spain if it was feeling home sick, needing something that I forgot at home, or just being lost an dneeding directions on how to get home. Also, their planned excursions were very fun and planned very well, with fun schedules and activities planned throughout the entire. I would recommend this to anyone.
Florence Italy Study Abroad
August 27, 2026by: Hailey Gust - United StatesStudying abroad was without a doubt the most transformative experience of my life. World Strides made the process so much easier with their quick and detailed communication. I felt like I had so much support and resources to be successful while abroad. They also provided multiple excursions that were already included with my trip. If you get the opportunity to study abroad with world strides I highly recommend!!
Life-Changing Experience
August 27, 2026by: Alyse Celestine - United StatesProgram: Decolonizing the Mind: Racial and Environmental Justice
Through studying abroad with Augsburg, I was able to meet life long friends and gain a home away from home. In addition to learning about cultures, people, places, and historical events I had no idea existed, the community welcomed me with open arms. Cohort style learning meant hands-on experiences with my peers and opportunities to explore/tailor learning to best serve us. The Augsburg team has become family.
CPT is the BEST place to be!
August 27, 2026by: Chase Lawson - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in Cape Town, South Africa with WorldStrides
Spending a semester in South Africa reshaped the way I see the world and the way I write about it. As a writing major and African and African American Studies minor, I took every history class I could fit into my schedule, learning about liberation movements, identity, and global interconnectedness right from the source. When I wasn’t in class, I was at the beach — literally every minute possible — journaling with my toes in the sand or doing yoga as the sun came up over the water. Spring break took me all the way to Tanzania, where new landscapes and new conversations stretched my perspective even further. I met people who became lifelong friends, the kind you still text years later because the bond formed abroad never really fades. More than anything, the experience gave me a deeper understanding of myself, my studies, and the world I want to help shape. Studying abroad didn’t just change my semester. It changed my life.

MUST DO SEMESTER ABROAD
August 26, 2026by: Kalia Helgesen - United StatesProgram: Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia with WorldStrides
Studying abroad was the best choice I've ever made. Worldstrides, as a partnership program, was the best. The first week, we met for orientation in Cairns, Australia, and they took care of hotel and excursion expenses (this includes the Great Barrier Reef). It was a great first week getting introduced to Australia and my program. They were very helpful before and during my time in Australia, always there for questions, concerns, and planning a handful of group activities + one overnight trip! They were truly a blessing while abroad.

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