7 Best Places to Study Abroad for Marketing Majors

Marketing is so much more than just promoting products…it takes a holistic understanding of psychology, human behavior, public communications, and technology to effectively market a business. One of the best ways to really learn about these is by studying abroad! Spending time in different cultures leads to unparalleled global insight and a world of opportunity.

Looking for the best places to study marketing abroad? We have ‘em right here.

For marketing majors, there aren’t many countries where you won’t benefit from studying abroad. Anywhere with international cities, diverse businesses, and a few thriving industries can launch a very successful marketing career.

But there are definitely some top regional contenders to consider as you narrow down your options. Whether you’re hoping to become a professional content creator or shake up the world of advertising, there’s a study abroad program out there for you!

Why study marketing abroad? Is it a good idea?

Every area of the world handles marketing differently, with some cultures hyper-focused on social media and others preferring a more personal experience. There’s no standard right or wrong way to market a business—it varies completely based on language, culture, history, and technology available in any given region.

As we grow more interconnected, it’s vital for marketing majors to understand the global audience.

For marketing majors or anyone else interested in pursuing a career in public communications, studying abroad is crucial. Not only will your mind be expanded about all the fascinating marketing tactics in other countries, but you’ll learn a ton about communicating in general…especially if you’re studying abroad in a non-English-speaking country!

READ: 15 Majors for Study Abroad in 2023

It’s too easy for one word to get lost in translation and override the actual meaning. We’ve all seen examples of this when a company’s marketing tactic misses the mark. This is a fantastic lesson for all future marketers to learn before entering the professional world!

7 best places to study abroad for marketing majors

Marketing is all around us, whether we realize it or not. Meaning there is truly no bad country for studying marketing abroad! As you narrow down the options, keep in mind that it’s not just the culture that defines strong marketing, but it’s also the companies who conduct business there. If your ultimate goal is to land a marketing internship with any specific company, use that as a guide for picking your personal best places to study marketing abroad!

1. Germany

Learn buyer psychology when you study marketing in Germany.

• Why? The most important part of marketing is understanding psychology, and nowhere psychs out quite like Germany. Wilhelm Wundt, known as the father of modern psychology, launched the world’s first psych lab in Leipzig.
• Don’t forget, too, that studying the history of Third Reich propaganda can be crucial to understanding public communications and subsequent human behavior. Germany’s cultural focus on psychology, combined with its powerful economy and global influence, make it an excellent place to study marketing abroad!
• Recommended program: CIEE Business and Culture in Berlin, Germany

2. United Kingdom

As a center for business in the English speaking world, the UK is ideal for marketing majors.

• Why? The UK has one of the most thriving marketing industries in the world, with some of the highest job placement rates and salaries around. This robust industry is a fantastic place for future marketers to learn from experienced professionals and see first-hand how marketing fits into the everyday lives of Brits.
• London specifically is one of the best places to study marketing abroad because it’s an English-speaking global epicenter with a flourishing economy, lots of diversity, and ample business programs.
• Recommended program: London School of Economics Summer School

3. South Korea

The Seoul skyline will leave you inspired everyday.

• Why? The world’s current leader in setting and growing trends is undoubtedly South Korea. Between K-pop, beauty products, cuisine, and TV shows, millions of people around the globe consume Korean culture every day.
• South Korean companies are totally tuned in with this demand and know exactly how to connect with their international audiences through multimedia experiences. If you want to learn more about human behavior in the digital landscape, South Korea is definitely a good place to study marketing abroad!
• Recommended program: Affordable, Comprehensive Study and Intern Abroad Programs

4. Netherlands

Ride your bike to class in the Netherlands!

• Why? The Netherlands might be a small country, but it’s a dominating force in the global economy. Many powerful, international companies have chosen to be headquartered here, including Microsoft and Sony. Plus, it’s the home country of the euro!
• There’s a huge cultural focus on business sustainability and accountability, which has led to unique marketing and public communication approaches. This region in Europe is a massive melting pot of cultures, languages, and histories, making it one of the top places for participating in a marketing study abroad program.
• Recommended program: Maastricht University: Business & Economics in Europe

5. Mexico

Admire Aztec history while on a weekend excursion.

• Why? Latin America is sometimes upstaged by its European siblings, but when it comes to international business and marketing, Mexico is the place to be. Countless major manufacturers and other global conglomerates have massive footprints here, and industries from automotive to medical technology are growing faster in Mexico than most other countries.
• For anyone wanting to pursue marketing on an international scale, speaking some Spanish can also give you a huge leg up. Mexican Spanish is easier to understand than other variations and is the default for most western countries, making it a highly transferable skill.
• Recommended program: Future-Focused Study Abroad: IFSA in Mexico

6. Spain

Find your next marketing position through a semester in Spain.

• Why? Spain, especially the cities of Madrid and Barcelona, are huge hubs for international business. Many of the universities hold high ranking in the world as strongholds for business relations. They are particularly good for those interested in Europe’s role in the global economy.
• Apart from the strong academics, many programs offer internships that give you hands-on experience. You’ll be able to practice your marketing skills AND master a sought after second language all at the same time!
• Recommended programs: Barcelona SAE: Academic Study Center (SIS) + UPF Semester

7. France

Paris may be known for the Eiffel tower but it has far more to offer than romantic sights.

• Why? Not only is France (particularly Paris) the diplomatic capital of the world, it is also a major player in international business. Studying marketing in France will give you a foot in the door to competitive European markets.
• After learning some of the language, you’ll also be able to tap into many up and coming African markets. Not only that but you will be able to roam the famous Champs-Élysées or venture to the country chateau on the weekends. When it comes to studying marketing abroad, France could not be a better choice!
• Recommended programs: IES Abroad Paris Summer – Marketing

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Your academic goals will only benefit from studying abroad!

Now it’s up to you! Which country will you choose?

Marketing study abroad programs are some of the fastest growing around the world, and as our society continues to rely on technology and social media, studying marketing is only going to become more important. So, there’s really no “best” place to study abroad for marketing majors.

We’re becoming increasingly connected and searching for authentic brands and experiences, so even non-marketing majors can find many ways to tap into this industry. Those who study foreign languages usually make fantastic marketers! So pack your bags and choose a place to study marketing AND a foreign language this year. You won’t regret the career benefits that come with an experience abroad.