Where are US students studying abroad? Top 5 trending destinations, cost of living and more

US students studying abroad: Studying abroad has become an increasingly popular path for US students after finishing high school, offering them a chance to explore new cultures, gain a global perspective. The appeal of pursuing academic credits overseas continues to grow, with Europe emerging as the most sought-after region for American students, a recent report has revealed.
According to the 2023 Open Doors data from the Institute of International Education (IIE), 188,753 American students studied abroad during the 2021-22 academic year, compared to just 14,549 in the prior year.Europe alone hosted 73% of these students, marking the highest proportion in more than 30 years.

Europe: The Top Choice for US Students Studying Abroad

Europe has throughout been the top destination for US students studying abroad. In the 2021-22 academic year, over 73% of US students who chose to study abroad, opted for Europe, a significant increase from 66.3% in the previous academic year, reports the IIE. When compared to the 2018-19 data, where 55.7% of US students studied in Europe, it is clear that European destinations have grown in popularity, attracting a significant number of US students over the years.
Top Study Abroad Destinations for US Students Outside Europe
Beyond Europe, other regions have seen fluctuations in popularity among the US students. For instance, Asia hosted 11.7% of US students studying abroad in 2018-19, but this number dropped significantly to 4.7% by 2021-22. Similarly, Latin America’s share of US students fell from 13.8% to 10.3% in the same period.
Meanwhile, regions like Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa saw marginal shifts in their appeal, with Europe maintaining its position as the dominant host for American students.

This data is sourced from the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Report and the US Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics

Top Five Countries US Students Choose for International Education

According to the most recent Open Doors report and US Department of Education data, US students tend to gravitate towards a select few European countries. Here are the top five destinations that American students flock to, their most popular universities, and what living there could cost them.
#1 Italy
Italy continues to reign as the top destination for American students studying abroad, with more than 30,000 US students choosing the country in the 2021-22 academic year. Italy’s timeless appeal, from its rich historical landmarks like the Colosseum to its artistic centres such as Florence, makes it a prime destination for those interested in history, architecture, and the arts. Hosting 16.2% of US study abroad participants, Italy saw a 1.1% increase from the prior academic year, underscoring its lasting appeal.
Students flock to renowned institutions like the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano. The cost of living in Italy varies by region, with Rome and Milan being on the higher end. On average, students can expect to spend around $1,200 per month, excluding rent, with major cities requiring a higher budget.
#2 United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is another leading destination for US students, attracting more than 27,000 in 2021-22, a notable increase from the previous year. This rise underscores the continued draw of the UK’s prestigious academic institutions, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University College London.
The UK’s rich academic tradition, coupled with its blend of modernity and cultural heritage, offers students a unique experience. Although London remains a top destination, it is also one of the most expensive cities in Europe, with living costs averaging around $1,500 per month, excluding rent. Students in other cities, such as Manchester or Edinburgh, may find more affordable living conditions.
#3 Spain
Spain remains a favoured destination for US students as well, with 13.4% of American study abroad participants heading there in 2021-22. The number of students studying in Spain skyrocketed from 2,089 in 2020-21 to over 25,000 the following year, a significant recovery post-pandemic.
The country’s vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and renowned educational institutions like the University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, and University of Valencia provide a well-rounded experience. In Spain, students can enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to other European countries, with average monthly living costs hovering around $1,000, excluding rent.
#4 France
France also remains a popular destination, particularly for those interested in art, culture, and fashion. In 2021-22, 14,397 US students travelled to France, a remarkable increase from the previous year. Paris, with its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, is often the top choice, but other cities like Lyon and Marseille also offer high-quality educational opportunities at lower living costs.
Top universities include Sorbonne University, University of Paris-Saclay, and École Polytechnique. The average cost of living in France is approximately $1,300 per month, excluding rent, though living in Paris can require a larger budget.
#5 Germany
Germany has become an increasingly attractive destination for American students, especially for those pursuing STEM fields. In 2021-22, Germany hosted 4% of all US study abroad students, an increase from 2.8% the prior year.
Known for its strong economy and innovative engineering programs, Germany offers academic excellence at universities such as Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Technical University of Munich, and Heidelberg University. The cost of living in Germany is relatively moderate, averaging about $1,200 per month, excluding rent. Cities like Berlin and Munich can be pricier, but Germany’s efficient infrastructure and quality of life make it a compelling option for many students.