IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain.
Even if you know you want to study abroad, you probably aren’t sure yet where you want to go. With so many places to choose from, how do you even begin to decide which country you want to live and learn in during your study abroad experience?
Fortunately, you don’t have to make this decision all on your own. Authoritative sources like U.S. News & World Report have compiled lists of the best countries students can visit to study abroad. These publications base their rankings on attributes like entrepreneurship, citizenship, quality of life, global cultural influence, business policies and practices, distinctiveness, international power and influence, the potential for adventure and accessible cultural heritage. A nation that scores high in these and other qualities is likely to provide a rich and enlightening experience for students to travel there to study.
The Best Countries to Study Abroad
Italy is the best country in the world for studying abroad, according to U.S. News & World Report. You’ll find other European nations occupying top spots on the list, too. Spain takes second place, while France is fourth, the United Kingdom is fifth and Greece is ninth.
Brazil places highest among South American nations, ranked at sixth place. Japan, ranked seventh, tops the list of Asian nations. Among African nations, Egypt was the highest rated.
Other countries in the list’s top 20 include Thailand, Germany, Argentina, the Netherlands, China, India, New Zealand, Portugal and Singapore.
Study Away Opportunities Close to Home
You don’t always have to go far to gain a new perspective. U.S. News & World Report ranks our neighbors to the north and south high on its list. Mexico is tenth among the best countries to study abroad, with Canada following closely behind in 12th place.
If you’re not sure you’re ready for international travel, you can also look into domestic “study away” experiences. These academic options give you the opportunity to travel elsewhere in America. Depending on your field of interest, you might travel to Washington, D.C. to study politics or to New York City to study business or art. It can be easy to forget how large the United States of America really is, but you can learn a lot by visiting different regions. The U.S. also happens to be ranked third on U.S. News & World Report’s list.
Of course, there’s no one right place for studying abroad. The best fit for you depends on a number of factors, like the industry you want to work in and your own personal preferences. Perhaps you want to explore a region that’s of cultural significance to your heritage, or one that you have learned about through books or movies. Some students want to study in a country that speaks a language they know, while others prefer to learn the language mostly through immersion.
Is there a particular culture that has always fascinated you? What kind of climate would you like to visit? If you were to get your dream job, what kind of locations might you end up working in? By considering both your own individual preferences and goals and rankings like U.S. News & World Report’s, you can make an educated decision and find a study abroad experience that’s the right choice for you.
