10 of the Best Study Abroad Programs in Europe
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Has studying abroad in Europe ever crossed your mind? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
CIEE offers programming as rich and diverse as Europe itself in 10 epic countries around the continent. Whether you want to eat your fill of cannoli in Italy, study in a castle in the Czech Republic, or put your Spanish language skills to the test in Spain, studying abroad in Europe is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t want to miss!
While we have something in the neighborhood of 80+ programs to choose from in Europe, we understand that narrowing your options down can be a bit of a challenge. There are just so many epic CIEE programs designed for your studies!
That’s why we’ve come up with our list of the top 10 best study abroad programs in Europe. From immersing yourself in an entirely new culture to learning a new language and gaining a new worldview, you can do it all – and more – on one of the following top 10 CIEE Study Abroad programs in Europe:
Prague: Central European Studies
First up: our Central European Studies program in Prague.
Located in the heart of Europe, some say the City of a Hundred Spires is the most beautiful in the world. And it’s hard to argue. From its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets to its flowing Vltava River, studying abroad in Prague is almost like living in a fairytale. What’s more, this stunning city is surprisingly affordable, too.
Join our Central European Studies program and you will get a phenomenal, in-depth understanding of the Czech Republic. Alongside courses, you can travel throughout the city on various tours and excursions to places such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and more.
Key details about this program for study abroad in Europe:
- Timeframe: 15 weeks (spring or fall)
- Credit: 15-18 semester hours / 22.5-27 quarter hours
- Language of instruction: English and Czech
- Cost: $19,950
- Institutions: CIEE Prague, Charles University, or the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU)
LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTRAL EUROPEAN STUDIES IN PRAGUE
Barcelona: Business + Culture
Next up is our Business + Culture Program in Barcelona. This sophisticated seaport city boasts a dynamic startup scene, making it a super spot for students with a background or keen interest in business.
Barcelona is also, of course, one of Spain’s top cultural and gastronomic centers. During this program, you will want to make time to explore its world-class museums, splurge on tasty tapas, relax on its fabulous Mediterranean beaches, and so much more.
And, because Barcelona is located in the Catalan part of Spain, you can expect most locals to speak both Catalan and Spanish. For you, though, it’s not necessary to speak or understand Catalan, but it can open a few doors to making some life-long connections.
Key details about this program for study abroad in Europe:
- Timeframe: 16 weeks (spring or fall)
- Credit: 14-17 semester hours / 21-22.5 quarter hours
- Language of instruction: English and Spanish
- Cost: $19,950
- Institutions: CIEE Barcelona, Univeritat Pompeu Fabra’s Escola Superior de Comerc Internacional (ESCI), and Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (Uvic)
Berlin: Open Campus Block
One of CIEE’s most popular study abroad opportunities is our Open Campus Block, which is a program as unique as you are – because it’s designed by you.
When you select the Open Campus Block program, you can choose to enroll in one, two, or three consecutive six-week blocks. You can either study in up to three different cities over the course of 18 weeks or stay in one location the whole time. It’s entirely up to you. Mix and match on your terms!
Berlin is one of 16 popular destinations offered on the Open Campus Block program. This historic city is ranked among the top for global urban quality of life, and, in this program, you will get to live in the heart of Germany’s international Kreuzberg district. It’s amazing!
Key details about this program for study abroad in Europe:
- Timeframe: 6 weeks per block (up to 3 blocks for 18 weeks)
- Credit: 6-7 semester hours per block / 9-10.5 quarter hours per block
- Language of instruction: English or German
- Cost: $6,650 per block
- Institution: CIEE Berlin
Seville: Liberal Arts
If you are an advanced Spanish-language student looking to improve your spoken and written Spanish skills, then check out CIEE’s Liberal Arts program in Seville. You’re sure to like what you see!
This program takes you on an intercultural journey in which you will study alongside local students, experience the region’s rich culture, and who knows, maybe even learn a little Flamenco!
Seville is famously lively, colorful, and inspiring. And this Liberal Arts program is an enviable way to take in the city and its surrounding region. Tours and excursions are of course included as part of your program.
Key details about this program for study abroad in Europe:
- Timeframe: 15 weeks (spring or fall)
- Credit: 15-18 semester hours / 22.5-27 quarter hours
- Language of instruction: Spanish
- Cost: $17,950
- Institutions: CIEE Seville, Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO), or Estudios Universitarios Superiores de Andalucia (EUSA)
Rome: Open Campus Block
The stunning and historic city of Rome is another top destination in our popular Open Campus Block network. In this short but sweet six-week session, you will take classes inside the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and the Italian Parliament. Seriously!
With CIEE Rome, the Eternal City is literally your classroom. And that’s just the start. This program is packed with tours and excursions that will delight all your senses. Ready to sign up?
Key details about this program for study abroad in Europe:
- Timeframe: 6 weeks per block (up to 3 blocks for 18 weeks)
- Credit: 6-7 semester hours per Block / 9-10.5 quarter hours per block
- Language of instruction: English or Italian
- Cost: $6,650 per block
- Institutions: CIEE Rome or Roma Tre University
Paris: Open Campus Block
Grand Paris, the cultural epicenter of Europe and France’s charming capital, is part of our Open Campus Block program, though we offer a variety of ways to study abroad in the City of Lights.
In just one six-week block in Paris, you can experience so much. The Eiffel Tower. The Louvre. Bastille Square. Cheese! This program is packed with tours and excursions, but don’t worry, you’ll be able to fit in all your necessary coursework and projects. Though be warned: you will love it so much, you may want to stay longer.
Key details about this program for study abroad in Europe:
- Timeframe: 6 weeks per block (up to 3 blocks for 18 weeks)
- Credit: 6-7 semester hours per Block / 9-10.5 quarter hours per block
- Language of instruction: English or French
- Cost: $6,650 per block
- Institution: CIEE Paris
London: Open Campus Block
If you’re inclined to go to an English-speaking country, we highly recommend the Open Campus Block program in London, England. Here you will find an eclectic mix of old and new. Think medieval cobblestone streets and Buckingham Palace on the one hand, and modern architecture like the infamous “Walkie-Talkie” skyscraper on the other.
And the diversity doesn’t stop there. In fact, London is incredibly international with nearly 300 languages spoken throughout the city. As an expat, you will feel right at home.
Plus, you will be studying at CIEE London, which is located in one of the most vibrant and student-populated areas of central London. You can get anywhere from here!
Key details about this program for study abroad in Europe:
- Timeframe: 6 weeks per block (up to 3 blocks for 18 weeks)
- Credit: 6-7 semester hours per block / 9-10.5 quarter hours per block
- Language of instruction: English or French
- Cost: $6,650 per block
- Institution: CIEE London
Madrid: Open Campus Block
Be part of Madrid’s vibrant energy through our six-week Open Campus Block program.
This program is your opportunity to really experience and explore the region. Tours and excursions are part of your tuition, including a visit to the world heritage site of El Escorial, a vast building complex considered to be the most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance in the 1500s.
At CIEE Madrid, you’ll be within walking distance of world-class museums, fountains, parks, shops, restaurants, and even a Royal palace. If you’re interested in improving your Spanish or learning more about Spain, this is a great way to do it.
Key details on this program for study abroad in Europe:
- Timeframe: 6 weeks per block (up to 3 blocks for 18 weeks)
- Credit: 6-7 semester hours per Block / 9-10.5 quarter hours per block
- Language of instruction: English or Spanish
- Cost: $6,650 per block
- Institution: CIEE Madrid
Amsterdam: Social Sciences + Humanities
Our Social Sciences + Humanities program in Amsterdam is your chance to spend a full 18 weeks in one of the world’s most innovative and multicultural cities.
This rigorous but fun semester abroad provides you with opportunities that will open the door to a world of new possibilities. Volunteer to teach English at a local elementary or middle school. Join weekly cultural activities. Explore the uneven distribution of power and privilege across demographics. Spend a weekend with a Dutch family. And more!
The Social Sciences + Humanities program in the Netherlands is a great way to build your understanding of the Dutch language and its culture and politics.
Key details about this program for study abroad in Europe:
- Timeframe: 18 weeks (spring or fall)
- Credit: 15 semester hours / 22.5 quarter hours
- Language of instruction: English
- Cost: $21,950
- Institutions: CIEE Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam (UvA), or Dutch Language Institute at the University of Amsterdam (INTT)
Lisbon: Language + Culture
Choose our Language + Culture program in Lisbon, Portugal and you will enjoy a full semester in the beautiful, friendly city of Lisbon. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
CIEE Lisbon graduates rave about the affordability and safety of the city. Even more, they love the many ways to dive into the local culture. And you will, too. Visit Porto. Explore medieval walled towns. Get to know coastal Setúbal. Meet local students. Volunteer in the community. Intern at Portuguese company. Need we go on?
Key details about this program for study abroad in Europe:
- Timeframe: 15-18 weeks (spring or fall)
- Credit: 15-18 semester hours / 22.5-27 quarter hours
- Language of instruction: English or Portuguese
- Cost: $18,950
- Institutions: CIEE Lisbon, Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas - Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCSH-UNL), or Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL)
Ready to study abroad in Europe?
Make your Europe study abroad dreams come true! Discover all the incredible places you can take your studies in Europe – each with its own distinct identity. From celebrating Amsterdam’s Light Festival to gaining real-world work experience on a global internship in London, we offer you more ways to get on your way, so you can have it all.
Eager to take the next step?
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