Online Study Abroad

Online study abroad programs are a game-changer for students who want global exposure without leaving home. Whether it’s for credit, career prep, or just curiosity, going virtual is a smart and accessible way to get international experience on your terms.

Stand out globally. Gain academic or professional experience that shows future schools or employers you’re globally minded and adaptable.
Save big. Forget flights, housing, and transportation. Online programs make international education way more budget-friendly.
Grow real-world skills. Get better at managing your time, staying organized, and communicating across cultures and time zones.

Things to know

Success in a virtual study abroad setting takes a different kind of hustle. It’s not harder. It just means showing up with intention and staying engaged, even when you’re halfway across the world.

Connectivity. Don’t fall off the grid. Make sure your internet is reliable and your software is up to date. Keep in touch with professors and classmates to stay in the loop.
Responsiveness. Respond to messages quickly and check in regularly. It builds trust and keeps things moving.
Routine. Treat your online study time like the real deal. Set up a distraction-free workspace, stick to a routine, and block time for studying and breaks.
Initiative. Speak up in class, ask questions, and get involved in discussions. Your visibility and voice matter even more in a remote space, and showing you care goes a long way.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Believe it or not, you can study abroad online! At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, studying abroad online became much more common. Many providers now offer virtual study abroad opportunities.

What is Virtual Study Abroad—and is it Worth it?

Studying abroad online works a lot like studying abroad on-site. You'll take classes, do coursework, and communicate with your classmates. Immersion activities (like language learning and cultural exchange) will take place virtually.

How to Be a Successful Online Learner

The best online courses for education abroad will be effective at engaging students, and won't cut corners on cultural exchange. Check out online courses from Arcos Learning Abroad, and AIFS.

Latest Program Reviews

Online 1:1 classes - highly recommended

November 30, 2025by: Eva Rey - SwitzerlandProgram: Silk Mandarin's Online Chinese Course

10

I’ve been taking online 1:1 classes with Silk Mandarin for half a year now, and I’ve been really happy with the experience! I appreciate the blended learning approach: studying grammar and vocabulary through well-designed online materials, using the lessons to practise, and then reviewing on my own. My teacher, Yanqin, manages to make the classes both fun and truly insightful. She always finds creative ways to practise and revisit what I’ve learned in previous lessons, and is both patient and motivating. The stories she shares about characters and words also help me remember them better and make connections I wouldn’t notice on my own. Highly recommended!

Online 1:1 classes - highly recommended

November 30, 2025by: Eva Rey - SwitzerlandProgram: Silk Mandarin's Online Chinese Course

10

I’ve been taking online 1:1 classes with Silk Mandarin for half a year now, and I’ve been really happy with the experience! I appreciate the blended learning approach: studying grammar and vocabulary through well-designed online materials, using the lessons to practise, and then reviewing on my own. My teacher, Yanqin, manages to make the classes both fun and truly insightful. She always finds creative ways to practise and revisit what I’ve learned in previous lessons, and is both patient and motivating. The stories she shares about characters and words also help me remember them better and make connections I wouldn’t notice on my own. Highly recommended!

Very good course for my needs

November 29, 2025by: Claudia Villa - MexicoProgram: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification online course $44

10

I wouldn't say I'm fluent in English but I do use it every day so I have a very good level. The course was easy to understand and with good information that was of a nice design. I learned many interesting things about teaching children.