Finding the best colleges that study abroad can give you a lifetime full of experiences you won’t soon forget.
Study-abroad programs are for students who are passionate about adventure and want to learn in a unique and new environment.
If you are one such learner, then you have come to the right place.
In this guide, we will explore 10 schools with top-ranked study-abroad programs you can sign up for. Each of these schools meets the following criteria:
- An average annual cost of no more than $35,000
- A median starting salary no lower than $45,000
- Accredited programs by recognized bodies
10 Best Colleges That Study Abroad
1. Earlham College
4 Year; Richmond, IN
Average Annual Cost: $19,368
Earlham College’s study-abroad program is so popular that over 65 percent of its total student body will study in another country at some point.
Whether it is to complete their entire program or to take a semester away from the Indiana-based campus, travel is common among its students.
The school is home to remarkable study-abroad opportunities, including unique programs spanning the globe from Austria to Tanzania.
You will also find several Earlham College-sponsored programs in many other countries, including:
- Ecuador
- Japan
- New Zealand
- London
- India
- Spain
What makes these programs unique is that each worldwide location has a specific focus, usually on the location itself.
As an example, students studying in India will have their education focused primarily on Tibetan culture and refugees.
It is a phenomenal way to give students real-world, hands-on experience while learning through textbooks and teacher-led instructions.
Another unique facet of this college’s study-abroad programs is that they are open to all students regardless of their major.
Even better, every student is encouraged to apply.
While studying abroad, you will be able to earn full credits for your courses to finish your Earlham-approved program.
Many of your courses will go toward your general education or major requirements.
2. Kalamazoo College
4 Year; Kalamazoo, MI
Average Annual Cost: $22,727
Kalamazoo College is often rated as one of the best schools with a study-abroad program because of its exceptional opportunities.
Instead of picking up their bags and traveling to another continent, students can learn on the other side of the world.
The school currently hosts programs in Ecuador, Senegal, and Thailand.
You can enroll in programs offered through the Center for International Programs when studying abroad.
Students also have the option to participate in affiliated programs that are currently partnered with Kalamazoo College.
Fortunately, there isn’t a shortage of opportunities for students to explore, as there are 42 individual programs in 23 worldwide locations.
Most students that study abroad through Kalamazoo College are off-campus for at least six months before they graduate.
Through this approach, you will earn your college credits while getting lifelong experiences in various cultures and environments across the globe.
That said, it is important to note that the study-abroad opportunities at this school are relatively strict.
Students will be held to structured projects, which include composing essays at the end of each program.
These essays are required to get your grade while also helping you immerse yourself in the language and culture of your destination.
3. Northwestern University
4 Year; Evanston, IL
Average Annual Cost: $23,279
Northwestern University’s highly competitive program makes it one of the top-ranking universities to attend for global education.
Enrolled students can partake in over 100 international program choices run by the school.
Alternatively, you can participate in affiliated programs with institutions that partner with Northwestern University or other American universities.
Most study-abroad courses from this school will follow a specific theme.
For example, students studying global engagement may find placement in Uganda, Kenya, India, or the Dominican Republic.
As another example, public health students may find themselves living and learning in Israel, China, South Africa, or Cuba.
If you are a journalism student, you will have even more fascinating opportunities if you want to travel the world while attending school.
Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism offers several study-abroad opportunities through programs in Qatar, South Africa, Argentina, and more.
Aside from finding programs to fulfill your general education requirements, the university’s study-abroad programs can have a cultural emphasis.
One of its most well-known programs is the semester-long Oman course, where students learn about the Middle East and Islam.
4. Colorado College
4 Year; Colorado Springs, CO
Average Annual Cost: $24,703
Colorado College is another remarkable school with a high percentage of students that choose to study abroad.
On average, nearly 80 percent of the student body will study abroad while enrolled, speaking to the quality of its international learning opportunities.
It is also important to note that Colorado College’s curriculum is unique because it operates on a block plan.
With a block plan, students will take a single class for under four weeks, giving them a semester’s worth of information.
That said, when studying abroad, you can move from one location to another in less time than in other programs.
Even when enrolled at Colorado College, you will have more flexibility because of its one-of-a-kind approach to international learning opportunities.
Students will find adaptable learning avenues that give them real-world, hands-on learning that they won’t forget.
For example, those studying reef ecology in Belize can head out into the actual ocean to study tropical coral wildlife.
The courses are also versatile regardless of where you want to study, unlike other schools with theme-based learning by destination.
Students interested in learning African-American literature can study said topics in Paris or participate in public health programs in Argentina.
The options are endless regarding the number of international programs available to Colorado College students.
5. Goucher College
4 Year; Baltimore, MD
Average Annual Cost: $25,366
Goucher College is often referred to as one of the best schools for study-abroad opportunities, even though it is a small liberal arts college.
Located just outside Baltimore, this school requires all students to study in an international location at least once before graduating.
Taking this unique approach, you can experience worldwide cultures that will transform you into a stronger global and community leader.
Currently, Goucher College is home to 60 individual programs that are hosted in 32 countries worldwide.
Each program’s length will also vary, giving students complete control over their academic futures. Some programs last a semester, while others are a full year in length.
With Goucher College, the list of international study locations is impressive and includes destinations like:
- Australia
- Jordan
- United Kingdom
- China
- France
- Argentina
It is also important to note that this school offers even more study-abroad opportunities to students outside of general studies.
You can even sign up for fellowships and international volunteer placement if you want to immerse yourself in worldwide cultures.
6. Middlebury College
4 Year; Middlebury, VT
Average Annual Cost: $26,525
Middlebury College is another small liberal arts college similar to Goucher College. It offers remarkable study-abroad programs for students ready to take on the challenge.
This school believes that learners can get a more authentic educational experience when they have access to guided independence in an international location.
Along with immersing yourself in culture, you will have unforgettable experiences while learning the host language and spending time with the country’s people.
Middlebury College offers 16 individual study-abroad programs through affiliated schools and local universities.
These programs help students work alongside international students while also growing their network.
Although you will still have a remarkable level of independence, it will help you make friends at your chosen destination.
Another critical factor to note with the study-abroad opportunities at Middlebury College is that education comes first.
Students will participate in highly competitive programs taught by world-renowned faculty and staff.
You will have smaller class sizes, ensuring more attention to students while becoming a specialist in your area of interest.
Study-abroad students at Middlebury College will have all the support needed during their international studies.
At each of the 16 locations, a Middlebury staff member will be assigned to provide personal and academic support.
With their help, students can tailor their learning pathways to ensure they meet their educational requirements and goals.
7. Boston University
4 Year; Boston, MA
Average Annual Cost: $30,395
Boston University has many notable accolades and is also home to one of the best study-abroad programs in the United States.
Currently, you can enroll in several phenomenal programs hosted in over 30 cities on six continents.
It is important to note that these programs are some of the most competitive in the nation, especially as they are open to qualified students from other universities.
That said, there are 14 specific study-abroad programs available to Boston University students only available in the following locales:
- London
- Quito
- Sydney
- Paris
With each opportunity, students will be able to live, study, and travel in their chosen location.
Each course is designed with an expansive curriculum plus an interdisciplinary approach to make students specialists in their industry.
There are numerous options for students interested in enrolling in a study-abroad program.
You can choose to partake in homestays where you reside with a local family for the duration of your studies.
Alternatively, you can live on- or off-campus at Boston University’s partner school in your destination.
There is a wide selection of programs available for students to explore, including:
- Art History
- Engineering
- Performing Arts
- Science
- Business
8. Trinity College
4 Year; Hartford, CT
Average Annual Cost: $32,694
The study-abroad opportunities offered by Trinity College are available through the Office of Study Away.
There are more than a few programs strategically hosted worldwide, and they are all highly competitive.
Students will also have access to exclusive external programs to enroll in to help them meet their educational interests and requirements for their degree.
There are three main options available for students interested in studying internationally.
You can sign up for semester-long study-away programs, J-term study-away programs, or summer study-away programs.
The J-term programs are held during winter break and offer half credits, while summer programs take place all summer long.
Students enrolled in the Study Away program at Trinity College can explore several fascinating locations, including:
- Europe
- Central America
- South America
- Australia
- South Pacific
- Asia
- Middle East
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- North Africa
- United Kingdom
One of the more unique opportunities students should consider is the assortment of multi-country programs.
In these programs, you can spend several semesters living abroad in multiple locations.
As a Trinity College student in the Study Away program, you will learn different subjects as you change your location from month to month.
9. Duke University
4 Year; Durham, NC
Average Annual Cost: $32,459
With the help of its global education office, students at Duke University can explore many programs around the world.
So, if you have been searching for a way to experience intercultural immersion, this is one of the top programs to consider.
The school offers over 40 Duke-in study-away programs hosted and managed through Duke.
Students can explore a vast number of academic programs while living internationally, including:
- Documentary Studies
- Dance
- Art History
- Greek
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Global Health
- Sociology
There certainly is a sufficient number of unique international study opportunities that students can participate in.
The Duke-in programs are held on six continents, including North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Basically, you will be able to explore new cultures and languages and immerse yourself in an environment you would never have experienced otherwise.
Aside from Duke-in programs, the university also works with approved programs to offer Duke-approved learning opportunities.
Although the school doesn’t administer these, they are sponsored and approved by the Duke Global Education Committee.
Also, it is important to note that studying abroad in these programs will only earn transfer credits that are useful for majors, minors, and certifications.
Fees for Duke-approved programs may differ, as well.
Students will be required to pay the tuition and fees of the administering university rather than Duke’s enrollment fees.
There is also an additional study abroad fee that you will need to pay to continue your enrollment at Duke.
The final option for students interested in study-abroad programs at this school is to enroll in exchange programs.
Exchange programs allow you and another student to “switch places” for a semester.
Currently, Duke University only offers exchanges through Howard University and Spelman College.
10. University of San Diego
4 Year; San Diego, CA
Average Annual Cost: $34,139
The University of San Diego is one of the best schools for studying abroad because it has over 135 programs in 44 different countries.
Such study-abroad opportunities are perfect for undergraduate students because the experience will look fantastic on their post-graduate resumes.
The University of San Diego has numerous international campuses, with The Madrid Center being the school’s first.
Interestingly, the school also offers graduate programs for students looking to study abroad.
Again, albeit scary sometimes, this is fantastic for giving you real-world specialty knowledge in your industry.
Students can explore several double-degree programs, short-term programs, or semester programs, depending on how long they want to study abroad.
You will also find many additional opportunities, such as internships, research opportunities, and student teaching to help you earn University of San Diego credits.
The Best College To Study Overseas This Semester!
Undoubtedly, there isn’t a shortage of the best colleges that study abroad. Many even encourage students to get an international education during their studies.
With hundreds of programs hosted around the world, you can find exceptional opportunities for cultural immersion while completing your degree.
So, if you are ready to get some unforgettable experiences, enroll in one of these programs today!
