Thinking of studying abroad this year but not sure where you’d like to go? Why not give Asia and the South Pacific a chance? Asia, the world’s largest continent, offers more bang for your buck with tons of study abroad programs in over 50 countries. The best places to study abroad in Asia are China, Japan, and South Korea in the Far East, Thailand and the Philippines in Southeast Asia, and India and Nepal on the Indian subcontinent.
Our best recommendations on how to find a South Pacific or Asia study abroad program that’s right for you.
The South Pacific is another region that’s popular with study abroad students and adventure travelers. Fly down under to Australia, a massive island continent that’s also home to several top-notch universities in multicultural cities. If you’re looking for more local flair and outstanding landscapes, hop further south to the islands of New Zealand where you study in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. Also, don’t discount smaller gems like Fiji, Tahiti, and Samoa for a tropical island study abroad experience!
In Asia, it may be difficult to find programs taught in English, but don’t despair. Use your study abroad Asia experience to learn a new language, whether it’s Vietnamese or Cantonese, and to delve into Asian studies, business, and economics. In the South Pacific, most study abroad programs are taught in English and include course selection options like international business, political science, and anthropology.
Our users have spoken. Here are the 10 best places to study abroad in Asia and the South Pacific in 2018.
1. South Korea
Studying in Korea invites learning beyond the classroom.
Thanks to Psy and Korean cult beauty products, the world knows a lot more about Korean pop culture. However, a little known fact is that the hermit kingdom is also the best Asian country to study abroad! South Korea is loved by students because it’s business-oriented, tech-savvy, and its cities never sleep. It also caters to students who want to learn more about traditional Korean culture, whether it’s the age-old technique of making kimchi or the martial arts of taekwondo. There’s a lot to discover here, so you better hop to it.
Recommended program: Study in South Korea with ISA
See ALL study abroad programs in South Korea
2. Japan
You’ll be grinning all the way while studying abroad in Japan.
Next door to South Korea is another favorite Asian study abroad destination: Japan. The land of the cherry blossoms continues to draw students from around the world who are interested in learning the Japanese language and culture. It’s also the best Asian country to study abroad if you’d like to learn more about Japanese arts like ukiyo-e (woodblock printing) and shodo (Japanese calligraphy). Business majors should absolutely consider studying abroad in Tokyo, one of the world’s leading cities for international business.
Recommended program: Learn Japanese in Tokyo with KCP International
See ALL study abroad programs in Japan
3. Australia
Don’t forget to do a classic roadtrip in Oz with your new study abroad friends before you leave.
If you’d like to marry a love of the outdoors with an excellent study abroad program, think Australia. This English-speaking country is also perfect for those who don’t want the hassle of learning a foreign language while at school abroad. You can find some of the best English speaking universities in Asia and the South Pacific in Sydney and Melbourne, or go the study abroad program route for more immersive homestays, visits to the Red center, or deep dives into the Great Barrier Reef. Get ready to dodge wild kangaroos, learn the quirks of Aussie rules footy, meet the Aborigines in the Outback, and study marine and animal life in the world’s most unique habitats. Don’t forget to pack your thongs (slang for flip flops) and khakis (just kidding, this is bad advice).
Recommended program: Study abroad down under with the help of API Abroad
See ALL study abroad programs in Australia
4. China
Study abroad in China and get to know the country inside out!
If you’re considering the best places to study abroad in Asia, don’t forget China! This huge Asian country is very popular with international students because it offers so many Asia study abroad programs. You can study Chinese business etiquette in Hong Kong, international diplomacy in Beijing, or finance and trade in powerhouse Shanghai. Immerse yourself in Cantonese, Mandarin, or any of China’s other indigenous languages. Another plus about Chinese universities is that many offer programs taught in English, so pack your bags now! We’ll wait. :-)
Recommended program: Check out TEAN's program for studying in China
See ALL study abroad programs in China
5. India
Become enlightened while studying abroad in this super-spiritual country.
Want to hit a real curveball when it comes to study abroad Asia? Surprise yourself by studying abroad in India! Ancient cultures and religions, colorful festivals, crazy cities, and warm people… this warm South Asian country has it all. Study in New Delhi where you’ll find the country’s top universities or Mumbai, home of Bollywood and study abroad programs taught in English. Consider programs based in the Himalayas to learn more on Eastern Religions, Tibetan culture, or conservation. Popular programs include development studies (which you can combine with service learning), philosophy, economics, and history.
Recommended program: Study in India with Semester at Sea
See ALL study abroad programs in India
6. Russia
There’s more to Russia than meets the eye.
Forget what you hear on the news. Russia isn’t just the birthplace of world-class spies and Vladimir Putin! In fact, Russia is one of the most unlikely and best places to study abroad in Asia. Spend summer, a semester, or a full year getting to understand one of the world’s most complex cultures. Learn the ins and outs of the Russian language, ballet, and opera in St. Petersburg, or explore international relations, politics, and history in Moscow. During breaks, use your rubles to get to know one of the world’s most misunderstood countries.
Recommended program: Study abroad in Russia with AIFS
See ALL study abroad programs in Russia
7. United Arab Emirates
Study abroad in one of the most exciting countries in the Middle East.
Want to study abroad even more off the beaten track? If studying in a land that blends Arabian Nights with futuristic cities sounds like your jam, try the UAE. Find local and satellite universities in any of the nation’s seven emirates, as well as fantastic study abroad programs of all shapes, sizes, and lengths. Study Arabic language and culture in Dubai, Sharjah, or Abu Dhabi. You’ll hardly stand out in a crowd—there are more expats here than locals! Lots of international students study business, architecture, and Middle Eastern studies. You can also rest easy because most programs are taught in English, but we double-dog-dare-you to give Arabic a try, too.
Recommended program: Study abroad in Sharjah with AUS
See ALL study abroad programs in the UAE
8. New Zealand
Study abroad in New Zealand, where you can explore deserted beaches and more!
Tramp by day and beat the books by night in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful countries. Forget the best Asian country to study abroad and make a beeline for heaven on earth, New Zealand. The wise ones choose to pursue higher education in a land of open spaces, outdoor adventure, and globally-ranked universities. Study at colleges in Auckland Wellington, Dunedin, or at the very Oxbridge-like University of Canterbury in Christchurch. If university classes aren’t for you, you can also find outdoor-oriented and culturally immersive study abroad programs in New Zealand on both islands. The Maori culture can’t be missed!
Recommended program: Study abroad in New Zealand with IES Abroad
See ALL study abroad programs in New Zealand
9. Vietnam
Find a new perspective while studying abroad in Vietnam.
There’s magic that lies in the waters around the karst mountains in Halong Bay or in every rice grain that grows in the scalloped fields of Sapa. No wonder Vietnam puts up a fight when it comes to being the best Asian country to study abroad. It’s a perfect gem, with a fast-developing economy, lip-smacking food, cities that are uber-popular with the young digital nomad crowd, and lush landscapes. Students on study abroad Asia programs flock to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, while the more adventurous try quieter spots like Da Nang. While you’re there, study international business, the Vietnamese language, and Asian studies.
Recommended program: Study in Vietnam with SIT Study Abroad
See ALL study abroad programs in Vietnam
10. Thailand
Life is good while studying in Thailand, one of our favorite Asian study abroad countries.
You’ve never seen smiles like these.
Learn to speak the language like the locals do in Bangkok or seek higher meaning while studying Buddhism in Chiang Mai. College students love taking courses on business, international relations, communications, and environmental studies while saving loads of baht on tuition and program fees in this Southeast Asian wonderland. The spectacular beaches, mountains, and noisy cities don’t hurt either!
Recommended program: CISabroad's study in Thailand program
See ALL study abroad programs in Thailand
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.
[Watch: How to ACTUALLY Pick a Travel Program]
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