When it comes to study abroad for U.S. students, few countries can beat the top European destinations for attracting the largest number of students. The universities in the United Kingdom account for 12 of every 100 study abroad students from the U.S., making Britain the most popular destination for U.S. study abroad students.
Top Ten Destinations of U.S. Study Abroad Students
| Country | % of Total | 2012-2011 | 2011-2010 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. United Kingdom | 12.2% | 34,660 | 33,182 |
| 2. Italy | 10.5% | 29,645 | 30,361 |
| 3. Spain | 9.3% | 26,480 | 25,965 |
| 4. France | 6.1% | 17,168 | 17,019 |
| 5. China | 5.3% | 14,887 | 14,596 |
| 6. Germany | 3.3% | 9,370 | 9,018 |
| 7. Austria | 3.3% | 9,324 | 9,736 |
| 8. Costa Rica | 2.8% | 7,900 | 7,230 |
| 9. Ireland | 2.7% | 7,640 | 7,007 |
| 10. Japan | 1.9% | 5,283 | 4,134 |
Source: Institute of International Education
© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.
