25 Best Study Abroad Programs in World’s Top Colleges and Universities

At Carleton College, you'd see that the study abroad programs have two main categories.

Carleton programs and non-Carleton programs.

Carleton runs, maintains, and sponsors the first one. While they endorse the latter for their students.

Pretty confused hah?

OK, ok. Lemme elaborate.

Actually, Carleton wants the students to involve in the study abroad programs at max.

To encourage that, they allow students to go study abroad via their partners' led programs.

And if for some reason, a student doesn't find a suitable program from the partner programs either.

Carleton states that it would be more than happy to extend its ties with the whom the student finds best.

And hey, there's an actual twist in the story.

No matter if you choose to study abroad with Carleton or non-Carleton programs.

You're not going to lose your credits and you'll complete your degree on time.

That's why we have put this into our top-grade study abroad programs list.

Boston University is another big name among top-quality education-abroad providers in the US.

BU operates its study abroad programs in over 25 cities in over 20 countries around the earth.

And unlike most on this list, BU study abroad programs are available to non-BU students also.

This means you don't need to be a BU student to become a part of BU study abroad experiences.

Which is good, Nah

All you have to do is to take 3 easy steps.

Plan it, Find it, and Apply.

Visit the BU study abroad programs website and look into the resources to plan your study abroad.

The next step is to find the appropriate program.

BU supplies proper program information on the site. If you find a program that meets your interest.

Just hit apply.

That's from where your BU study abroad journey starts.

With over 100 programs in 60+ countries, Syracuse's superb study abroad programs provider.

They offer two popular study abroad programs, semester abroad and academic breaks abroad.

For a semester abroad, students can spend a full semester of their degree program abroad.

And academic breaks abroad are short-term study abroad programs that can go from 1 to 3 weeks long.

Syracuse runs these short-term study abroad programs during summer and semester breaks.

All of their study abroad programs are to help students experience life abroad at least once.

Short or long doesn't matter.

To extend the University's support across the borders, Syracuse has study abroad centers.

These centers help students in every imaginable way.

Such as finding housing, internships, arranging file trips, and in other community matters.

To summarize, Syracuse University tries to make students' study abroad experience a breeze.

Earlham's study abroad program has been around for over 50 years. Old and established.

At Earlham, they call it off-campus study instead.

And this off-campus study program is so enriching now that about 65% of Earlham graduates become a part of it.

Now let's talk about the distinctions.

The first and most important one is that the Earlham study abroad program comes with no extra cost.

Studying off-campus or on-campus costs are the same.

Except for the traveling charges of course. 🙂

Alright, the next big thing is the program pattern itself.

Every study abroad program at Earlham is unique. And offers a specific value related to the student's academic interest.

For example, their Icelandic Field Studies offers a semester/year abroad in Iceland. So on and so forth.

Sounds interesting?

About locations? From Germany to Japan, and Thailand to New Zealand. All key locations are available for off-campus study.

The BYU study abroad program consists of four sections to opt for:

Study Abroad, International Internships, International Field School, and Direct Enrollment.

BYU study abroad opportunity is provided up to 1500 and more students each year. While the students can choose from the total of 116 available programs. And study abroad in top-drawer countries around the world.

If you are concerned about the cost, then yes, it is affordable and much cheaper compared to others. As BYU claims that their study abroad programs are second to none in terms of money. Which seems to be true.

Furthermore, the students can even pay through the available scholarships to the program.

If talk about the internship programs, certainly, they are also the part of the course. You can choose the country of your choice for your internship induction.

To apply, you have to sign up and send your application through Be Smart.

But if you are thinking of applying from outside the United States, there's one step further. And that is evaluation of your documents from International Education Research Foundation (IERF).

After the submission, IERF would take 15 to 20 business days. And charge you $165 as international evaluation fee.

AIFS is a private institution who provides a couple of connected educational services. This includes study abroad, cultural exchange, insurance, travel, and summer abroad camps, etc.

The AIFS was founded by Sir Cyril Taylor in 1964. Now they have six offices around the globe. Along with a headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, United States.

Without any doubt, it indeed is a resourceful organization. And hence, connecting with them would return a lot of value for sure.

Need a glimpse? Sure...

The AIFS administration facilitates social, cultural and field activities. They have an active student advisory, thousands of dollars scholarships and much more.

Although this is a profit motive business model, still seems quite a fair deal. Like, they have appropriate fee structures for both US and non-US students. Similarly, students are also given a proper assistance in legal and international matters.

AIFS study abroad package also includes the housing and the meal plans. The students can choose to go for a homestay, independent living or a hall residency.

First of all, UF organizes information sessions for the interested study abroad students.

Attendees discuss their priorities, available solutions, educational career, financial dealings. And other application procedures with a UF study abroad program advisor.

There they come up with the best that define their needs. And then move on making their decision.

The best thing is their excellent study abroad program advisors. They are almost everywhere in the world and are always ready to help you out.

One can also seek help from them during his decision-making step.

To make an appointment please refer to the UF study abroad appointments page. And plan a meet up with a study abroad counselor or senior student from the country where you are seeking for.

NCSU education abroad department offers two major types of international exchange programs.

• NCSU study abroad program for the semester or academic year abroad.
• Faculty lead or group study abroad programs for high schoolers and college students.

As the name suggests, a semester or academic year program contributes to the credit hours. Students can spend their time abroad yet contributing towards their degree.

Whilst, the faculty lead or group programs are the ones usually carried out in breaks. i.e. semester breaks, winter breaks, spring breaks or on special occasions only.

Pitt study abroad program was initiated in 1981. And with over 75 countries all around, it is now a fundamental program of Pitt's prospectus.

Pittsburgh too, partnered with GSA (Generation Study Abroad), which is an IIE institute.

Part of the reason, Pitt study abroad program is a good opportunity for the first time travelers. As those first-timers, along with the Pitt’s global team, can have and enjoy all the moral and other support of GSA too.

University Studies Abroad Consortium is the Federation of the University of Nevada, Reno. They are active in study abroad for the last 30 years.

In 30 years, students from 1000 different Universities have participated in this program. Which is huge (among all) if talking about the best study abroad programs.

Moreover, USAC study abroad programs are available in 26 countries around the world.

For the reason that these peerless study abroad programs are not commercially motivated. And is a part of the University of Nevada, they have fairly low and sustainable fees.

Furthermore, USAC always got high recommendations from the USAC alumnus. It could be because the participants enjoy the best study abroad experience.

USF too is a partner of IIE (Institute of international education).

They are now operating in 25 countries and at several different locations.

USF study abroad programs are referred to summer study abroad and short-term abroad. In addition, language abroad, semester exchange and service learning are some other options to go for.

While study abroad internships and dual degree programs are also offered.

UCONN study abroad program is administered in 25 countries (including the US) abroad.

Students can select from about 250 different courses to one of their choices.

Need-based scholarships, grants, and other special events are also subject to this program.

Besides this, the University of Connecticut also has an exclusive program to offer. Though it is closely related to their best study abroad programs but somehow differs. Titled as Honors Education Abroad or Honors Education Away.

In this program, a student can choose to get in some honors abroad which are actually a part of their curriculum.

Honors education abroad is available in 65 countries globally with 300 plus honors.

UC Davis study abroad program comes with five distinguished sections. I’ll try to talk a little about each one of them individually.

So let’s start from the below:

UC Davis Quarter abroad: UCQAP is designed for all the UC students. They can earn UC Davis units (13-24) in an international setup, up to the length of a quarter.

UC Davis Summer Abroad: UCSAP is an opportunity to experience the different cultures. Seeing world by participating in short-term cultural activities outlined by UC Davis faculty.

UC Davis Summer Abroad program is open for UC Davis students as well as outsiders.

UC Davis Seminars Abroad: To sum up, UCSAP is a composite of site projects. Field study, and group diversions. Commence in September, June, and winter breaks, last for 10-21 days, worth 2-6 UC Davis units in credit.

UC Davis Internships abroad: In UCIAP, there are further selections to make. Like, one can go for UC Davis summer abroad internships, quarter abroad internships.

Or the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) Internships. A wide range of possibilities.

UC Education abroad programs: UCEAP is at hand in 42 countries. Alliances with hundred plus international educational units, and 350 plus unique program layouts.

Go sign up to their online enrollment portal to start your journey with UC Davis study abroad cource.

The program is held and maintained under the title of Center for Global Education. Which is a subunit of Rutgers Centers for Global Advancement and International Affairs.

They are covering a vast field of global education. Defining global education as:

“A connection between people, ideas, and resources without the borders.”

So, you can say Rutgers study abroad program is just a small package of opportunities. That they have aimed and prioritized towards the global education. And bringing great minds, concepts or available capabilities together.

NYU Global Academic Centers make NYU study abroad program very special in a couple of ways.

NYU administrative crew and faculty will guide you all the way in your destination city. You’ll be having their academic and moral support with you during all of your stay outside the campus.

The students who enroll in NYU study abroad program, no matter what city or country they go for. Will have a chance to meet with some of the most authoritative industry leaders of that country. It could be the top politicians, journalists, or scholars.

Alongside, you’ll be exploring the country’s history, culture, and economy with NYU.

And hence surely have a first-hand experience of everything you’ll be going through.

For a record, around 2000 participants study abroad with the UGA every year.

It involves study abroad, research abroad, internships abroad, and other studies abroad.

Students can earn and transfer their UGA credits while studying outside the campus. And even their home country.

UGA study abroad program sessions range from 2 to 52 weeks normally.

University of Georgia International Education makes this facility available in above 60 countries. And in several other languages (along with English) of the world.

TAMU study abroad experiences have certain subdivisions.

i.e. International study exposure, research work abroad, interns abroad. Volunteering abroad, and short-term learning abroad.

In TAMU study abroad, students can either choose to go for individual or group study abroad plans. or the group study abroad plans.

These groups can be the short ones, only the selected candidates participate in it. OR the long groups with a variety of scholars and researchers participating in it.

First, let’s talk about the measurements taken by ASU to encourage the students to study abroad.

• ASU study abroad program squad monitors all of their studies abroad locations worldwide.
• Location monitoring helps them collect necessary information and help their students when needed.
• They enrich their students with the area-specific information & guidelines to keep them aware. And resultantly safe.

If not enough, they will teach you how you can do (stay safe) and on the track in a foreign country.

As far as the financial guidance is in question, it is also taken care. ASU has supplied almost 1 mil dollars in respect of study abroad scholarships and grants. Fair enough?

The University of California Study Abroad Program is unique. In a sense that it is available in 115 international academies (universities). And 42 nations throughout the world.

The learning objective is to earn the UC units. Keeping the status of University of California student and completing degree on time. While spending this time somewhere in the world outside the University campus.

UCLA study abroad program blocks are summer study abroad, quarter abroad. Semester or a year abroad. One can enter in for anyone of it.

To prepare or motivate yourself for the matchless study abroad programs they offer. Just go to visit UCLA Returnees page. And talk with UCLA recent returnees to know more and inspire yourself for studies abroad.

Moreover, UCLA also awards international scholarships and financial aids to the eligible scholars. UCLA too is a committed partner of Generation Study Abroad Project.

To study abroad at the University of Illinois, you can extend your choices. Illinois abroad and global exchange indexes 400 courses to make a selection from.

UIUC clears the path and makes it a four-step route for the interested study abroad students.

In the first step, you’ll have to attend the one-hour in-person information session with UIUC.

In it, you’ll get to understand all the preliminary stuff you should have to know.

Something like, what is study abroad? The benefits of studying abroad, curricula, how long will it take? The location, expense, financial aid, and scholarships.

The procedures and the ways to make your application. In short, all that handy information from an authenticated source at one place.

Next step is to shortlist your subjects and make combinations of your choices. UIUC calls this creating a study abroad suite case.

Whatever you’ll save in your study abroad suite case, UIUC will keep an eye on it. And super-rich you with all the updated information, schedules, and policies about that.

Then, as you dig deeper, and reach your final decision. UIUC program assistants will help you further by answering all of your questions. Help you regarding your application and local information about your destination country.

They’ll guide you about all the upcoming events, when and they about to happen, deadlines, and all that.

Now that if feel likes to go, the fourth step is to apply!

Purdue study abroad program functions in 45 and more countries around the sphere.

To begin, take a start from Purdue study abroad pre-planning sheet. This will give you a sketch of what and you should consider. And what or how is it going to happen with you ahead.

Once you have enough questions with you, a study abroad counselor from Purdue will help you the rest.

Michigan State is affiliated with IIE Generation Study Abroad.

MSU abroad programs distinct in more than 60 countries with over 275 disciplines in the list.

They said to have nearly 3000 students in the MSU study abroad program every year. Who enter in various fields and can be seen working efficiently in different places of the world.

The School of international training (SIT) is basically a non-profit educational organization. They have the back of World Learning, their parent organization.

SIT facilitates university-level study abroad programs. i.e. summer study abroad, semester study abroad, etc.

They work in 40 plus countries and map comparatively non-traditional study abroad places.

One can say, SIT study abroad program is for (but not limited to) the adventures souls.

SIT brings into the debate, issues of those areas that are deliberately overlooked. And the demure problems of the people living over there.

Education abroad department of Virginia University collaborates with GSA in their mission.

UVA study abroad program embodies 38 unique studies abroad. 15 top majors abroad (e.g. ‘Foreign Affairs’, ‘Art’, ‘Science’, and ‘Media’.), and in 18 noted countries.

Students have got the leverage to join in their semester breaks, as a regular semester, or as an added in terms.

UVA abroad program covers some of the very significant study locations of the world. I.e. from Australia to Tibet to Morocco and each important fall in between.

UVA staff facilitates the students both during and after the program ends. Like during the program in the stuff like field study. And after the program in getting the internship somewhere in the world.

Shortly, UVA helps the students throughout the course and assist in every challenge.

UNC abroad program is available in 70 countries, with over 300 one-off programs all around.

They have a vast range of finest study abroad program. And almost every single soul who is interested can fit in. i.e. graduate, undergraduate or high school students.

They have the best language study abroad programs and the semester abroad programs.

Covering majors, minors, and generals for the students who want a semester abroad. Where they can study and earn their credits (12-18/sem) abroad anywhere in the world.

And for those who need financial assistance, they have the solution for this. If eligible, one can apply for their financial aid or need-based scholarships programs.

These scholarships are specifically allocated for the UNC study abroad programs only.