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The International Student Blog

Top Study Abroad Locations

Posted on November 12th, 2011 by Apinant Hoontrakul

More and more students are now studying abroad than ever before. If you are considering going on a study abroad program, one of the decision you will have to make is where to go. Some study abroad destinations are more popular than others.

There are many reasons why students choose to go to one country over another. You may choose your host country because it shares the same language or offers a chance to improve a second language, or perhaps it has a good reputation of higher education and safety. Some students choose a location because it offers lower tuition and living cost or just for the fact that it is just a cool place to go!

Listed below are the top 5 destinations that U.S. students decided to study abroad based on the data from the Institute of International Education‘s Open Doors report for the year 2008/2009. Whether you want to go to one of these leading destination or break out from the crowd and choose a less travel road to some exotic place, here are the the most popular study abroad destinations:

1. United Kingdom

There is not much surprise here. While the United Kingdom and the United States have cultural differences, being an English speaking country makes the U.K. a top choice for students looking for an easier transition especially for those on their first study abroad experience. London is one of the world most diverse cities and one of the worlds great financial hubs. No wonder why so many people choose to study there. Check out our Study in the UK page on our website for more detail information.

2. Italy

Most of us grew up with a lot of exposure to Italian culture – from Italian food, like pizza and spaghetti to Italian Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello. As the heart of the Roman Empire and the Vatican, Italy draws students interested in studying history, religion, art, food and fashion.

3. Spain

Because there are so many Spanish speakers in the United States, knowing how to speak Spanish is a valuable skill. Many students take Spanish classes, and what better way to improve your language skills than to study in a country that is the birth place of the language that is continually used even today.

4. France

French food, French wine, great fashion and Paris, the city of love; France is known for many great things. While just like every country here in the list, there are so much more the country has to offer – not to mention fine arts, food as well as history.

5. China

While the top 4 countries on the list have held its spot in the top 5, the total numbers of students studying there has all decreased slightly from the previous year. China, however, continues to attracts more students each year making into one of the new top 5 destinations!

6 Responses to “Top Study Abroad Locations”

  1. JMW Says:

    Another common consideration for students is reciprocal arrangements a foreign school may have with your own home educational institute. Similarly, if taking a full degree, ensuring the diploma will be recognized in your home country.

    I know students that have studied abroad for a period and their foreign courses and degrees were not recognized in their home country and/or local school. So unless you want a shock after taking your courses, make sure you can transfer the course credits back to your home school. And make certain that the degree you earn will be recognized if you decide you want to come back home to work.

    It will save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

    As for destinations, I would also strongly consider South America. I think that Spanish is an important language to develop. Especially for Americans given the proximity and future trade opportunities with developing South and Central American countries. Spain is an expensive destination versus Mexico and Spanish speaking countries in South America. You could develop the same language skills in South America at a fraction of the price.

  2. Study Abroad Says:

    Wow Great,
    Nice places you have selected,spainexchange.com is an online directory of universities, graduate programs, US study abroad programs, language schools, vocational schools, and international primary and secondary schools abroad

  3. International Student Life in Newcastle Says:

    Why don’t you try Australia? It is a great country to study in. As an international student at Newcastle University, Australia I highly recommend it.
    They have amazing advantages like a good level in their education, they speak English and nicer weather than the UK.
    As international students at The University of Newcastle Australia, we can highly recommend it.

  4. Study in Cyprus Says:

    Currently studying abroad right now in Singapore, only one week left, it has been an amazing experience­. Everyone should find a way to study abroad if they can muster the funds and have the ambition. Don’t be afraid of the costs, coming to Singapore was actually cheaper than the University of California­.

  5. The Riviera Times Says:

    The Riviera Times…

    […]Top Study Abroad Locations « The International Student Blog[…]…

  6. Jessica Says:

    I never would have thought that China was on the 5th place!

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