According to Institute of International Education, college students studying abroad is at an all time high -- and for a good reason. Students who choose to study abroad are provided an opportunity to submerse themselves in a foreign culture’s foods, languages, people, and experiences. Statistics shows that 55 percent of students study abroad in European countries, with the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain ranking as the most popular destinations to travel to. However, interestingly enough, female students are more likely to study abroad than male students, who only represent 35 percent of American study abroad students.
Perhaps the fascinating opportunity of study abroad programs is the choice of a home-stay, or apartment-style living quarters. Students who choose to experience study abroad in a home-stay fashion, live with a designated foreign family for the duration of their study abroad semester. The home-stay family will actually cook meals and take residents sightseeing. Students who choose to live in apartment-style living are assigned random roommates, or paired with friends in a dorm-style living arrangement.
Below is a breakdown of what the most popular study about destinations are all about.
United Kingdom
The most popular study abroad destination, the United Kingdom offers English-speaking students an opportunity to experience European culture without the language barrier. Students can take to the streets of England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland and delve into the historic beauty. Recommended majors: theatre, literature or history.
Italy
Aside from the endless opportunity to scarf down pizza, pasta and wine, Italy boasts renowned cities such as Florence and Rome, but Italy is also home to the oldest European university located in Bologna. There is a history to be celebrated everywhere -- Tuscany, alone, has more historical monuments than any other country! Recommended majors: Italian, fashion, history, and religion.
Spain
Since Spanish is the most popular foreign language among students, it is no surprise that Spain is one of the most popular study abroad destinations. Between the Mediterranean climate and ample opportunities to travel, Spain welcomes travelers to traverse and backpack through its mountains, explore Spain’s beautiful buildings and art, and party in one of the hottest club scenes. The most popular destinations are Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Granada. Recommended majors: art and architecture.
France
Students can experience eating brunch at one of the many Parisian cafes, explore monuments such as Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, and visit the Louvre. While on the more expensive side, France dazzles students with its magical lights and romantic atmosphere. Recommended majors: art, cuisine, fashion and history.
Australia
Like the United Kingdom, Australia comforts English-speaking students since there is not a language barrier. Sydney and Melbourne are the most popular destinations, but students of all subjects will find areas of interest on the massive continent. Most notably, marine biology students have accessibility to the Great Barrier Reef.
Other notable study abroad destinations are Mexico, Germany, Ireland, China and Costa Rica. If your class schedule permits, I encourage you to study abroad even if it is more like a shortened summer program.
