Studying abroad offers unparalleled growth, with over 5.6 million students globally pursuing it in 2020, projected to reach 8 million by 2025 (OECD, 2023). Safety remains a top concern, as 73% of prospective students prioritize it when choosing destinations (Educations.com, 2024). Safest places to study abroad. Europe hosts 64% of U.S. study abroad students, with 14 of the world’s 20 safest countries, per the Global Peace Index 2024. In 2022-23, 280,716 U.S. students studied abroad, a 49% rise from the prior year (Open Doors, 2024).
Iceland, ranked safest globally, reported a crime rate of just 23.6 per 100,000 in 2023 (Statistics Iceland). This article explores the safest havens for international study, backed by data on crime, stability, and student trends. Let’s uncover where you can thrive securely
WHY STUDY ABROAD?
Studying abroad has so many advantages, from helping you find a good job to improving your social life. Let’s discuss the benefits;
- It’s a challenge: it may seem to be a weird point to start on but going to study abroad is a challenge. there is always this feeling of missing your loved ones and a constant brooding about how to adapt to their lifestyle
- Experience a different culture: The chance to become immersed in a different environment, you will be able to try new food, listen to traditional music and explore their fashion style, language and every other thing your host country has to offer.
- Top-quality education: The primary aim is to get the highest quality education and expand your educational capacity in line with your career. Isn’t that the goal? Studying abroad in countries like the UK, Australia, and the USA with an extremely well-regarded education system will broaden your horizon to the highest possible peak of educational attainment.
- Career opportunities: The goal is to improve your career prospects have an edge over your colleagues in your native country and rise to stardom and prominence in your field.
- Make new friends: You have the privilege of getting connected with people from diverse countries, gives you a unique opportunity to build lifelong relationships
- International travel: Aside from exploring the culture of your host country, you will have the opportunity to travel to another nearby country. For example, if you go to a United Kingdom university, you will be able to catch a flight to Continental Europe to see Paris, Rome, Barcelona and other amazing places.
- Become independent: Stepping out of your comfort zone, especially in a faraway country where your parents are not within your reach will bring out the independent nature in you and shape you into an adventurous adult ready to succeed in your field.
- Learning a new language: Among the numerous benefits of studying abroad is the benefit of learning the native language of your host country. Since English is a universal language, studying in the UK or United States can be advantageous as you get to learn native English, speak to locals, and develop your English skills. See the benefits of learning a second language here.
BEST COUNTRIES ACCEPTING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
- Japan
- Australia
- Spain
- Ireland
- England
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
BEST PLACES TO STUDY ABROAD FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS
- Germany
- Australia
- Austria
- France
- Argentina
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- South Africa
- Belize
- Iceland
- Netherlands
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Denmark
- New Zealand
- Finland
SAFEST PLACES TO STUDY IN EUROPE
Europe is generally regarded to be the safest continent in the world. It is generally a safe place for international students, of the world’s top 20 safest countries, 13 are in Europe and 30 European countries are among the top 50.
Below are the top six safest European countries to study;
#1. Finland
Finland is one of the most peaceful places for international students to study in Europe, following their motto, “live and let live”. And this is true for their capital city (Helsinki), Tampere, and even cities up North.
#2. Sweden
Sweden is a perfect choice for international students seeking a haven. The country has records of low crime rates and the safest traffic with the lowest number of traffic deaths.
#3. Germany
Germany is a big country with hundreds of universities that offer thousands of degree courses taught in English. It is the”nation of poets and thinkers”. In large cities like Berlin or Frankfurt am Main, the security system is second to none even though there might be cases of theft if one is careless. consider Smaller towns like Saarbrücken, Heidelberg, Freiburg, or Lüneburg if as an international student, you’re sceptical about the big city.
#4. Austria
Vienna, the capital city of Austria is the most liveable in the world in terms of ranking. It has a high standard of living at a modest cost inviting environment, and an extremely low crime rate making it safe for international students.
#5. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the top safest places for international students to study in Europe. smaller towns like Nottingham or Falmouth are usually safer than big cities like Manchester or London.
#5. Ireland
Ireland is one of the safest countries to study abroad, it is also one of the most friendly nations in Europe, It has a friendly, sophisticated environment that welcomes students from across the globe
SAFEST PLACES TO STUDY IN SOUTH AMERICA
Below are the safest places to study in South America
- Mexico: Mexico attracted over 32 million tourists and is fast becoming a popular study destination
- Argentina: Argentina is the second-largest country in South America and it is one is the safest in the region. This region is a perfect choice for Spanish speaking International students
- Costa Rica: The capital of Costa Rica, San José, is known to be one of the safest countries in South America and a major centre of commerce, culture, and education.
- Chile: Chile is one of the countries to consider when considering safety in South America. It has much to offer international students with high infrastructure, a political system, and the best education students can ever wish for.
- Uruguay: This country is ranked first in Latin America for its peace, democracy, lack of corruption, and liberal society(homosexuality and abortion are legal). The cost of living in Uruguay is 28% lower than that of the UK.
- Colombia: Over the years, Colombia has become safe and prosperous for international students to study. Residents are reportedly the happiest citizens in the world. Colombia’s economy is one of the thriving economies in South America and its capital city, Bogotá is one of the fastest-growing business hubs in the region.
- Brazil: Brazil is the largest region in South America, known for its beautiful beaches, party environment and serene atmosphere. International students may have the privilege of studying at a low cost or free in a public university.
BEST COUNTRY TO STUDY AND SETTLE
Studying abroad and having plans to work and settle in your host country can be so overwhelming. You have to choose a country with a promising career prospect in the future.
The United States of America has some excellent universities while Canada offers permanent residence permits and German universities do not charge tuition fees.
Here is a list of the best countries to study and settle in.
1. Canada
Canada is one of the safest places to consider as an international student. It is known for its beauty, high standard of living, and proficiency in its educational system.
Canada is fast becoming the top destination for international students because of its high-quality education and low tuition fee compared to the United Kingdom and Australia, learning subjects like arts and humanities can be around CAD 13,500, and programs in the field of medicine and business can cost CAD 50,000 while engineering programs are lesser than that.
It is diverse to live in, it welcomes students from all over the world and it provides job opportunities to students after graduation. See the Top 15 Universities In Canada you should apply to.
2. Australia
Aside from the scenic beauty of this country that is perfect to a fault, it is one of the best countries to study because the educational system is based on research-based work thereby making students’ thinking fast and unlimited. Out of the top 100 universities in the world, eight of them are Australian universities.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand ranks high on the global peace index, it offers a comfortable lifestyle and a blend of modern life and beautiful nature. The country is known for its dynamic learning approach, opportunities for international students, and thriving economy.
4. The UK
The United Kingdom is a culturally diverse and inviting place. Universities in the UK consistently rank among the global leading universities and they offer a wide range of specializations and unite you with a thriving alumni network. They also offer their students financial aid.
5. Ireland
Universities in Ireland specialize in courses like natural science, economics, technology, and humanities, it is easier for students in this field to get job opportunities after graduation.
6. USA
12 American universities rank among the top 20 universities in the world based on the QS rankings. these institutions offer a wide range of degrees and courses that are recognized and accepted worldwide. International students should consider the USA as one of the safest places they can study abroad.
7. Germany
Germany is home to 46 of the 1029 universities featured in QS world rankings it is one of the best countries to study abroad and work it offers free tuition to undergraduate students in all states but is one of the best countries to study in Europe and it is one of the most popular international student destinations.
8. Netherlands
The Netherlands commonly known as Holland Poland is famous for its second to the none education system is Italy known for its management engineering business and technology programs.
9. Italy
Italy is situated in the southern part of Europe and it’s famous for its lovely weather, delicious food, and beautiful settings. The tuition fees are affordable and the government offers regional and national scholarships between 5000 to 12000 euros to help students with the cost of their education.
10. Singapore
Singapore is famous for its top-ranked universities thriving economy and global leader in competitiveness and innovation
BEST STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
Below is the list of the best study abroad programs you should consider as an international student.
- American Institute for Foreign Study: Study Abroad in Barcelona
- College Year in Athens: Study Abroad in Greece
- IES Abroad Vienna – Music Semester/Year Program
- CIEE Community Development, Language, and Culture in Iringa
- IES Abroad Siena Summer – Tradition & Cuisine in Tuscany
- USAC KOREA: Seoul – Korean & East Asian Studies at Yonsei
- Uppsala International Summer Session
- Meiji Academy – Study Japanese in Fukuoka
- AIFS Study Abroad in India
Conclusion
Choosing the best school to study abroad can be so overwhelming when considering factors like safety, quality education with low tuition fees, and job opportunities after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best country to study abroad?
Canada remains one of the best countries to study because of its proficiency in the educational system and the low tuition.
Is Italy a safe place to study abroad?
Italy is a safe country, although, to some extent, the crime rate ranks low to moderate, which is present in several forms such as violence, murder, sexual violence, etc.
What are the best colleges to study abroad?
- The best colleges to study abroad include;
- University of Toronto, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Canada
- Elon University, United States
- New York University, United States
- Harvard University, USA
- University of Oxford, UK
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