If you’re an American student looking for a way to expand your horizons, learn, travel, and explore – you need to look into the best study abroad programs in Europe. Why? Because they’ll offer you a chance to live and breathe another culture and get the top education that you need. By leaving your home and enrolling in one of the study abroad programs in Europe, you’ll become more independent and confident while receiving a high-quality education.

If you’re interested in studying in Europe, but don’t know where to start, just keep reading. We’ve prepared a guide with the 10 best accredited programs for you.

Studying Abroad: Benefits for Americans

Before we jump to the selected Europe study abroad programs, let’s take a moment to think about the benefits of studying abroad. 

As an American, you’ve only had the chance to experience the typical American culture, language, customs, and people. Even if you’ve read about other cultures, or spent time with people of different origins, it can’t be compared to actually living in a foreign country and being a part of a different community. 

So, the main benefits of enrolling in such a program include:

  • learning a new language
  • exiting your comfort zone 
  • meeting and learning from new people
  • exploring different cultures
  • learning about the rich history of your selected country
  • being a part of an education system unlike the one in America

When you’re abroad, you’re learning something new every step of the way. From taking care of yourself to getting around in an unknown surrounding- it’s all a part of a huge and valuable life lesson of how to study abroad in Europe.

The moment you step out of the ordinary and typical life you’ve been living, you start developing and growing. This will positively influence you as a student and as a person. 

Study Abroad Programs in Europe for American Students

Now that you realize just how valuable and beneficial these European study abroad programs could be for you, it’s time to take a look at your top choices. Below, you’ll find our list of the best countries and universities that offer unique opportunities for Americans to study in one of their colleges.

Let’s break it down.

  1. Singapore, Nanyang Technological University

The Nanyang Technological University in Singapore recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of offering innovative and superb education to students from all over the globe.

Students can choose to enroll in programs in the following disciplines:

  • Accountancy & Business
  • Arts
  • Business
  • Humanities
  • Engineering
  • Innovation/Entrepreneurship
  • Interdisciplinary
  • Medicine
  • Science
  • Social Sciences

If this sounds like something you’d like to pursue and your next traveling destination, you could apply for a scholarship and get the support you need – both financial and professional.

  1. Russia, St. Petersburg State University

Russia is the biggest and one of the most impressive European countries on our list. It offers education to American students at the prestigious St. Petersburg State University as one of the best places to study abroad in Europe.

This university offers the following programs for students:

  • Student Exchange program

If you come from one of the USA partner universities, you can choose a program tuition-free based on these friendly relations.

  • Freemover Programme

You can attend the visiting program if you’re not from one of the SPbU Partner Universities.

You can apply for one of the many available scholarships to receive the financial aid you may be needing.

  1. Korea, Ajou University

If you want to study Korean Language and Korean Studies courses, you’re eligible to apply to one of the programs at Ajou University in Korea. Thanks to The Office of International Affairs, they’re partnering with various universities allowing you to take the courses you want. 

Their special exchange program will allow you to study at the university for one or two semesters. To be eligible you need to:

  • have Korean Language or Korean Studies as a major
  • have studied Korean over a semester

Plus, there’s a Scholarship Program for a Master’s Degree in Energy Studies in case that’s your field of interest. 

  1. Germany, Freie Universität Berlin

The Freie Universität Berlin in Germany is an ideal place for exchange students looking for study abroad Europe programs due to the numerous student mobility programs available. They’re welcoming international students in the following formats:

  • a full-length degree program
  • a short-term study abroad program

Also, their students are often sponsored and supported by partnering organizations that offer to fund the best ones. You could apply for a research fellowship or a postdoc program.

  1. Israel, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC)

Reichman University offers MA and MBA programs that are taught in English, which allows students to live abroad but study in their native language. 

They offer some of the best European exchange programs, in fields such as Behavioral Economics, Healthcare Innovation, Machine Learning & Data Science, etc.

Luckily, you can apply for several financial aid opportunities as a student from the US, and receive a scholarship or a loan that will allow you to travel to Israel and study as an exchange student.

  1. The Netherlands, Maastricht University

Being the most international university in the Netherlands, Maastricht University makes studying abroad in Europe comfortable and easy. They have Bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs that are mostly taught in English, so you’d fit right in. They also have summer school and short-stay exchange programs.

Another great thing about them is the Foundation Programme. It’s designed for international students who want to do a bachelor’s program but need help meeting admission requirements.

Plus, you can apply for a scholarship although they’re pretty competitive. 

  1. Austria, Salzburg College

Salzburg is one of the best cities to study abroad. You can choose between undergraduate programs in Arts, General Studies, Business, Communication, and more, or choose The Bachelor of General Studies program. 

If you’re looking for a short-term exchange opportunity, there are semester and summer internship programs. 

Also, you can receive cash scholarships, federal grants, and student loans.

  1. Australia, The University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia is among the top 100 universities in the world. To be eligible for an exchange program, you need to have great academic achievements and speak English fluently, which isn’t a problem for Americans being native speakers.

Then, you can apply for one of the many scholarships they offer to outstanding students with great academic rankings – from the Global Sporting Excellence Scholarship to the International Loyalty Program.

  1. Italy, Università degli Studi di Milano

Università degli Studi di Milano offers some of the best European student exchange programs. International students can enroll in degree and doctoral programs, or study for a limited period.

They offer excellent scholarships for the best students.

  1. Greece, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

The final pick on our list of study abroad programs Europe is the globally recognized Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. You can choose a summer course, an entire academic year program, or a gap-year program they offer.

Hellenic-American Scholarship or the Study Abroad Merit Scholarship is available to help you make a trip to this beautiful country.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, American students who want to study abroad have a ton of opportunities. They just need to pick their destination and find the best European exchange student program. But it does not really matter what program or university you decide on, it is important to be ready to meet all the challenges the new place will bring. Remember to study all the rules and requirements of the program before sending an application. Hopefully, this guide helps you find the ideal 2022 study abroad program for you. You can also visit the CIEE website for some additional help.