Studying anthropology abroad is an absolute must if this is your major — but even if it’s not, there are so many reasons to check out the best anthropology study abroad programs! What better way to learn about cultures, languages, and communities than taking courses in the places you’ll experience them?
Anthropology abroad programs will provide you with a historical and rich experience no matter where you go.
But just as the field of anthropology has may specialities within it, there are a lot of anthropology study abroad programs to choose from.
When study abroad programs say they offer anthropology courses as a subject area, it can mean a lot of things. The field of anthropology is broad (as you might already know) and is broken up into distinct specialities: cultural, linguistic, and archaeological or biological anthropology.
What can I focus in during anthropology study abroad programs?
To help you find the best anthropology study abroad programs, think about which country or region that you’re interested in, while also thinking about which anthropology speciality you want to focus on. Here are things to look for in a program, depending on the specialty you choose:
- Cultural anthropology: If you want a great cultural anthropology study abroad program, look for field-based programs that allow you to collect research or complete independent study projects. Service-learning or volunteer opportunities are also something to look for in a program if you want deeper immersion and hands-on experience. Finally, look for programs where you can live with a host family to experience more of the local culture.
- Linguistic anthropology: Look for programs that include language learning and linguistic courses with a strong emphasis on language immersion. Bonus points if you get to live with a host family, which helps with language learning!
- Archaeological and biological anthropology: Look for field-based study abroad programs, or programs that include frequent field trips to local sites where you can complete special projects or assignments. Greece, Italy, Peru, Egypt, and Scotland and are just some great places to start if you’re interested in exploring ruins!
And now onto some of the best anthropology study abroad programs, chosen for their unique locations, teaching methodologies, provider reputations, and immersion opportunities — all of which enrich an anthropology study abroad experience!
11 of the best anthropology study abroad programs
Editor’s note: This information on anthropology study abroad programs was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. Southeast Asia Semester with Carpe Diem Education — 10
Gain a deeper understanding of human rights and Southeast Asian cultures in this 3-month experiential program that will take you through three fascinating countries. Traveling with a small cohort of students, the semester begins in Thailand, where you will stay in homestays in rural Mae Rim villages, learn Thai, and then trek through the Chiang Mia region, learning about and meeting local, rural communities.
The journey then heads north to Cambodia, where social and political topics take center stage, as you will learn about the tragic impact of the Khmer Rouge’s genocide in Cambodia. The country visit ends with a visit to Siem Reap, where you will explore the ancient temples of Angkor and attend a spiritual retreat to learn more about yoga.
The program ends in Vietnam, where you’ll complete a service-learning project with a local organization. Carpe Diem programs emphasize cultural immersion and experiential learning, which is a great match in a cultural anthropology study abroad program!
- Where? Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam
- When? Fall and Spring Semester
- Read Carpe Diem reviews here
2. Study Abroad in Sorrento with SAI Programs — 9.43
With the sparkling Mediterranean Sea at your doorstep, studying archaeological anthropology abroad in this seaside Italian town will be a beautiful experience. Situated on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is small enough where you can become familiar with the whole community while enjoying Italian life at a slower pace.
You will study at the Sant'Anna Institute, with field trips to Pompeii and visits to other ancient ruins. Depending on the term, sample courses may include archaeology, where you will study ancient Roman ruins, Italian language courses of many levels, and the anthropology of Europe.
For an even more hands-on experience, you can complete an internship for academic credit; previous summer students completed an archaeological excavation project in Pompeii. If you’re interested in archaeology and ancient civilizations, living in a beautiful seaside town, and immersing in Italian culture, this might be the program for you!
- Where? Sorrento, Italy
- When? Fall, Spring, Summer, Academic Year
- Read SAI Programs reviews here
3. Peru: Indigenous People and Social Change with SIT Study Abroad — 8.4
In this immersive, field-based program taught entirely in Spanish, you will explore the vibrant culture and history of Peru’s indigenous people. Central topics include cultural identity, the impacts of globalization, and how Peru’s indigenous people are trying to preserve their societies in the face of globalization.
You will need some college-level Spanish courses under your belt, so check in with SIT to learn more about the language requirements. The adventure begins in Cusco, where you will stay with a host family and take intro courses in Quechua, one of the local indigenous languages. Next up are three weeks of excursions and field research, along with a trek on the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The experience concludes with four weeks of an Independent Study Project, so you can put your research and ethnographic skills to practice!
- Where? Cusco
- When? Fall and Spring Semester
- Read SIT Study Abroad reviews here
4. Cuba Study Abroad at Universidad de La Habana with IFSA — 9.5
For an experience very few Americans will ever have, why not study abroad abroad and live in Cuba? This program is geared towards students who’ve already completed some semesters of college-level Spanish, as you will need the language to help dive deeper into the Cuban culture.
In this program, you’ll live with a host family and take courses alongside Cuban students at the Universidad La Habana, Cuba’s oldest and most prestigious university. Sample courses include “Afro-Caribbean Studies”, “Rural Cultures of Cuba”, and a variety of linguistic and Spanish-language courses.
In addition, you can deepen your cultural understanding with volunteer opportunities in the local community, from tutoring English to environmental beach clean-ups. This immersive experience makes for an excellent cultural and linguistic anthropology study abroad program!
- Where? Havana, Cuba
- When? Fall and Spring Semester
- Read IFSA reviews here
5. Brazil: Florianópolis Global Economy with USAC — 9.62
Located on a sub-tropical island off the mainland coast of Brazil, students will come face-to-face with a variety of topics that play a big role in life in this island community. Brazil is a mix of European and African descendants, and indignenous communities, and students in this program will have the chance to learn about the impacts of colonialism and globalization on Brazil’s diverse communities.
Studying at one of Brazil’s most prestigious universities, sample courses include a variety of Portuguese language levels, courses like “Latin American Political History”, “People of the Amazon”, “Latin American Social Inequalities”, and even surfing classes.
Students also have the option of completing a one-credit field study course during the Minas Gerais tour portion of the program, where you will research a historical or cultural topic of the region.
- Where? Florianópolis, Santa Catarina Island, Brazil
- When? Fall, Spring, Summer, and Academic Year
- Read USAC reviews here
6. Language and Culture in Lisbon, Portugal with CIEE — 9.78
Experience Portugal’s capital city, known for its narrow, cobblestone streets, sweeping ocean views, and medieval ruins. In this program you’ll take courses in English, along with a Portuguese language course, at two major universities in the city while living with a host family or in a residence.
There are a wide variety of cultural, linguistic, and archaeological anthropology courses to choose from, ranging from “Anthropology and Colonialism”, “Medieval Muslim Archaeology”, to “Linguistic Diversity on the Iberian Peninsula”. With the stunning beaches, mild climate, and a thriving university scene, Lisbon makes for an excellent study abroad experience!
- Where? Lisbon, Portugal
- When? Fall, Spring, and Academic Year
- Read CIEE reviews here
7. Odyssey in Athens Study Abroad Program with Webster University Athens — 9
The city is your classroom in this program, where the famed Acropolis and Greece’s National Archaeological Museum are within reach of the school. As the birthplace of democracy and western civilization, Greece is a nation with a rich history, making it an excellent location for studying anthropology abroad. All courses are taught in English by faculty from the U.S. and abroad, and include field trips and cultural events.
- Where? Athens, Greece
- When? Fall, Summer, Spring
- Read Webster University Athens reviews here
8. Health Belief & Ethnomedicine: Traditional Healing in Belize with CELA Belize — 9.43
If you’re interested in global health anthropology, this might be a great program for you! As a stable and beautiful country in Central America, Belize is a wonderful location to study anthropology abroad.
With a focus on indigenous communities and knowledge, you will learn about traditional healing practices of the Mayan and Garifuna cultures, through a variety of field visits, guest lectures, and classroom instruction.
By meeting with traditional healers from local communities, you will learn about how healing knowledge is passed down through generations, and the important role it plays in today’s world.
- Where? Cayo, Belize
- When? Summer and Winter
- Read CELA Belize reviews here
9. Global Health, Women’s Health and Human Rights with IPSL — 10
If you’re interested in learning how to advance social change and gain a deeper understanding of Tanzanian culture, this program offers a variety of courses suited for anthropology majors. What’s unique is the program’s focus on Community Organizing and Social Action (COSA), where you will walk away with skills for creating positive change in your own community at home.
All students take an introduction course in Kiswahili, the local language, and a variety of electives that focus on health, peace and conflict issues, and Tanzanian social politics. Exciting excursions include the chance to trek up the tallest mountain in Africa (Mt. Kilimanjaro) and explore Tarangire National Park, known for safaris.
- Where? Arusha, Tanzania
- When? Fall, Spring, Summer
- Read IPSL reviews here
10. Study in Granada with IES Abroad — 9.57
If you’ve taken a few semesters of college-level Spanish and want to immerse in one of Spain’s most culturally vibrant Andalusian towns, this might be your program. An inviting university town with cobblestone streets, and the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop, Granada is well-known as the home of the UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most-visited sites in the world, the Alhambra.
Studying anthropology in Granada will give you the chance to learn about this region’s rich past, which was once the seat of the Moorish empire. Take courses at the Universidad de Granada, the third-largest university in Spain, and learn about the history of Islamic civilization in Spain, Flamenco history and dance, or Spanish cultural studies.
- Where? Granada, Spain
- When? Fall and Spring Semester
- Read IES Abroad reviews here
11. Study Abroad in Stirling, Scotland with ISA — 10
Surrounded by medieval ruins, Stirling will give anthropology students a wonderful look into history, natural beauty, and the culture of Scotland. Located about a 45-minute train ride from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, Stirling is often considered the gateway to the majestic Scottish Highlands.
Stirling is also known as an important historical location, since many battles for Scotland’s independence took place here. (No wonder the pilot for Game of Thrones was filmed around the area!) Students in this program can take courses in Celtic religion, Scottish wars of independence, with the option to complete a 4-week internship.
- Where? Stirling, Scotland
- When? Summer
- Read ISA reviews here
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You’re ready to find the best anthropology study abroad programs!
Studying anthropology abroad will give you a deeper look into the story of your new home.
As you can see, anthropology abroad programs are as diverse as the field itself! Whether you’re just hoping to knock out a few elective courses in a fun city or want to study a very specific area of anthropology, there are so many programs to choose from.
But before you get planning, hold up! Remember to meet with your university’s study abroad office and your advisor as soon as you start thinking about going abroad. They can help you plan what courses you can take abroad and even recommend other anthropology study abroad programs that perhaps only your university offers.
And if you’re really having a hard time deciding between programs, ask to speak to some alumni. While each study abroad experience is entirely unique, talking with students who’ve been in the field before you can help give you more perspective. No matter where you decide to study anthropology abroad, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of not only another culture, but yourself. That’s the power of study abroad!
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