8 Best Study Abroad Programs in the US

The opportunity to study abroad, and ultimately, the final decision to do so, marks the beginning of an exciting journey regardless of what you’ll be studying. It doesn’t come as a surprise that the United States is many students’ top choice if they decide to participate in a study abroad program.

The best study abroad programs in the US give you a firsthand glimpse into a unique nation. Rightfully described as a melting pot, the United States will have you feeling as though you’re traveling to different countries as you familiarize yourself with all the states and their own distinct cultures.

This diversity is also reflected in the study abroad programs the US has to offer—and when it comes to choosing the right one for you, the world is your oyster! However, don’t let the endless number of options scare you away—this article will be your quintessential guide to the best study abroad opportunities in America.

What makes these programs the best?

If you’ve done a bit of research into the best study abroad opportunities in America and you feel more confused than you did before, don’t panic—it’s completely normal!

Every program has something unique to offer that another one might not, and the pressure to choose the best one can be overwhelming at times. The truth is, the best study abroad program is likely to differ depending on your major, personal interests and hobbies, and what you’d want to get out of the program.

To ease your burden as much as possible, we’ve compiled a list of eight of the best study abroad programs in the US that were chosen based on these elements:

• Reviews and ratings from previous attendees.
• The diversity and uniqueness of the subjects and modules or classes.
• The reputation of the provider/college.

8 best study abroad programs in the United States

1. National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Expeditions: Semester and Year

• Why? If you’re undecided on what you want your year or semester abroad to look like, worry no more! With the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), you can combine adventure travel, academic study, and wilderness exploration for a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience.
• This unique program appeals to anyone and everyone who longs for adventure travel and is looking to make the most out of their gap year. Take courses in environmental studies or foreign languages while also developing outdoor skills such as mountaineering and canoeing. Another reason why NOLS is one of the best study abroad programs in the US is the opportunity to receive financial assistance—nearly $1.9 million in scholarships are offered each year!
• Where? Alaska
• Subjects: Environmental Studies, Foreign Language, Leadership, Culture, Service Learning
• Learn more about NOLS The National Outdoor Leadership School

2. Westcoast Connection: Pre-College Enrichment Los Angeles on the Campus of UCLA

• Why? Westcoast Connection offers a unique opportunity for students to take a sneak peek into college life in the beautiful city of Los Angeles. It’s a balanced program covering a mixture of academic learning and fun activities to ease you into student life. The activities, quite fitting with LA’s characteristics, range from photography to surfing, so there is a little something for everyone.
• What makes this study abroad opportunity stand out from the rest, besides its location, is how they make students’ experiences their top priority and ensure they get the most authentic and unique college experience possible!
• Where? Los Angeles
• Subjects: Screenwriting, Engineering, Communications, Fashion Design & Merchandising
• Learn more about Westcoast Connection

3. SIT Study Abroad: IHP Cities in the 21st Century

• Why? The IHP Cities in the 21st Century program “People, Planning and Politics” dives into issues of urbanization and the role of politics, economics, culture, and geography in building urban environments. What makes this study abroad program stand out from the crowd is its location-specific nature.
• By examining the way four global cities—New York, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, and Cape Town—function in the global economy, students get to develop a thorough perspective into understanding complex, interconnected urban systems. And of course, with a program as diverse as this, the subjects and courses you can take are no different. Your classes will cover an assortment of topics in the cities you explore.
• Where? New York (plus destinations in Argentina, South Africa, and Spain)
• Subjects: Economics, Architecture, Urban & Regional Planning, Humanities
• Read SIT Study Abroad reviews

4. Abbey Road Programs: Leadership Academy in Boston, Massachusetts

• Why? Designed for the leaders of tomorrow, the Young Diplomat Academy is perfect for pre-college students who are interested in all things politics, economics, and business. You’ll have a chance to familiarize yourself with the issues that future leaders are likely to face.
• With each day focusing on a new, pressing global issue, this two-week program takes pride in its rich curriculum and their commitment to experiential learning. The program covers an extensive number of courses and offers great flexibility. Students get to choose from multiple subjects that will introduce them to numerous relevant fields, including international relations, business management, and sustainable development.
• Where? Boston
• Subjects: Human Rights Advocacy, Leadership
• Read Abbey Road Programs reviews

5. #1 Pre-Law Summer Abroad Program

• Why? Are you interested in pursuing a legal career but you’re not yet sure if law school is the right fit for you? Then Lex Fellowship might be the program you’ve been looking for!
• At Lex, students get the opportunity to visit new law firms each day, hear from attorneys of varying backgrounds, and get hands-on experience in the legal field. In addition to law, you’ll also get the chance to familiarize yourself with social and political sciences, international business, and many more subjects!
• Where? Washington D.C.
• Subjects: Sociology, Women’s Studies, Law, Philosophy
• Read Lex Fellowship reviews

6. Loop Abroad: Texas Zoo Management

• Why? With this program by Loop Abroad, students get to spend a whole week at a working zoo to learn all there is to know about animal care, managing a zoo, their role in conservation, and caring for wildlife in a zoo setting.
• One of the many things that makes this study abroad program unique is the opportunity to work with animals you might not otherwise get to see firsthand. If you’re passionate about animal science and zoology, why not give this program a chance?
• Where? Texas
• Subjects: Animal Science, Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
• Read Loop Abroad reviews

7. Round River Conservation Studies: Sky Island Borderlands Conservation Program

• Why? Provided by Round River Conservation Studies, this Sky Island Borderlands Conservation Program takes place in Tucson, Arizona—giving students the opportunity to explore the forests of the Madrean Sky Islands and learn all about the biodiversity of the southern border.
• While students will be spending most of their time hiking, exploring the landscapes, and tracking wildlife, academic education accompanies these activities to further your knowledge in animal science and/or environmental studies. You’ll get to do conservation work in the real world and take part in place-based learning as you learn more about an exciting field.
• Where? Tucson
• Subjects: Biology, Conservation & Preservation, Ecology, Environmental Studies
• Read Round River Conservation Studies reviews

8. Atlantis: Pre-Health Shadowing 60+ Hours w/ Top Doctors

• Why? Known as one of the most reputable pre-health study abroad programs in the US, Atlantis offers pre-med students the opportunity to shadow in top hospitals, gain exposure to various medical procedures, and acquire a deeper understanding of having a career in health care.
• With Atlantis, you’re guaranteed to go beyond the textbook and get hands-on experience in the medical field. By offering experience in everything from nursing to health administration to medicine, this study abroad program is committed to preparing students for a career of their choice in the health care industry.
• Where? Washington D.C.
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Pre-Med, Public Health
• Read Atlantis reviews

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Start off your study abroad experience in the US on the right foot!

The connections you make in the US will elevate your academic experience.

In a nutshell, choosing the best study abroad program in the US can be daunting, given the extraordinary number of wonderful opportunities. If you’re still undecided, take a look at some more study abroad programs in America and keep exploring by refining your search.

Don’t forget that regardless of your choice, it’ll be a unique learning experience that you couldn’t have had if you were restricted to on-campus life!