Top 10 places in the world to study abroad.
This year's international student survey polled 10,000 students from 181 countries who are currently considering studying abroad. Using the top reasons to study abroad, ranked by students who prioritize finding the right destination country over a program or school, we've created educational rankings of the best countries in the world to study abroad!
Our ranking of the best places to study abroad is based on several statistical indicators for each of these 7 factors:
High quality teaching
Achieving career goals
Personal development
Culture and lifestyle
Opportunities to network or make new friends
Language teaching
Adventure
10) - Spain.
If you can imagine taking a daily siesta, sipping sangria, and exploring endless tapas bars, then España should be at the top of your personal list of the best places to study abroad. The capital city of Madrid has plenty of unique markets and museums to keep you entertained. Or explore architectural masterpieces like La Sagrada Familia and elements of Catalan culture in vibrant Barcelona. Hop on the train and discover Basque culture in the north, with surfing in San Sebastián and hiking the legendary Camino de Santiago. In southern Andalusia, it reflects the history of flamenco music and Moorish influence. Granada, Seville, Málaga and Cádiz are sure to impress. And that's not to mention the friendly people and lively social scene across the country! With universities founded as far back as 1218, along with a multi-faceted culture, studying abroad in Spain is a truly unique experience. ¡Olé!
9) - New Zealand.
Whether you prefer mountains, fjords, beaches, forests or plains, New Zealand has something for you as one of the best countries for international students in the world. This island nation hosts a variety of landscapes that are often considered some of the most stunning in the world. Even from another world, because Lord of the Rings was filmed here! However, Middle Earth did not include the vineyards of the wine regions that make New Zealand world - famous for its red and white wines. Are you going on an adventure beyond the storybooks? You can take a helicopter ride to the top of the Franz Josef Glacier, dive into the ancient glow - worm caves of Waitomo, take a trip to Lake Tekapo to see the Southern Lights and bungee jump in Milford Sound. Outside the landscape, the people are the best thing on this earth. Kiwis are widely known to be very kind and versatile. Everything from the language to the cuisine is multicultural, with the indigenous Maori culture still a strong part of New Zealand customs. Haere mai, ngā manuhiri tūārangi!
8) - France.
La République française is truly the crème de la crème for those looking for living history. In every French city or town, you will find artistic and architectural influences spanning several centuries. Visit the charming fairy-tale villages of the Alsace region, soak up the Mediterranean sun in Marseille and view the dramatic landscape of Mont Saint-Michel – culture is at your fingertips! History is documented in world-class museums such as the Louvre, and fashion is immortalized in the contemporary Paris fashion scene. And don't forget the food! French cuisine exceeds expectations every time, the sommelier is ready to match your taste to the perfect bottle of French wine. With each region as different as its wine, there are countless places to explore such as Lille, Toulouse, Grenoble or Lyon. So if you see yourself watching the sunset behind Notre-Dame Cathedral or strolling through the lavender fields of Provence, make France your next destination as one of the best study abroad destinations in the world.
7) - The Netherlands.
If you imagine bicycles, canals and cozy cafe's in the streets of Amsterdam, you already have a good idea of what life is like in the Netherlands. The Dutch commitment to efficiency and sustainability is reflected in their alternative approach to life. From the bustling cities of Utrecht and Rotterdam to the quieter student towns of Groningen and Leiden, you'll find that the people here are very diverse, especially environmentally friendly, and very accepting of others. Studying in the Netherlands is an easy decision. They have some of the most English-speaking people in the world, although it is primarily a Dutch-speaking country, and many English university programs to boot. These factors make the Netherlands stand out in Western Europe as one of the best study abroad countries. Do you have a moment of peace after class? You will also have plenty of things to do! Walk through history at Zaanse Schans, head to the Van Gogh Museum or admire the tulips in bloom at the Garden of Europe. All while enjoying a stroopwafel, of course!
6) - United Kingdom.
With some of the most prestigious universities in the world, you might guess that our list of the best countries for international students wouldn't be complete without the UK. The UK even topped this year's ranking of high-quality teaching again. The UK is actually made up of many countries, including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and there is so much to experience beyond academics. You could spend years in London alone and still not see the whole city! Imagine sipping afternoon tea and collecting pints in a pub, or perhaps exploring the world's museums and strolling through the ruins of Stonehenge. In every city, be it Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast, there is an interesting mix of centuries of history along with 21st century modernity. The rolling countryside of England and Wales, along with the rugged Scottish Highlands and the geological wonders of Northern Ireland, are more than enough to keep you entertained away from your studies. International students are guaranteed an exciting experience in the UK.
5) - Switzerland.
If you are interested in natural beauty, look no further. Switzerland is known for its stunning landscapes with scenes so beautiful it's hard to believe it's all real. It makes sense why it's on our list of the best countries for international students. There are countless hiking trails throughout the country that will lead you to panoramic views of lakes, forests and lush mountains. If you are an avid skier, you have found your paradise! Apart from Swiss cheese, chocolate, watches or knives, this country is perhaps best known for the Swiss Alps, which offer incredible sights and opportunities for mountain sports. Prepare to be amazed by the cities too. Enjoy the cosmopolitan cities of Zurich and Geneva, hang glide over Interlake or stroll through the medieval old town of Bern. A highly international population and easy access to travel as the heart of Europe make Switzerland the perfect place to satisfy your inner adventurer. If you're a language enthusiast, you'll be thrilled to hear Swiss-French, Swiss-Italian, Swiss-German, and maybe even Romansh while walking around town. Bainvegn
4) - United States of America.
There is no doubt that the USA is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, each state hosts a variety of landscapes, subcultures and histories that you'll never tire of exploring. Discover forested mountains, rolling plains, sparkling coastlines and majestic canyons all in one American road trip. Whether you're visiting Vegas, New Orleans, Miami, or Honolulu, you'll find endless sources of entertainment exploring each city's unique vibes and, of course, American or "Americanized" food! Find the best tacos in California, grab some southern fried chicken, and don't forget to weigh in on the Chicago-New York pizza rivalry. As a student at one of the many high-quality schools in the States, you'll notice that even universities are a melting pot of cultures, with both domestic and international students coming from completely different backgrounds. Does this sound like one of the best places to study abroad to you? Make your new home a land of opportunity.
3) - Germany
Deutschland ranks third in our list of the best countries for international students and number one in Europe for many reasons. Stretching from the beaches along the Baltic Sea coast to the Bavarian mountains, Germany seems to be home to almost every European landscape imaginable – perfect for all seasons. Even if you're not a history buff, you'll notice elements of the past interspersed throughout the country, from the Berlin Wall and Holocaust memorials in the city to the magical castles of Eltz and Neuschwanstein in the countryside. Visit the Black Forest for some fairy tale inspiration, get lost in Hamburg's many picturesque canals and enjoy Munich's beer gardens during the annual Oktoberfest. You will discover that the Germans are perhaps the biggest bread enthusiasts in Europe and that curry wurst, schnitzel and döner kebab are actually worthy of praise. If you decide to study at one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world in Germany, you will surely get the experience of a lifetime!
2) - Canada.
Oh, Canada! Known for its vast expanse of natural wonders, Canada's diverse landscape is unmatched. With rocky coastlines, snow-capped mountains, forested lakes and arctic glaciers, a good camera is absolutely essential. As a bilingual country, French and English are commonly spoken here, making Canada one of the best study abroad countries to learn a new language. Although, as an extremely multicultural country, you are guaranteed to hear many more languages, including the languages of Canada's indigenous people. Regardless of language, you will find a warm welcome and friendly smiles here. Feel free to explore the cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal and be amazed by the breathtaking surroundings of Banfield, Whistler and Halifax. Sounds like the perfect place to study, huh?
1) - Australia.
Australia, or Straya as the Ozzies call it, took the top spot from Canada this year as the World's Best Study Abroad Destination. With nine distinctive regions and twenty UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Tasmanian Wilderness , and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, there is so much to explore. Visit the world's oldest rainforest in the Daintree, see the red sand beaches and turquoise waters of Broome and admire the limestone cliffs along the Great Ocean Road. Do you want to learn to surf? Jump to Manly after lessons in Sydney or become a regular in Margaret River or Perth for some of the best waves in the world. City life welcomes you in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, the heart of Australia's music scene. Across the country, you'll find a passion for pubs and cafe's and a diverse mix of cultures, including Australian Aboriginal heritage. Grab some sunshine and head to Australia to see for yourself why the Land Down Under is #1 on our list of the best countries to study abroad this year!
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