10 of the Best Places to Study Abroad in Europe

Europe is one of the top study abroad regions in the world for college students; and for good reasons! Home to 44 distinct nations, this continent is rich in culture, cuisine, history, politics, the arts, and so much more. Given Europe’s many important locations and incredible landmarks, it can be challenging for students to choose where in Europe to study abroad.  

To help narrow your search, let’s dive into our list of the top 10 best places to study abroad in Europe!  

1. Czech Republic 

First up is the Czech Republic. In this country, CIEE students will have the time of their lives living and studying in the enchanting European city of Prague. Regarded as one of Europe’s major cultural and economic centers, the “City of a Hundred Spires” offers a rich history within its enchanting city and is home to multiple UNESCO Heritage Sites.  

CIEE Prague is located in a beautiful 19th-century neo-Gothic building built atop one of the city’s highest hills – an unforgettable place to learn. Students in this program have the chance to study at some of the top schools in the Czech Republic, including the prominent Prague Film and Television School of the Academy of the Performing Arts (FAMU) and Charles University, the oldest university in central Europe.  

Excited to study abroad in the Czech Republic? Explore our programs in Prague! 

2. Denmark 

Next up is Denmark, where CIEE students get to experience life in one of the happiest countries on Earth. What’s not to love about that?! This program takes place in the “mega-cool” Scandinavian city of Copenhagen, where students can choose to study for a semester or a year.

This sustainable capital has a lot to offer: beautiful old architecture, cutting-edge design, indie eateries, New Nordic cuisine, fabulous art galleries, limitless green spaces, the historic Tivoli amusement park, and more.

Did we mention this cosmopolitan city was once a Viking village? All that plus this city is well-suited for pedestrians, bicyclists, and those who prefer public transit. So, no car is no problem!  

Eager to study abroad in Denmark? Explore our Copenhagen programs! 

3. England 

England is third on our list. Come see what inspired some of the world’s greatest thinkers and creators, and live it for yourself. Students in this program can study at Goldsmiths, University of London; top-ranked University College London (UCL); or Britain’s first polytechnic, the University of Westminster. Or choose courses at beautiful CIEE London, located in the heart of the city.  

Some students opt to learn outside of the classroom by interning with a local organization to gain valuable real-world international work experience. Beyond that (as if that weren’t enough options to choose from already!), there is just so much to take in outside of learning – England’s vast history, vibrant diversity, and world-class culture to name a few.  

Whether you want to intern or study abroad in England, explore our programs in London! 

4. France 

If it’s inspiration you seek, may we suggest France? More than a few artists have considered this glamorous country their muse. And, with CIEE, students can choose from three French destinations. Whether lured to the bright lights of Paris, the rural charm of Rennes, or the quaint rose-tinted architecture of Toulouse, you’re sure to be inspired as you experience this historic country.

Students can choose from a variety of courses, internships, volunteer opportunities, homestays, and direct enrollment options with added co-curriculars that provide a uniquely immersive experience.  

If you're inspired to study abroad in France, explore our programs! 

5. Germany 

Germany is one of the best countries to study abroad in Europe. Based at CIEE’s original Open Campus Block Network center in the heart of Berlin, this program offers students a historical and culturally rich city in which to broaden global understanding.

Students looking for an authentic experience will find CIEE’s tours and excursions to be an exceptional way to do just that. Berlin offers a reasonable cost of living, excellent public transportation, an abundance of green space, and thriving business and cultural scenes.  

To learn more about our opportunities to study abroad in Germany, explore all our Berlin programs.  

6. Ireland 

When studying abroad in Ireland, CIEE students reside in the small but lively city of Dublin. This central location is meant to give students insider access to Ireland’s history and culture, providing a sense of fun and adventure along the way.

Students can choose from a wide range of courses, cultural activities, campus clubs, study tours, and internships for a fully immersive international experience. Ireland offers a reasonable cost of living, stunning surroundings, and interesting history and culture. And there’s no language barrier for English speakers!  

If you’re excited to study abroad in Ireland, explore our programs in Dublin! 

7. Italy 

Looking to explore some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and learn a little Italian? Then studying abroad in Italy with CIEE is the way to go. CIEE’s Italy study abroad programs are based in Rome, where students can explore all this bucket-list city has to offer – from world-famous cuisines and museums to historic sites like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain.

Study here for a block, a summer, a semester, or a year (we bet you’ll want to stay even longer!). Students have access to a homestay, internship, volunteer project, or direct enrollment with added perks and excursions for a truly fantastic international experience.  

To make your dream to study abroad in Italy a reality, find your program in Rome!

8. Netherlands 

The Netherlands is next on our list, and this picturesque country is easy to explore. Yes, its public transportation is reliable and well-structured, but bicycling is simply a way of life for the Dutch. Students in this program live and learn in Amsterdam, a one-time fishing village that has become the country’s cultural capital.  

CIEE Amsterdam is conveniently located in the beautiful Roeterseiland neighborhood, about three miles from the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. Students can opt to study at University of Amsterdam, one of the largest universities in Europe, or at the research university Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.  

Ready to study abroad in the Netherlands? Explore programs in Amsterdam! 

9. Portugal 

Portugal, on the western tip of the continent, is another one of the best places to study abroad in Europe. CIEE students live and learn in Lisbon, which is at once one of the oldest cities in the world yet also a fast-modernizing metropolis. This historically rich seaport city is dotted with cobblestone alleyways, Gothic castles, and ancient ruins just waiting to be explored.  

CIEE Lisbon is located at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa School of Social Sciences and Humanities, though students can also choose to study at Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL) - Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas (FCSH) in the heart of Lisbon or the Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas (ISCTE-IUL) in the city’s business district.  

If you’re eager to study abroad in Portugal, explore our programs in Lisbon! 

10. Spain 

Last, but certainly not least, is Spain. With CIEE, students have the choice of five beautiful cities, each with its own unique charm. Choose from:

• The spirited and lively Seville
• The country’s political and cultural center Madrid
• The sun-drenched Mediterranean citadel of Barcelona
• The small medieval town of Alcalá de Henares
• The beautiful island city of Palma de Mallorca

We get it. It’s hard to choose! Spain is bursting with a lively, diverse population whose mouthwatering cuisine and rich history are hard to resist.

Fortunately, no matter the destination, you’re sure to have a phenomenal experience. And of course, CIEE sees to it that students have the ability to explore each city to its fullest through trips and excursions.  

Excited to study abroad in Spain? Explore all our programs in CIEE Spain’s top cities! 

Get on Your Way!

We hope this list of 10 of the best European countries to study abroad helps you narrow your search to find the study abroad or global internship adventure of a lifetime. If you’re still not sure where to study abroad in Europe, you can always explore all academic and internship opportunities at large to research the full breadth and depth of our program options.  

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