Ah! Good ol’ Europe! There are several reasons why this continent remains a hands-down favorite with international students. It’s one of the most diverse part of the world with several countries to explore, each with distinctive cultures and languages. If you’re a lover of languages, you will go crazy in Europe, the birthplace of Slavic, Germanic, Celtic, Hellenic, and Romantic tongues (among others!). Europe is also super multicultural, so don’t be surprised if you find the best doner kebab in Germany and the best curry in England.
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Think of all the friends you’ll make while studying in Europe!
Maybe you’re asking yourself, “Where should I study abroad in Europe?” The good news is, you can study literally anywhere because Europe is no stranger to international education—foreign students have been coming here for a looooong time. Base yourself in your favorite country and spend your free time backpacking across borders (they’re all really close, thanks geography!). Western Europe remains the most popular region for study abroad students, but don’t discount the equally fascinating regions of Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe and the massive, intriguing nation of Russia!
Are you ready to join the study abroad Europe tribe? As the result of GoAbroad community search data this past year, here are the trending hotspots for the 10 best European countries to study abroad in 2018!
1. Spain
Barcelona will blow your mind (in a good way).
Are you ready to learn español in the mother country? With cosmopolitan cities like Barcelona and Madrid, you can understand why Spain remains a Europe study abroad darling for many students, especially history and politics majors. You can choose to take classes in Spanish or English. Between classes, take a siesta like the locals. In the evenings, hit the bar for cervezas and tapas and learn flamenco.
Recommended program: Study in Spain with AIFS
See ALL study abroad programs in Spain
2. Italy
We might all scream for ice cream, but we go absolutely nuts for gelato.
Italy is one of the most popular study abroad Europe destinations, particularly Rome and Florence. It’s the perfect location for students who want to study history, art, international business, and fashion. Italy just screams culture and cuisine (it’s more than just pasta and pizza, peeps!) so there’s a lot to keep you busy between lectures. With so much incredible food to try, remember to pack those comfy sweatpants because you may find yourself unbuttoning those jeans in no time!
Recommended program: Study in Rome at John Cabot University
See ALL study abroad programs in Italy
3. Germany
The street art and murals in Europe will be incredible, but nowhere more-so than Germany.
With incredible low tuition fees (sometimes none at all!), Germany remains popular with students who want to study abroad in Europe. One of the world’s strongest economies is also home to fast cars, incredible beer and the best gummy bears on the planet! Some of the best cities to study abroad in Europe are Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Heidelberg. There are tons of study abroad opps in Germany, particularly for international business, humanities, and STEM majors (science, technology, engineering, and math).
See ALL study abroad programs in Germany
4. UK
The rumors are true—Guinness is just better in Ireland. Try it for yourself!
If you like to make friends at the local pub and hike across extremely green and hill-rolly-landscapes, the UK’s one of the best European countries to study abroad for YOU. It’s made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, all home to many world-class universities. English is the main language of instruction (#perks) and even though it’s a little rainy, you can study almost any subject under the sun. Consider vibrant cities like London, Belfast, Edinburgh, or Cardiff. On weekends, why not make a pilgrimage to the UK’s GOT locations? Winter is coming, after all…
Recommended program: Study in Wales at Bangor University
See ALL study abroad programs in the UK
5. England
Pick up! It’s London calling!
Although only about half the size of California, England is home to several world class universities—and we’re not just talking about Oxbridge! London remains ever-popular with students, but you can also study in Manchester, Birmingham, and York. Because there isn’t a language barrier, the sky’s the limit when it comes to course selection. While there, you’ll learn to ace the art of making tea on the hob and enjoying a hot cuppa with some chocolate biccies!
Recommended program: Study in London or Oxford with IES Abroad
See ALL study abroad programs in England
6. France
Tap into your inner Amélie and explore Paris' unique arrondissements.
This country is so much more than berets and brie! France remains a top study abroad Europe choice for students, especially liberal arts majors because of its iconic art, language, and cuisine. Paris remains the number one location for international students but if you want to immerse yourself in le français, head to Lyon, Nice, Marseille, and Bordeaux. France is also a dream country for traveling students because it borders nine countries! Euro trip, anyone?
Recommended program: Spend summer in France with Forum-Nexus
See ALL study abroad programs in France
7. Switzerland
A backcountry study abroad experience in the Alps is within reach.
This mountainous nation is one of the best countries to study abroad in Europe. It’s famous for fondue, chocolate, watches, and high-profile bank accounts. Geneva is the perfect place to study abroad if you’re interested in international relations and diplomacy as it’s the home of the UN and several international organizations. International financial center, Zurich, is the place to be for business and finance majors. This centrally located European country is also great for language lovers because it has four official languages: French, Italian, German, and Romansh.
Recommended program: Study in Switzerland with IMI University Center
See ALL study abroad programs in Switzerland
8. Norway
Feel totally dwarfed by nature in Norway!
Who doesn’t want to study abroad in the land of the midnight sun? This Scandinavian nation is not only breathtakingly beautiful, it’s also home to some excellent study abroad programs. Classes are often held in English, but don’t let that stop you from picking up Norwegian (then you can speak to the trolls!). Study in Oslo where Viking ships still remind you of the country’s awesome history or Bergen, the gateway to fjordland. Go off the beaten track for Trolltunga, the snowscapes of Lapland, and the Northern lights IRL.
Recommended program: Study in Oslo with USAC
See ALL study abroad programs in Norway
9. Greece
Relax between classes while studying in Greece, a newcomer to our list of the top countries for studying in Europe.
Greece is the stuff of legends. Think Zeus, Socrates, democracy, the Olympics. Many international students study abroad in Athens, where you’ll find the majority of programs and universities. The capital is perfect for studying drama, history, philosophy, and political science. You can also explore temples and traditional amphitheaters between classes. Students also study in Thessaloniki to really immerse themselves in its Byzantine and Classic Greek monuments and beach hop to their heart’s content. Prefer the blues of the Mediterranean Sea? You’re in luck—there are tons of fabulous study abroad programs on the Greek isles, too!
See ALL study abroad programs in Greece
10. Czech Republic
Take it all in—life is sweet when attending universities in the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic used to be known only as one of the few places in Europe you could get a beer for one Euro. No wonder it’s popular with students! Instead of flocking to Western Europe, go off the beaten track and study abroad Eastern Europe style. Czech’s charm lies in its medieval-style architecture and chilled vibe. Bohemian town Prague remains popular with business students and Kafka fanboys and girls, but you can also study in Český Krumlov and dig its history. You’ll never go hangry here because there's so much great food like goulash with dumplings and řízky, a kind of schnitzel.
Recommended program: Study in Prague with CISabroad
See ALL study abroad programs in the Czech Republic
A note from GoAbroad
We’d like to thank our community for not only inspiring us daily, but for also giving us enough insight to share accurate predictions for meaningful travel in 2018.
Learn more about our research methodology, recommended programs, and links here.
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