7 Trending Study Abroad Destinations for 2026

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IES Abroad
 March 4, 2026

If you’re a student who's always dreamed of studying abroad, this one’s for you. 

Maybe you follow social media accounts like ours and have pictured yourself culturally immersed in a new location. Or you’ve heard the life-changing stories from friends, and now it’s your time for an incredible adventure. There’s only one issue—deciding where to go! 

We’ve offered study abroad programs for more than 75 years, supporting hundreds of thousands of students on their overseas adventures. So, we know firsthand that this experience isn’t one-size-fits-all and all the considerations students have when picking a location.  

With so many possible destinations, we’re using our expertise to share a trend forecast of cities where students should study abroad in 2026 and why.  

Across the board, our Centers act as a launch pad to your journey. The locations we’re diving into span across geographical locations and course disciplines. We also factored in testimonials from previous students, cool course offerings you can’t take at home, and opportunities to gain cultural context you might miss as a tourist.  

These are spots are on the rise, and you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on them. 

Amsterdam

A photo of flowers in front of the water in Amsterdam, along with a boat and buildings in the background

Picture yourself strolling along cobblestone streets with a stroopwafel in hand or exploring the city through a canal ride—this is a preview of life abroad in Amsterdam. Whether you’re taking classes at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) or The Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA), both provide a breadth of academic experiences bringing students from across the globe. Other aspects students are loving? Amsterdam strikes a great balance of being a city and offering lots of green space for those moments where you want to touch grass. 

The city is also known for its public transit and being bike friendly (it has more bikes than people!), allowing you to enjoy all it has to offer: world renowned museums, local markets like the IJ-Hallen, or yummy local cuisine.

For our arts and sports lovers, we haven’t forgotten about you! It’s also a wonderful place to dive into these passions overseas; with a rich arts and culture scene and watching a game with locals at a sports bar. 

Athens

If seeing history come to life inspires you, look no further than Athens! Our newest (and oldest) study abroad destination allows the Mediterranean to become your classroom while studying at The American College of Greece (ACG). From sightseeing at the Acropolis, to learning Greek while snacking on baklava; our summer offerings in Athens maximize your term in a few weeks. 

Two students siling and posing with a guard in Athens

And we can’t forget to highlight the incredible field trips: embarking on a guided tour of Athens and then enjoying a dinner in Monastiraki. Or, how about a day trip to Aegina Island, where your memories will be of way more than just the usual tourist spots.  Say “yassou” to life inside the culture  and adventure, while gaining course credits to keep you on track.  

 

Pro Tip: Opt for the program that compliments your summer plans. We offer both four- and six-week programs in Athens, so you don’t have to choose between study abroad or returning to campus early for any commitments. 

Ōtautahi Christchurch

A picture of two students on a snowy hill during a Castle Hill Peak Tramping Club Day Trip

If you imagine your study abroad self, are they swimming with dolphins, hiking through Lyttelton Harbour, or biking through the mountains? No, this isn’t a trick question, because in Ōtautahi Christchurch you’re able to do it all. One day your classroom is a lush garden and the next you’re diving into all that the University of Canterbury has to offer—known for its engineering and science programs. Plus, they offer hundreds of study abroad course options.

Students can also participate in hands-on field studies or enroll in a part-time internship, bringing what’s learned academically into a global classroom. And there are opportunities for community-based learning too, allowing you to build relationships with locals and give back! The possibilities are endless; placing you in the driver’s seat of your study abroad journey (just remember to drive on the other side 😊). 

Dublin

A photo of a street in Dublin lined with flags and tables outside of pubs and cafes with people sitting

Get ready to step into the heart of Ireland, filled with literary history, lush landscapes and oozing with the vibes of Celtic mythology. Dublin is perfect for the adventurous spirit. While some featured destinations offer more hustle and bustle, Dublin offers city life with a slower pace. Its central location is perfect for day trips to the countryside like the Cliffs of Moher or a coastal town like Howth.  

When it comes to academic offerings, there’s countless options. We’re proud to offer three Direct Enrollment (DE) programs at prestigious institutions like Trinity College Dublin and the Gaiety School of Acting or hone your craft on our Writer’s Program. If you’re looking to gain professional experience while abroad, there’s also Full-Time and Part-Time Internships as well. 

Students in some of these programs can also participate in our Global Pillars Program, gaining knowledge of sustainability and applying it to your host city. Beyond the classroom, get ready for life in a historic city with a vibrant scene for all things literature and music. Whether you have Irish ancestry or not, people leave the Emerald Isle feeling like they’ve taken a little luck of the Irish with them too.  

Pro Tip: You don’t always have to go to a museum to see works of art. Dublin is known for its street art, turning your everyday walks into museum worthy moments. Our recommendation: Spend a night out in Temple Bar and scope out scenery by Maser and Conor Harington. Other popular spots include The Bernard Shaw and Liberty Lane. 

Madrid

Prepare to trade in the commute of your home university for the beautiful Spanish architecture of Madrid. Your walk to class is sure to inspire you as you take in the Gothic cathedrals, Neoclassical buildings, Spanish Baroque, the list goes on! By day, Spain’s capital becomes your classroom—practice your Spanish in classes at the IES Madrid Center or one of our partner universities like or Universidad Antonio de Nebrija. 

A group of friends smiling on the bench in front of a fruit tree in Madrid

For STEM students don’t miss out on the chance to take level up your studies in a cross-cultural context. Madrid is globally known for its contribution to the field, so you can gain a cutting-edge perspective while making the most of everything the city offers.  

 

In the evenings gather with friends or your host family for tapas and conversations like a true Madrileño. The magic of this term is adjusting to a new pace of life, take a leisurely walk through the Gran Via to the city’s center, or for a change in scenery explore Retiro Park. When in doubt, life’s better when you embrace the Spanish siesta!  

 

However you choose to spend your term in Madrid, there’s hidden gems and lifelong memories awaiting you. 

Nice

A photo of the sunshining along the water in Nice, France

It’s no surprise that studying in Nice sounds really nice. Maybe you’ve heard about its many sunny days or the scenic views from its location on the French Riveria. If you’re the type who wants to romanticize life, you’ll love diving into all Nice has to offer. 

For academics, see life through the lens of local students at the SKEMA Business School, participate in an internship or learn alongside our Center staff for our Arts, Culture & Creativity on the French Riveria program. Nice is also well known for its sustainability, meaning your green thumb doesn’t have to stay at home and can be directly applied to your studies.  

In your downtime take a bike ride through the Cote D’Azur or stop by Old Town to take in the architecture. Continue settling into the culture through as you perfect your French skills, try Nicoise cuisine, go climb Castle Hill. 

Pro Tip: Studying abroad in the spring? Cannes is nearby, and some students visit the iconic festival. 

Rabat

Students smiling in Rabat Morocco in front of a sunset

Soak up the sun while stepping into a city that combines North African, and Arabic cultures. While in Rabat, you have the opportunity to stay with a host family, giving you a unique opportunity to experience Moroccan hospitality firsthand, and really live like a local. The knowledge you gain this term won’t just happen in the classroom; course-related trips have taken students to the Moroccan Parliament and the Royal Library, and a mock Moroccan wedding.

In between classes be sure to swing by the IES Rabat Center to sip delicious Moroccan tea on our beautiful rooftop looking out around the city. Whether you’re aiming to improve your language skills, enroll in a Global Pillars course, or have a part-time, for-credit internship, there’s something for everyone! 

Our list is just a sampling of your options. Regardless of which destination you decide to call your host country; there’s a life-changing opportunity and perfect program waiting for you. Study abroad transforms students’ lives, and we can’t wait to see how your story unfolds.  

Don’t miss out on making it happen. Find your next steps: 

 

  • Discover a program tailored to all of your needs by using our Program Finder.  
  • Hear more about programs through an unfiltered student perspective by checking out our Correspondents Program for blogs and social posts capturing moments in real-time. 
  • Ready to kick off the new year with a global edge? Apply now! 

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