History majors are at an advantage when it comes to studying abroad—because history is everywhere and all around us! Not to mention, there’s a basically never-ending list of programs abroad for students studying history.
The best places to study abroad for history majors can be obvious sometimes!
But what are the best places to study abroad for history majors? History students abroad get to learn about a country’s past and how it affects its present and future. Even for non-history majors, taking a history class abroad allows you to better understand the country you are living in while checking off general education courses.
For this reason, there is not only one best place to study history...your options are basically limitless! Think about which cultures, languages, politics, and/or religions interest you, and you’ll easily find the best place to study history for you.
8 best places to study abroad for history majors
1. Greece
Greece is one of the best places to study history, especially ancient Greek history. See history first-hand and walk along the ruins of the Acropolis of Athens or the city of Corinth. Also, visit the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre of Epidaurus, and more!
Greece is the perfect place to get out of your country and explore the traditions and customs of Greece’s historical cities. More into sports history? There is no place better to study abroad than the birthplace of the Olympics in Olympia!
Spring, summer and fall semesters are the best times to visit Greece, but really any time of year is a great time to go.
- Try this program: Study Abroad in Greece with CYA (Semester/Academic Year)
2. Czech Republic
Medieval or modern? Take your pick in Czechia.
Living and studying in the Czech Republic will feel like you are stepping back in time. Prague has buildings, castles, and cathedrals that date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. The Czech Republic has a deep, long history involving the Protestant Reformation, the Thirty Years War, German occupation, Holy Roman Emperors, and more.
There is a wide variety of history to study while in the Czech Republic: medieval history, modern history, ancient history, it’s all there! Spring and fall are the best semesters to study in the Czech because the crowds are smaller, and the weather is better.
- Try this program: CIEE Central European Studies in Prague, Czech Republic
3. Italy
Italy is one of the most popular places to study abroad—period. The idea of eating pasta, pizza, and gelato while drinking wine and limoncello every day is tremendously appealing to most students. Not only is the food amazing, but the historical sites and ruins are stunning to see, making it one of the best places to study abroad for history majors.
Of course, there’s the city of Rome where you can study ancient Roman history, but there’s also Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance or Venice, Pompeii, Sienna, or Sicily! Italy has a long fascinating history, so don’t think twice about going there! The best times to go are spring and fall.
- Try this program: AIFS Study Abroad in Rome: Semester or Year
4. Japan
Japanese history goes back thousands and thousands of years. The culture, art, language, politics, and so on are captivating and exciting to learn about. Learn about the Imperial Age of Japan in Tokyo, see historical Kyoto or the temples in Nara, and learn how Japan was affected by the devastations of World War II in Hiroshima and beyond.
Castles, shrines, temples, and more are excellent places to explore and experience Japanese history and culture. Study in the fall or (even better) in the spring to see the famous, magical cherry blossoms.
- Try this program: USAC Japan: Nagasaki – Japanese Language, Society & Culture
5. China
Chinese history goes waaaay back, giving you plenty to learn and explore.
China’s history is ancient and filled with interesting facts just waiting for history majors to study. Learn about Chinese dynasties, imperial China, emperors, language acquisition, Chinese society, culture, and more.
See ancient Chinese ruins in-person and discuss how China came to be where it is today. The best time to study abroad in China is the spring and the fall for the best weather. Be sure to avoid the biggest crowds by traveling before or after Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year (unless it’s on your bucket list, that is).
- Try this program: TEAN: China – Summer in Shanghai
6. South Africa
Are you a historian that likes to focus on studying human rights? If so, South Africa should be at the top of your list for the best place to study history. Study historical leaders like Nelson Mandela and discuss issues surrounding multiculturalism, identity, race, and ethnicity.
Also learn about apartheid and the power of social change. South Africa is a great location to study abroad with a short-term program, with summer (North American winter) being one of the best times to study and live there. Ready for a meaningful winter break abroad?
- Try this program: South Africa: Multiculturalism and Human Rights
7. Germany
Mix it up with different historical periods. Learn about the Protestant Reformation which started in Wittenberg, Germany. See fairytale towns and cities in Bavaria. Looking for more modern history? Germany is one of the best places to learn about World War I, World War II, and the Cold War.
Go back and forth from former West and East Berlin and view monuments and memorials which confront its past. The best times to study and live in Germany are in the fall, summer, or spring, unless you’re interested in those snowy winters—Germany is absolutely magical during Christmas, after all.
- Try this program: Study Abroad in Berlin with FUBiS – Winter & Summer Sessions
8. Spain
Spain’s history has touched almost every corner of the globe.
No list of historical and culturally-rich countries would be complete without Spain! The cities of Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, Granada, and so on are bursting with unique experiences and stories from its past.
Controlled at different times by the Roman Empire, Germanic tribes, the Visigothic Kingdom, and more, Spain has many cultural influences which make it captivating to study historically. The best time to study abroad in Spain is the fall and spring in order to avoid crowds and enjoy the mild weather.
- Try this program: CEA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain
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See history come to life when you study abroad!
You don’t need to be limited to the countries on this list. Avoid worrying too much about where to study history, because history is everywhere! Historical discoveries are being made all the time and all throughout the world.
Follow your interests, curiosities, and academic plans to find the best place to study history for you. Take your chances and embark on a study abroad adventure which challenges your understanding of the world and informs you of fascinating historical facts first-hand.
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