Alright, let’s be real: studying abroad isn’t just about padding your resume or snapping Insta-worthy pics under the Eiffel Tower. It’s about shaking up your whole perspective, meeting people who don’t think like you, and maybe—just maybe—figuring out what you wanna do with your life (no promises). With a record number of American students packing their bags in 2022-23, the FOMO is pretty much justified. Here’s my no-nonsense rundown of the ten study abroad programs that don’t suck—mixing solid academics, wild adventures, and, yeah, stuff you can actually afford. If you want a cookie-cutter “study and travel” pitch, you’re in the wrong place. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
(Just scroll… or don’t. But here’s what’s coming.)
- Why Bother with Study Abroad in 2025?
- The Big Ten (a.k.a. Programs Worth Your Time)
- Tips So You Don’t Pick a Dud
- Who to Bug for More Info
Why Even Bother with Study Abroad in 2025?
Look, nearly two-thirds of U.S. students who went abroad in 2022-23 picked Europe (surprise, surprise—hello, Italy). Employers dig global experience (like, 80% of them), and honestly, you’ll probably come back with at least one story involving getting lost on a subway. These programs aren’t just travel—they’re a weird mashup of education, culture shock, and “oh god, what did I just eat?” Best part? They don’t all cost a kidney, and most are safer than you think.
The Big Ten: Study Abroad Programs That Don’t Suck
- CIEE Open Campus Block Program
CIEE’s been doing their thing since the 1940s, and they’ve got this flexible program where you can hop between up to three countries in one go. Dublin, Prague, wherever—pick your poison. You get college credit, and they hand out a ton of scholarships (over $3 million, so it’s not just lip service). Wildly customizable. Check out CIEE’s site if you’re allergic to routine. - AIFS Abroad Study + Internship Programs
Want to work and study in places like Australia or Italy? AIFS is your jam. These guys know their stuff (almost 60 years running), toss in housing and trips, and if you go in Spring 2026, you might score $500 toward travel. Find more on their website, but basically: work, study, party, repeat. - IES Abroad
130+ programs, 30 countries, and a decent chunk of change in scholarships ($2.5 million, no joke). Madrid, Tokyo—take your pick. You can do homestays or dorms (because who doesn’t want to be THAT close to new friends/strangers?). Academic-heavy, but not boring. - ISEP Exchange
Want the cheapest option? ISEP’s got you. Study in 50+ countries, but you pay what you’d pay at your home school (no surprise fees). They pretty much guarantee you’ll get placed somewhere if you’re eligible. Check ISEP’s site if you’re budgeting hard. - NYU Global Programs
NYU is basically the Beyoncé of study abroad—big, flashy, and everyone wants in. Campuses in Prague, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, and more. Loads of scholarships (up to $8k), and credits transfer back without drama. Their global programs page has all the deets. - Texas A&M Study Abroad
400+ programs, 110 countries, and some wild destinations (Kyoto, anyone?). From quick faculty-led trips to whole semesters abroad, there’s a fit for every commitment-phobe. Bonus: their Globetrotter Grant gives you $2,000 if you’re lucky. - UT Austin International Programs
Similar vibes to A&M, 400+ programs, 100 countries (with virtual ones, if you’re still not over Zoom). Exchanges with places like Melbourne keep it affordable. Good news for first-gen students: extra scholarships just for you. - SDSU Global Education
San Diego State hooks up with 350+ partner schools in 50 countries. You pay your usual tuition (nice), and you’ve got everything from quick seminars to full semesters. They even have their own scholarship fund to help out. - Susquehanna University Global Opportunities
Here’s a twist: EVERY student at Susquehanna has to study abroad. Cheapest programs start at $2k, and they throw aid at almost everyone. Europe and Asia are big destinations. Not your average “optional” experience. - API Study Abroad Programs
Academic Programs International (API) does it all—semester, summer, internships, even service learning. Tons of locations, and they’re big on support (think: help with visas, housing, and probably your existential crises).
Tips So You Don’t Pick a Dud
- Don’t just chase the cheapest option—look at support, safety, and if the credits actually count.
- Scholarships are everywhere. Apply even if you think you won’t get one.
- Talk to recent returnees. They’ll tell you what brochures won’t.
Contact Info for the Curious
Honestly, every program has a website. Stalk them, email their advisors, or DM them on Insta if that’s your thing. Don’t be shy—this is your adventure, not theirs.
And there ya go. If you’re not at least considering a semester in Tokyo or Florence after this, I dunno what to tell you.
