Top Universities for Study Abroad in the U.S.

Why These Universities Stand Out for Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity that broadens academic horizons and cultural perspectives. In the United States, some universities truly excel at providing global learning experiences for their students. What sets these institutions apart? Below are key factors that make the top U.S. universities for study abroad shine:

• Global Reach and Network: Many leading schools have extensive global networks or campuses. For example, New York University (NYU) operates more than 30 academic centers across six continents, enabling students to study in places from Accra to Shanghai without missing a beat academically. These worldwide centers and partnerships ensure that students can easily transfer credits and stay on track with their degrees while abroad.

• High Student Participation: Top study abroad universities actively encourage (and sometimes require) students to go overseas. Elon University boasts the highest undergraduate study abroad participation rate at 87.8% – its highest ever​elon.edu – and consistently ranks #1 in this category. Some colleges even require every student to study abroad as part of the curriculum; at Goucher College, 100% of students graduate with an international experience​diverseeducation.com. Such institutional commitment means robust support and funding to help nearly all students have an abroad experience.

• Integrated Academic & Cultural Programs: The best programs aren’t just travel – they integrate with your academics and career goals. Universities like Georgetown offer not only traditional semester abroad options but also unique programs combining coursework with internships and service learning​honorsociety.org. Middlebury College’s renowned Schools Abroad, for instance, send students to nearly 40 locations in 17 countries for internships and class credit abroad​greatvaluecolleges.net, often with a focus on language immersion. This level of integration ensures you gain cultural experience and academic credit, with opportunities for homestays, research, volunteering, and more.

• Recognition and Student Support: It’s no coincidence that these universities earn national recognition. U.S. News & World Report regularly highlights schools with excellent study abroad programs – Georgetown University was recently ranked #8 nationwide for study abroad​studyabroad.georgetown.edu. Such schools typically have dedicated study abroad offices and advisors guiding students through program selection, credit transfer, visas, and scholarships. From pre-departure orientations to on-site support, they make sure students are safe, supported, and maximizing their time overseas.

• Resilience & Innovation: Even [COVID-19’s impact on education​fredashedu.com] didn’t stop these institutions from fostering global learning. During pandemic travel restrictions, many quickly pivoted to virtual study abroad, global online courses, and later facilitated a strong rebound in participation. In fact, study abroad participation is now surging back post-pandemic – the 2022/23 year saw 280,716 U.S. students abroad for credit (up 49% from the prior year)​opendoorsdata.org. Top universities adapted by expanding programs once travel reopened, demonstrating a commitment to global education no matter the challenges.

In short, the universities below offer exceptional study abroad opportunities – from extensive program choices and international campuses to strong institutional support and academic integration. If you’re eager to see the world while earning your degree, these U.S.-based institutions are leading the way.

New York University (NYU)

NYU is often the first name that comes up for study abroad in the U.S. – and for good reason. It has one of the most comprehensive global programs in the country. NYU operates over a dozen international sites (the NYU Global Academic Centers) on six continents where students can spend a semester or year​honorsociety.org. Popular options include NYU’s own campuses in Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, London, and Florence, among others. This global network allows NYU students to easily hop between New York and abroad campuses with full academic continuity.

What makes NYU stand out is the sheer diversity of programs and locations. Students can choose from semester-long, year-long, or short-term summer sessions in everything from business and science to the arts​honorsociety.org. Courses are often taught by NYU faculty or local professors, and credits transfer seamlessly to your degree. Additionally, NYU has exchange partnerships with universities worldwide for even more options.

Notably, NYU sends more students abroad than any other U.S. university – it has been ranked #1 in study abroad participation for 17 consecutive years​wp.nyu.edu. At the same time, NYU hosts the most international students of any U.S. school​iie.org, creating a truly global campus environment. This dual distinction means NYU students are immersed in an international community whether they’re in New York or abroad. With robust support from the NYU Office of Global Programs, generous financial aid, and hundreds of courses overseas, NYU is a top choice for a globally enriched education.

(Internal Note: Link to a Fredash article on online programs or COVID if relevant to context here.)

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

As a large public institution known for academic excellence, UCLA offers an impressive array of study abroad opportunities for its students. UCLA’s International Education Office connects students to programs in over 40 countries, leveraging partnerships with more than 100 universities worldwide​honorsociety.org. Whether you want to spend a summer in Spain, a semester in Japan, or embark on a research project in South America, UCLA likely has a program for it.

One hallmark of UCLA’s study abroad approach is its emphasis on immersive experiences. Many programs arrange homestays with local families, so students can fully immerse themselves in language and culture​honorsociety.org. UCLA also integrates internships and service-learning into some programs, allowing students to gain work experience abroad or engage in community projects. For example, you might intern with an NGO in India or do a service project in Costa Rica while earning academic credit.

UCLA’s offerings span the globe – popular destinations include Europe (with flagship programs in places like the UK, Italy, and France), Asia (China, South Korea, etc.), Latin America, Africa, and beyond. The university’s size means a wide range of courses are available abroad, from engineering and science to language, humanities, and business. Importantly, UCLA provides pre-departure orientation, advising, and helps coordinate financial aid so that studying abroad can be affordable. With its reputation and breadth of options, UCLA is a fantastic launchpad for students seeking a rich overseas experience alongside a world-class U.S. education.

Georgetown University

Georgetown University, based in Washington, D.C., has a long-established reputation for international education. Its Office of Global Education runs dozens of programs on almost every continent, and Georgetown is consistently recognized for its high study abroad participation. In fact, Georgetown jumped into the U.S. News top 10 for study abroad programs (ranked #8 nationally for study abroad)​studyabroad.georgetown.edu, underscoring the quality of its offerings.

What makes Georgetown a top study abroad school is the variety and depth of its programs. Students can choose traditional exchanges at partner universities or Georgetown-administered programs with specialized themes. Options range from spending a semester at the University of Oxford or King’s College London, to studying development in Kenya, business in China, or diplomacy in Qatar. Georgetown also offers short-term programs during summer and winter breaks, ideal for students in rigorous majors who need a shorter abroad experience​honorsociety.org.

A distinctive feature is how Georgetown often blends academics with real-world experience. For example, some study abroad programs include internships with organizations abroad or service-learning projects in local communities​honorsociety.org. This means students don’t just study in the classroom; they actively engage with the host culture and professional environment. Back on campus, Georgetown’s curriculum and student body are globally focused (its School of Foreign Service is famous for international affairs). The university hosts many international students and speakers, enriching the perspective of students preparing to go overseas. With strong support from faculty and the global education office, plus a network of partner institutions across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East​honorsociety.org, Georgetown University provides an outstanding platform for students to become true global citizens.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan is not only a top-tier research university – it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to study abroad offerings. Michigan’s study abroad program is one of the largest and most diverse in the country, with 140+ programs in over 50 countries​honorsociety.org. Whether you’re an engineering major, pre-med, business student, or studying the arts, Michigan has tailored abroad options to fit your academic needs.

Michigan’s approach to study abroad emphasizes flexibility and variety. Students can do language immersion in Spain or Japan, work in an internship in South Africa, engage in service learning in Peru, or study sustainability in New Zealand. Programs range from a few weeks in the summer to full academic year exchanges. Notably, Michigan offers a unique Global Scholars Program, a cohort-based experience that prepares students with on-campus global learning and culminates in an abroad experience focusing on leadership and global issues​honorsociety.org. This kind of program helps students integrate their overseas learning more deeply into their academic and career trajectories.

Another strength is Michigan’s robust support system. The Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) at U-M helps students with program selection, scholarships (like the Provost’s funding for study abroad), and pre-departure preparation. Because Michigan sends so many students abroad each year, it has well-established processes to ensure credits transfer and students stay on track to graduate. In recent years, Michigan has also been among the top five universities in total number of students abroad​opendoorsdata.org. From the bustling streets of Beijing to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Michigan students are everywhere. If you attend U-M and want to study abroad, you’ll find virtually endless possibilities to broaden your education globally.

University of Texas at Austin

Everything is bigger in Texas – and that includes study abroad programs at UT Austin. The University of Texas at Austin offers a wide range of study abroad opportunities that span the globe. Students can study in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, or Oceania through UT’s faculty-led programs, exchanges, and affiliated programs​honorsociety.org. Popular choices include semester exchanges at top universities in Europe (like in the UK, France, or Germany) and specialized programs in Asia and Latin America.

UT Austin distinguishes itself by offering field-specific abroad programs. For example, engineering students might join the Engineering in Spain program, while environmental science majors have an Environmental Science in New Zealand program​honorsociety.org. These targeted programs allow students to take courses in their major while experiencing a new country. Additionally, UT has a strong emphasis on experiential learning abroad – many programs include internships, research projects, or service learning components​honorsociety.org. This means a biology student could conduct field research on coral reefs in Australia, or a communications student might intern with a media company in London, all while earning UT credit.

As a large public university, UT Austin also has the advantage of scale. The Texas Global office supports thousands of Longhorns going abroad with advising and scholarships (UT offers various scholarships specifically for study abroad participants). There are programs as short as spring break faculty trips, summer courses, and full-year exchanges, so students have flexibility to fit international study into their schedules. With dozens of partner institutions worldwide and faculty programs on multiple continents, UT Austin provides its students with the preparation and opportunity to become global professionals. Studying abroad as a UT student means combining that famous Texas spirit with a world of adventure.

American University

Located in Washington, D.C., American University (AU) is known for its global outlook and is a fantastic choice for students seeking study abroad experiences. AU’s programs reflect its strengths in international relations, political science, business, and more. The university facilitates study abroad in 20+ countries across 6 continents​american.edu, embodying its commitment to education with a global perspective.

One signature of American University’s offerings is the AU Abroad programs, which include both exchanges at partner universities and specialized programs led by AU faculty. For example, AU has an exchange with the American University of Paris, a development studies program in Nairobi, Kenya, and a peace and conflict resolution program in Ireland, among many others. Students in the School of International Service (SIS) often take advantage of these to gain on-the-ground experience in regions they study in the classroom.

American University also runs the unique Abroad at AU program, which is essentially the reverse – it invites international students from around the world to spend a semester or year at American University. This creates a globally diverse campus in D.C. and fosters cross-cultural learning among AU students and visiting international students​american.edu. For AU students going out, the university’s partnerships span from Europe and Latin America to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The academic focus is strong: students can usually find courses that advance their majors, be it international politics, public health, business, or language study.

Support-wise, American University offers guidance through every step of the study abroad process. The AU Abroad office helps with choosing programs (they maintain a list of approved programs with known credit equivalencies), financial planning, and even re-entry workshops when students come back. Given AU’s D.C. location and network, many students also secure international internships through their study abroad or immediately after. If you’re passionate about global affairs and want a U.S. university that will propel you into the world, American University is a top pick.

Middlebury College

Middlebury College, a private liberal arts college in Vermont, is synonymous with study abroad for many educators. Renowned for its language programs and international focus, Middlebury ensures that studying abroad is a natural extension of its curriculum. In fact, over half of Middlebury’s juniors study abroad each year in more than 40 countries​greatvaluecolleges.net – an astounding participation rate for any college. Middlebury’s approach is immersive: when you go abroad through one of its programs, you are often directly enrolled in local universities and expected to take courses in the local language (after going through one of Middlebury’s intensive language schools).

The flagship is the Middlebury C.V. Starr Schools Abroad program. Middlebury runs 38+ sites in 17 countries around the world​greatvaluecolleges.net, from Latin America and Europe to the Middle East and Asia. Unlike many programs run by third parties, Middlebury’s sites are usually managed by Middlebury staff and emphasize cultural and linguistic integration. Students are encouraged to live with local families or in local student housing, engage in internships or volunteer work, and follow a language pledge (speaking only the host language) in certain locations to maximize fluency.

Academically, Middlebury ensures that courses taken abroad maintain rigor. For example, an environmental studies major might spend a semester at Middlebury’s program in Yaoundé, Cameroon, taking courses (in French) on sustainability in Africa, while also interning at an environmental NGO – a program noted as one of Middlebury’s more affordable options abroad​greatvaluecolleges.net. Others might study art history in Italy, political science in Jordan, or literature in Japan through Middlebury’s network. Because Middlebury specializes in languages (from Arabic to Mandarin to Spanish and beyond), students often go abroad very well prepared linguistically.

For students at other colleges, it’s worth noting that Middlebury’s study abroad programs are open to students from other universities as well (with certain prerequisites). This means even if you don’t attend Middlebury, you might take advantage of their highly regarded abroad programs. Overall, Middlebury College exemplifies how a small U.S. college can have a gigantic global footprint, making it an ideal choice for students who want a deeply immersive study abroad experience.

Elon University

Elon University in North Carolina may be smaller in size compared to big state schools, but it’s a giant in study abroad participation. Elon has been recognized by the Institute of International Education for having the #1 study abroad participation rate among U.S. doctoral universities – with 87.8% of undergraduates having at least one study abroad experience​elon.edu. In other words, almost 9 out of 10 Elon students go abroad by the time they graduate, which is extraordinary. This culture of global engagement is woven into everything at Elon.

Elon’s study abroad offerings (branded as the Global Education Center programs) cover a broad spectrum. Students can choose semester programs on nearly every continent or shorter “Elon Travel-Embedded Courses” where a semester class on campus includes a travel component. For example, a history class might culminate in a two-week trip to study historical sites in Poland, or a public health course might visit hospitals in India over winter term. Elon’s popular Winter Term (January term) is often used for these faculty-led courses abroad, giving students a taste of another country in just a few weeks.

Additionally, Elon runs summer internships abroad and semester exchanges with partner universities. Programs are available in English as well as in foreign languages. What sets Elon apart is how it integrates these experiences: many students have more than one global experience (e.g., a semester abroad plus a winter term trip). Elon also includes domestic study USA programs in other U.S. cities, extending the idea of learning through travel even within the States​elon.edu. All of this is supported by generous scholarships and an administrative structure that makes going abroad accessible. Elon’s Global Education Center provides extensive advising, and because going abroad is the norm, even faculty and coursework on campus encourage international perspectives.

Elon’s commitment to study abroad remained strong even during difficult times – they managed to keep some programs running (safely) during the pandemic and saw a strong rebound afterward​elon.edu. For students who crave a tight-knit campus in the U.S. and multiple opportunities to explore the world, Elon University offers the best of both.

Boston University (BU)

Boston University combines the resources of a major research university with a pioneering spirit in study abroad programming. BU was one of the first universities to establish study abroad centers abroad decades ago, and today it operates over 100 programs in more than 20 countries. In fact, BU proclaims it has “the premier study abroad program in the country,” with nearly half of BU students studying, researching, or interning abroad across five continents​bu.edu. This high participation is supported by BU’s reputation and infrastructure that make going abroad straightforward for students.

One unique aspect of BU is that it runs its own study abroad internship programs in cities like London, Dublin, Madrid, Paris, Sydney, Los Angeles, and more. These programs combine classroom study with a professional internship placement. For example, a BU student in London will take courses at the BU London Center (taught by local faculty) for part of the semester, and spend the other part working in a British company or organization related to their field. This model is fantastic for gaining work experience and international exposure simultaneously. BU’s internship programs are available in a variety of fields such as finance, journalism, advertising, politics, and STEM.

Beyond internships, BU offers direct enrollment and exchange programs. You could study management at the National University of Singapore, public health in Geneva, or join field research in the Galápagos Islands through BU’s offerings. With 180+ study abroad opportunities around the globe​bu.edu, BU covers almost every academic interest.

Support for students is extensive. BU’s Study Abroad office provides pre-departure orientations that cover academics, housing, cultural adjustment, and health and safety. Many programs have on-site BU staff. Financial aid and scholarships can often be applied to BU programs, which helps with affordability. Boston University also hosts a large international student population on its home campus​bu.edu, ranking #7 in the U.S. for hosting international students, which creates a diverse community that values global perspectives. In summary, BU’s long history and robust programs make it a top choice for students who want an integrated study abroad experience—especially if gaining international work experience is a priority.

Goucher College

Goucher College, a small liberal arts college in Maryland, has made global education a core part of its identity. Goucher was actually the first college in the United States to require undergraduate students to study abroad as a condition of graduation​studyabroadexpress.com. This bold requirement (implemented in 2006) ensures that 100% of Goucher students have an international experience, whether it’s a semester abroad, summer program, or intensive course abroad. Goucher’s philosophy is that studying abroad is so critical to a 21st-century education that it should be universal, not optional.

Because of this commitment, Goucher has developed a supportive and flexible array of programs. Students can fulfill the requirement through different lengths and formats: a traditional semester or year at a partner university, shorter faculty-led intensive courses abroad (ranging from 3-week programs in places like South Africa or China), or even multiple experiences if they wish. Goucher makes it easier to afford by providing every student a $1,200 voucher toward their study abroad program cost​browndailyherald.com, and additional need-based scholarships are available. Popular destinations for Goucher students include Ghana, Poland, Costa Rica, India, and the United Kingdom, but the options span the globe.

Academically, Goucher integrates the study abroad experience with its curriculum. Many students conduct research projects or engage in community service abroad tied to their majors. For example, education majors might examine schooling in rural Africa, while science majors could study biodiversity in the Amazon. Goucher’s career and study abroad advisors work together to help students leverage their overseas experiences for graduate school or job opportunities.

Even on campus, Goucher infuses international perspectives – through globally focused courses and a diverse student body. The result is a student population that graduates with a genuinely worldwide outlook. If you value a college that guarantees you’ll go abroad and supports you every step of the way, Goucher College is unparalleled. It may be a smaller school, but in the realm of study abroad, Goucher is a true leader and innovator.

FAQ: Studying Abroad in the U.S.

Q: Which universities in the U.S. have the best study abroad programs?
A: Some of the top U.S. universities for study abroad include New York University (NYU), which has global academic centers on six continents, Georgetown University for its variety of international programs, University of Michigan for its huge selection of 140+ programs in 50+ countries, and Elon University for its nation-leading participation rate. Schools like American University, UCLA, Boston University, Middlebury College, and Goucher College are also renowned for study abroad. Each offers extensive abroad options and strong support – the “best” for you might depend on your academic interests and preferred destinations (see our list above for details on each).

Q: What makes a study abroad program good?
A: A great study abroad program typically has strong academic integration (so credits count toward your degree), a range of destination choices and program lengths, and robust student support services. Top programs ensure you stay on track academically while gaining cultural experience. They often include extras like internships, research, or service learning opportunities abroad. Additionally, good programs are affordable – they allow you to use financial aid or provide scholarships – and prioritize student safety. Universities known for excellent study abroad tend to have dedicated offices that help with everything from choosing a program to handling logistics. Recognition by rankings or high participation rates can be a sign of quality too (for example, schools with high participation have experience making study abroad work well for most students).

Q: Is studying abroad worth it?
A: Absolutely – for most students, studying abroad is immensely worth it. The personal and professional benefits are well-documented. Students return with improved language skills, greater cross-cultural communication abilities, and a broader worldview. These experiences can also give you an edge in your career. In fact, according to research by the University of California and the travel nonprofit IES Abroad, nearly 97% of study abroad alumni found employment within 12 months of graduation, versus 49% of the general college population, and they tended to earn higher salaries​ciee.org. Employers often value the adaptability, independence, and global outlook that come from international study. Beyond career, many students find that living in another country boosts their self-confidence and helps them discover new academic passions. Of course, the experience is what you make of it – engaging with the local culture and academics while abroad will maximize its worth. With good planning to stay on budget and on track with courses, the consensus is that the rewards of studying abroad far outweigh the costs.

Q: How much does it cost to study abroad in the U.S. (for international students)?
A: The cost for an international student to study in the U.S. can vary widely depending on the university and program. Tuition at U.S. universities ranges from around $10,000 per year at some public colleges (for in-state residents) up to $50,000 or more at private universities. International students usually pay out-of-state or international rates at public universities, which can be higher. On top of tuition, you must consider living expenses (housing, food, health insurance, transportation). Big city areas like New York or Los Angeles will be more expensive than smaller towns. As an international student, you’ll also have visa application fees and possibly travel costs to get to the U.S. However, many top U.S. universities offer scholarships or financial aid to international students – these can significantly reduce the cost. Additionally, if you come on an exchange program from your home university, you might continue paying your home tuition rate instead. In summary, studying in the U.S. can be costly, but with scholarships, exchange agreements, or attending a more affordable state university, it can be manageable. Always research the specific costs of each institution and look into financial aid options they provide for international students.

Q: How do I choose the right university for study abroad opportunities?
A: Start by considering your academic goals and interests. Look for universities that offer study abroad programs aligning with your major or career plans (e.g., business students might want schools with global internship programs, language majors might prefer schools with immersion programs). Next, think about destinations or regions you’re interested in – some universities have stronger programs in certain areas (for example, Middlebury for language immersion worldwide, or a school that has a campus in your dream city). Also, check each university’s study abroad participation rate and support structure. A high percentage of students studying abroad and a dedicated global education office are good signs. Financial factors matter too: compare how credits and tuition are handled (do they let you use your normal tuition and financial aid while abroad?), and what scholarships or funding exist for study abroad. You may also want to read student testimonials or talk to alumni about their experiences. Finally, consider the overall fit of the university – its location, campus culture, and academics – since you’ll be spending the rest of your time there when you’re not abroad. By weighing these factors, you can choose a university that will not only give you a great education at home but also open doors to adventures abroad.

Q: Can international students work while studying abroad in the U.S.?
A: Yes, but with limitations. On an F-1 student visa (the most common for international students in the U.S.), students are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term (and full-time during breaks). On-campus jobs might include working at the library, cafeteria, or as a research assistant. Off-campus work is more restricted – you generally cannot work off-campus in your first academic year. After one year, F-1 students may engage in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) if the work is related to their field of study. CPT could allow you to do an internship or co-op off-campus during your studies (with approval from your school), and OPT allows up to 12 months of work (often after graduation, though pre-completion OPT is possible) in a field related to your major. It’s important to note that working off-campus without authorization can jeopardize your visa status. So, while you can work as an international student, you must follow the visa regulations carefully. Many international students in the U.S. do work part-time on campus or take advantage of CPT/OPT for internships – these opportunities can provide both income and valuable experience.

Conclusion 

Embarking on a study abroad journey through a U.S. university can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make in college. Not only will you gain academic credit, but you’ll also collect unforgettable experiences and develop skills that last a lifetime. The universities highlighted above are leaders in fostering those opportunities – now, it’s up to you to take the next step!

If you found this guide helpful, consider subscribing to Fredash Education Hub for more insights on global education and university tips. Feel free to share this article with friends or classmates who are dreaming of studying abroad. Have questions or personal experiences with study abroad? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below! We’d love to hear your thoughts and tips.

Finally, remember that the world is your classroom. Whether you choose a big university like NYU or a smaller college like Goucher, the important thing is to step out of your comfort zone and explore. As the saying goes, “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” So go ahead – enrich your education and your life by studying abroad.

Ready to Level Up Your Global Journey? (Affiliate Recommendations)

To prepare and make the most of your study abroad adventure, here are some highly rated resources and courses to check out:

• Coursera – “Applying to U.S. Universities” (University of Pennsylvania): A valuable free online course designed for international students navigating the U.S. college admissions process​coursera.org. This course offers insider tips on applications, essays, and how to choose the right U.S. university – perfect if you’re an aspiring international student looking at American schools.

• FutureLearn – “Preparing for Graduate Study in the US” (University of Michigan): A comprehensive course that helps you build academic English skills and learn what to expect from U.S. graduate programs​futurelearn.com. If you’re heading to the U.S. for a master’s or Ph.D., this 5-week online program will boost your confidence in writing, research, and communication within an American campus setting.

By leveraging online courses and guidebooks like these (often available at student-friendly prices or even free), you can sharpen your skills and knowledge before you take off. Learning how to write a stellar application, improving your English, or reading up on American campus life will set you up for success. Good luck on your study abroad journey – and safe travels on the road to your global education!