Europe Top Choice U.S. For International Students

If you choose to spend part of your studies overseas, you'll likely return with a host of benefits such as exposure to different forms of education, improved language skills and international friendships that can last your whole life. Studying abroad also illustrates a heightened sense of independence as well as a major willingness to learn, both of which are highly attractive to potential employers.

Where do U.S. students tend to go when they study abroad? According to the Institute of International Education's Open Doors report, Americans love studying in Europe. The UK is a hugely attractive destination due to its reputation for excellent universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, along with no language barrier. In 2015/16, 39,140 U.S. students were enrolled at British institutions.

In addition to the pull of its universities, the pleasant climate and rich culture of southern Europe are also draws for American students. Italy comes second with 34,894 U.S. students while Spain rounds off the top three with 29,975. China and Japan offer huge linguistic and cultural challenges for foreign students and both countries are present in the top-10.