Studying abroad can be a rewarding experience. Not only do you learn in a different environment, but you also get to absorb – often centuries old – cultures when studying abroad. Many universities encourage students to study abroad. Some schools even make it a requirement for certain degree programs.
Aside from broadening your horizons, studying abroad also makes you more appealing to employers. Many companies operate on a global level and seek employees with some level of international education experience. Once you determine that you will be studying abroad, the next step is to choose your destination. Here are the top countries for studying abroad:
1. United Kingdom
Studying in the United Kingdom exposes you to one of the oldest and most diverse cultures in the world. Many of the institutions in the U.K. are more flexible in terms of course schedules and living arrangements than other countries. Additionally, studying in the U.K. can be less expensive than studying in many U.S. cities.
Tuition for some courses in the United States can be upwards of $25,000, while the same courses at U.K. institutions are less than half that amount, making the UK our top choice in our guide to the top 5 countries to study abroad.
2. Italy
Aside from exposure to some of the world’s most distinguished cultural landmarks, studying in Italy provides a valuable learning experience enhanced by education reform efforts -referred to as the “Bologna Process” – geared towards boosting the learning opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
Studies here combine centuries of tradition with an understanding of the region’s socioeconomic structure. The Italian government also works with many big and small companies to offer students practical work experience related to their field of study.
3. Spain
Studying in Spain welcomes students to a history of higher education that dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, Spanish universities are in the process of converging with systems used by all other major European universities, which makes it easy to transfer your learning experiences from other countries to institutions in Spain. Many of the disciplines that can be studied here incorporate the region’s diverse history and culture into their programs.
4. France
Studying in France involves more than just an exposure to the country’s rich and diverse history that spans from cultural delights of Paris to the beautiful sea-cradled cities in the South of France. Many French universities adhere to a high standard of education that is coupled with a diverse student life that immerses you right into the French culture.
Another appeal to studying in France is the amenities available to students, including transportation options and discounts on housing. The French government also works with many universities in the country to offer grants and other financial resources to encourage students to study here. France seems to be the top choice for UK students when they are looking for a country to study abroad.
5. China
Studying in China exposes you to a world of centuries old culture that blends tradition with a focus on the future. Nearly a billion people around the world speak Mandarin Chinese. Immersing yourself in the culture and language makes you a more attractive prospect to employers focusing on a global economy. The value of the Yen is expected to rise through 2025 and beyond.
This makes studying in China more affordable than ever for everything from meals and transportation to finding accommodations. Nearly all study programs in China include trips to nearby towns and villages that offer a stark contrast to city life here by exposing you to centuries of art, anthropology, archaeology, and architecture.
Nearly 60 percent of U.S. students study abroad in Europe. Latin American is an increasingly popular destination, although China ranks second when it comes to the number of U.S. students studying abroad. The majority of the top countries for studying abroad don’t speak English as their primary language, although most of these same countries are familiar with the language.
When preparing to study abroad, take some time to learn about the country you will be studying in for several months. The more you know about the culture, the more likely you are to appreciate the experience of studying abroad.
Our guide to the top 5 countries to study abroad is only a brief introduction on the choices that university students have today when looking to further advance their education.
Author Bio
Joe Johnson is an avid blogger who contributes to a number of publications on a range of topics from researching, study habits, and personal behavior to environmental law. Click here to learn more about more MBA programs and how to build excellent research skills.