9 Absolutely Fabulous Study Abroad Programs in Europe

So you want to study abroad in Europe. Of course you do! Spend a summer, a semester, maybe even a year on that compact little continent where you can zip around between world capitals on highly affordable trains. For many people, when they think of study abroad, they picture studying in Europe. Maybe you’re tracing your family heritage or maybe you’re just looking for a place to practice that language you’ve been studying since fourth grade.

Which European destination awaits you? One that’s full of hustle and bustle? One that’s slow and steady? No matter what, you can’t go wrong!

Maybe you’re not sure what you want—you just know you want to get away. It’s good to have a goal and purpose for your plans to study in Europe, but you’ve got time to figure that out! And lucky for you, Europe study abroad options are as varied as the cuisines you’ll find while crisscrossing the continent. We’re here to help you zoom in on some options that might strike your fancy.

Europe, though it covers a relatively small geographic area, is a very diverse continent. 24 languages. 51 countries. 740 million people. The UK receives the most study abroad students from the U.S. (um, English, duh). The sunny Mediterranean region gets a lot of attention, too. Italy, Spain, and France rank in the top three destinations for U.S. students studying in Europe in that order. Germany and Ireland round out the top slots, while Portugal, Eastern Europe, and the Nordic countries are seeing major growth in study abroad programs in Europe for American students.

Most other countries receive far fewer study abroad students each year, but just about all of them have at least some programs welcoming foreign students who want to study abroad in Europe. In other words, don’t think choosing to study in Europe means you can’t get off the beaten path. You’ve got plenty of options. Peruse our long list of Europe study abroad options and you’re bound to find something you like.

Here’s a sneak preview of some of the highest rated study abroad programs in Europe:

• CAPA London: Study and Intern Abroad
• CEA Study Abroad in Rome, Italy
• API at Universidad de Granada in Granada, Spain
• Spanish Studies Program - Seville, Spain
• USAC FRANCE: Lyon - French Language & European Studies
• Study Abroad with American College of Thessaloniki
• SIT Netherlands: Perspectives on Sexuality & Gender
• Uppsala International Summer Session
• CIEE Language & Culture in Lisbon, Portugal

The highest ranked programs for study abroad in Europe this year

Editor’s note: This information on European study abroad programs was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. CAPA London: Study & Intern Abroad.—9.27

“It was absolutely a dream. The Staff at CAPA were all very supportive and hosted many events throughout the semester...The classes I took were relevant to my major and I received credits for all of them. Most classes had field trips so it was nice to learn outside of the classrooms.” —Read more CAPA London reviews here 

• Where? London
• When? Year round
• Why? CAPA’s signature mix of academic and experiential feels right at home in bustling, global London. With options to live in flats or a homestay, internship placements, cultural excursions around the city and outside of it, and academic coursework, CAPA programs offer a cosmopolitan experience that’s good for learning and having fun. With all that big-city work experience under your belt, this study abroad program in Europe might just lead back to London after graduation.
• More info on CAPA The Global Education Network

2. CEA Study Abroad in Rome, Italy—9.09

“I had a great time while abroad. Rome is an incredible city I am so happy I came here. The academics was perfectly balanced which allowed for travel and learning! I am looking forward to going home but sad that I have to leave!” —Read more CEA Study Abroad reviews here

• Where? Rome
• When? Year round
• Why? Who doesn’t want to test their intercultural chops in the Eternal City? CEA Global Education offers coursework in English at two different partner institutions in Rome so that you have plenty of academic options to choose from during your study abroad in Europe. Of course, the city is your living classroom, so don’t expect to spend all your time indoors. Volunteer opportunities will show you different sides of the city and organized group excursions to Florence and Venice will show you other parts of everyone’s favorite boot.
• More info on CEA Global Education

3. API at Universidad de Granada in Granada, Spain—9.45

“They helped me get to the doctors, register for classes, and planned the best excursions and trips. They found me an amazing host family that took me in as their own and were always checking up on me. API was amazing program to my study abroad with and their helpful staff and advisers make the application process and the abroad experience one you will never forget!” —Read more API reviews here

• Where? Granada
• When? Year round
• Why? API is serious about language education so if fluency is your goal, this is a program to consider. And there is no better place to study in Europe to get your Spanish immersion on that Granada. Intensive language course options and small class sizes at API’s partner university will have you hablando like a pro before you know it while independent apartment or homestay housing options will give you as much (or as little) space as you need. 
• More info on Academic Programs International

4. Spanish Studies Program - Seville, Spain—8.95

“I had the most incredible experience studying abroad with Spanish Studies Abroad. Before going into this, I was nervous with my Spanish speaking ability and living with a host family. After a week or two, I felt completely releived with my decision to study abroad in Sevilla, with a host family. My family and locals were SO willing to help with my Spanish and encouraged you to try your best. My classes also helped with my Spanish and I learned a lot while being abroad including cultural immersion.” —Read more Spanish Studies Abroad reviews here 

• Where? Seville
• When? Fall, Spring, or Academic Year
• Why? Of course, no list of Spain-based options for study abroad in Europe is complete without a selection from picture-postcard-perfect Seville. Spanish Studies Abroad’s programs are long-term, designed to get your español flowing while you immerse yourself in the warm, sunny ways of life in Southern Spain. Small class sizes designed specifically for second language learners and taught by native speakers will help you advance. Home-stay or dorm housing options are designed to complement your classroom experience by keeping you in contact with the language even when you’re not in class. 
• More info on Spanish Studies Abroad

5. USAC FRANCE: Lyon - French Language & European Studies—8.96

“Wow. Lyon was truly magical. The USAC program there is phenomenal, and I truly had the best experience ever in my life. I made friends and memories that will last me forever, and in that semester it really felt like home. The administration team in Lyon is so superb, they are there at all hours to help you through any little thing. They organized so many activities so that you could really feel immersed in the culture, and my French improved so quickly! Overall, my experience was amazing and I am hoping to return very soon!” —Read more USAC FRANCE reviews here 

• Where? Lyon
• When? Year Round
• Why? If français is more your speed, you’ll love USAC’s language intensive program. The simple, oh-so-French vibe at their partner university in Lyon will have you enjoying life so much you earning those 15 language credits won’t event seem like work. Café au lait and crepes are a cultural experience, non? You can also complement your language studies with courses taught in French or English with French university students, a great way to make new friends and see what it’s like to study in Europe when you’re actually European.
• More info on University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)

6. Study Abroad with American College of Thessaloniki—9.21

“My study abroad experience at ACT has provided me with priceless experiences that have helped me grow as an individual and as a global citizen. The courses offered and the immersion in rich Greek culture have opened my mind to pressing world issues and have helped me better understand the world and our role in it. I highly recommend ACT and Thessaloniki as your study abroad destination!” —Read more ACT reviews here

• Where? Thessaloniki
• When? Year Round
• Why? Like so many students looking to study abroad in Europe, maybe the sunshine-y Mediterranean region is calling you, but Italy or Spain feels to obvious, right? Greece makes for a nice alternative. ACT’s all-English course schedule and U.S. accreditation is a nice choice for you if language learning isn’t your primary goal or you’re worried about figuring out how to get your credits to transfer back home. After school, get involved in one of the College’s long-term community engagement projects or join a special interest club with your fellow international students.
• More info on ACT (American College of Thessaloniki)

7. Netherlands: Perspectives on Sexuality & Gender (SIT)—9.75

“I really enjoyed and got a lot out of this program. The academics perfectly complemented and expanded upon my studies at my home institution, and gave me an opportunity to explore these concepts outside of an American context. I made great friends with other SIT students and developed a close and lasting relationship with my host family. I struggled during the ISP period with the lack of structure, but at the same time appreciated the opportunity to pursue my own academic interests so independently. I really got to explore Amsterdam and totally fell in love with the city and can't wait for an opportunity to go back.” —Read more SIT reviews here

• Where? Amsterdam and Morocco
• When? Fall, Spring
• Why? SIT programs are famous for tackling big issues in our society and their Netherlands program is no different. Live with a host family and use Amsterdam as your base to explore the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality among local Dutch and recent immigrant communities. Other hallmarks of SIT study abroad programs in Europe? Taking to the friendly skies. A 2-week excursion to Morocco will expand your perspectives on the course themes. And the independent study project gives you the chance to dig even deeper on a topic you care about while building your research and project management skills.
• More info on SIT Study Abroad

8. Uppsala International Summer Session—9.34

“UISS gives you the opportunity to not only improve your Swedish skills, but to gain an insight of a new perspective of life that comes with having an open mind. This happens when you’re put in a situation that involves 40 different nationalities from all over the world. Language attainment is one of the pillars that this great program strides in providing its students, but the greatest pillar is the bonds that are forged from the experience.” —Read more UISS reviews here 

• Where? Uppsala
• When? Summer
• Why? This long-running summer session in Sweden’s oldest university city offers the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Swedish language, history, politics, and pop culture. Choosing to study Swedish may not seem like the most obvious or practical choice, but that’s what makes this program so special. Swedes have some of the best quality of life in the world, so there’s plenty to learn for them. Are you feeling like a dancing queen yet?
• More info on Uppsala International Summer Session

9. CIEE Language and Culture in Lisbon, Portugal—9.71

“I had the best time of my life in Portugal! Not just because Lisbon is an incredibly safe, beautiful, and fun city but because of this program! I loved my housing situation, I had the best host family! I also loved the CIEE staff. When I was sick they did an amazing job taking care of me! … All of the activities we did were amazing and the class I took helped me fully emerge into the Portuguese culture! I miss it everyday.” —Read more CIEE reviews here

• Where? Lisbon
• When? Fall, Spring, Academic Year
• Why? Lisbon isn’t just up-and-coming for studying in Europe. It’s on the rise among European destinations in general, for tourism, industry, and expats alike. CIEE’s model has you taking classes in English or Portuguese (if you’re up to it) at a local university, so you’ll feel like you’re really a part of the trend. If that sounds intimidating don’t give up yet. CIEE’s on-site staff organizes cultural excursions within and outside the city and connects you with a host family and volunteer opportunities to round out your experience. Vamos lá!  
• More info on CIEE

[Browse ALL European Study Abroad Programs]

You’re ready to study abroad in Europe!

Good luck resisting all the good eats during study abroad in Europe (and maybe pack some stretchy clothing.)

So there you have it. Whether it’s café con leche, cappuccino, or a Greek frappé, you’ll be drinking in the European good life that awaits you. Get ready to soak up the sights and sounds of ancient cultural centers turned modern cities. Witness the demographics changing before your eyes in our modern global society. Learn so much your head will be spinning (but in the best of ways, of course). It can be tempting to bust out your Eurail pass because these little countries are easy to move around in, but don’t forget you’re there to study in Europe, and some of the coolest stuff you’ll experience will come to you when you stay put.

All that’s left is to pick which of these great study abroad programs in Europe is right for you, make sure your passport is up to date, and set yourself some personal goals for the summer, semester, or year you’ll spend studying in Europe. The good news is, it’s hard to go wrong. Bon voyage!