What Subjects Can You Study Abroad: Top 16 [2025]
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While you excitedly explore CIEE Study Abroad locations and specific program options, don’t forget to look for study abroad courses in specific areas of study, too!
Being in the classroom will be a large part of your study abroad experience. Undoubtedly, you’ll get to go on some amazing excursions and explore an international city while abroad, but your classroom studies are important (and exciting), so, choosing study abroad courses you’re interested in will make your overall study abroad experience that much more enriching.
Let’s take a closer look at the best courses to study abroad in 2025 to help determine what classes will pique your interests and enrich your adventure abroad!
Subject #1: Architecture, Design & Urban Studies
Whether you're interested in studying how future cities simultaneously serve demanding human populations and support natural systems in Berlin or how Chileans approach urban planning in Santiago, you can study architecture, design, and urban studies abroad. With 60+ incredible programs to choose from, you can earn credits toward your degree while exploring how different societies incorporate local traditions, materials, and techniques into their built environments.
Featured Program: Global Architecture + Design (Berlin, Germany)
Offering a curriculum for design, architecture, and sustainability majors, this program invites you to create model cities that address climate change by reducing the environmental footprint of buildings. Led by experts from Berlin’s architecture and design community, your courses will compare the evocative, traditional landmarks around the city against its modern, contemporary design innovations. As one of Europe’s hubs for the future of architecture and design, Berlin is the perfect place to develop or advance your architecture studies.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Germany
Program Details:
- Program Length: 18 weeks
- Credit: 15-18 semester hours/22.5-27 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Future Cities Design Studio
Best Places to Study Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning Abroad
With 60+ programs offered in this subject area, we offer architecture studies across many countries around the world. A few of our students’ favorites year after year include:
Subject #2: Arts
Take your passion for art history, photography, cinematography, studio arts, music, and theater global on one of 75+ programs in the arts. Whether you want to improve your dancing skills in Buenos Aires, perfect your graphic design abilities in Tokyo, or transform into a character on stage in London, CIEE has the perfect art program for you!
Featured Program: Film Studies (Prague, Czech Republic)
What better place to study film production or screenwriting than Prague? A city renowned for its rich filmmaking tradition, Prague is often selected by major international film producers, making it one of Europe’s top 10 filming cities. Prague is home to many breathtaking historical sites that have become world-famous filming locations. Can you spot Prague in Spider-Man, Mission Impossible, or James Bond movies? Its urban center, rich cultural offerings, and constantly developing social scene make the perfect backdrop while studying film production, screenwriting, short films, and writing screenplays!
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Prague
Program Details:
- Program Length: 17 weeks
- Credit: 17 semester hours/25.5 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Topics in Production
Best Places to Study Arts
In addition to the Czech Republic, several other countries that offer top-ranked programs in the arts include:
Subject #3: Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences
Go beyond your textbook and gain real-world experience studying biological, chemical, and physical sciences in one of 50+ science-focused study abroad programs. Whether you want to study oceanography and physics in South Africa or cell biology and organic chemistry in Ireland, you'll gain invaluable technical skills, participate in hands-on research, and rely on cross-border fieldwork to make observations on scientific studies abroad.
Featured Program: Community Public Health (Gaborone, Botswana)
Home to one of the most vital healthcare systems on the African continent, Botswana is one of the best places to study biological, chemical, and physical sciences and their effect on regional, social, and scientific health issues. At CIEE Gaborone and CIEE’s partner school, the University of Botswana, you’ll further your understanding of biology, development, medicine, and public health and gain firsthand experience observing community health in action in government-run clinics, NGOs, and hospitals.
Read More: 4 Best Countries to Study Abroad in Africa
Program Details:
- Program Length: 18 weeks
- Credit: 15-18 semester hours/22.5-27 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Public and Environmental Health Issues in Botswana
Best Places to Study Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences
Some of the best places to put your science studies to use in academically excellent facilities include:
Subject #4: Business, Economics, Management
Build business acumen and explore international work environments in today's increasingly globalized world. Whether you want to focus on human resources, tourism, leadership, economics, or supply chain management, you can study international business abroad firsthand and set your resumé apart from the rest. From exploring Amsterdam's business innovation hub to learning about Chinese business affairs in Shanghai, gain valuable insight into international business, ethics, economics, and management on one of 130+ programs.
Featured Program: Business + Culture (Paris, France)
Put your French language skills and entrepreneurial spirit to work in the City of Light! Designed for students interested in international business, Parisian culture, and the French language, our Business + Culture program offers you the opportunity to recognize and adapt to varied cultural norms related to business while earning credits toward your degree.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in France
Program Details:
- Program Length: 18 weeks
- Credit: 12-16 semester hours/18-24 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Economics of Wine
Best Places to Study Business, Economics, and Management
Some of the top places our students enjoy studying business, economics, and management abroad include:
Subject #5: Computer Sciences & Math
Bring your math and computer science studies to life on one of 60+ study abroad and global internship programs with CIEE. From studying statistics and information systems in Europe to data analytics and mathematics in Asia, your time abroad will teach you how to work effectively across borders and cultures while broadening your ability to tackle complex problems from multiple angles.
Featured Program: Business + Technology (Tallinn, Estonia)
Take your computer sciences and math studies to Tallinn, the “Silicon Valley of Europe,” where entrepreneurs and tech students flock to appreciate the city’s nearly 100% digital society. Here, you’ll be at the forefront of digital innovation and study technology, information technology, applied science, business, and maritime studies alongside American, Estonian, and Russian students alike.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Estonia
Program Details:
- Program Length: 22 weeks
- Credit: 12-18 semester hours/18-27 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Personal Finance
Best Places to Study Computer Sciences and Math
You can study computer sciences and math in places like:
Subject #6: Education
Future educators will make an impact in classrooms abroad with our education study abroad programs. Not only will you get to meet students from around the world, but you’ll also gain insight into how other countries approach education and benefit from intercultural communication skills while you’re at it.
Featured Program: Summer Global Internship (Cape Town, South Africa)
Gain professional education experience in one of the world’s most beautiful and complex cities: Cape Town. As one of South Africa’s major ports and cities, you’ll stay busy shadowing professionals in the education industry and taking related study abroad courses while exploring stunning scenery, watersports, and nightlife in multicultural and student-friendly Cape Town.
Read More: South Africa Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide
Program Details:
- Program Length: 8 weeks
- Credit: 6 semester hours/9 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Academic Internship in the Global Workplace
Best Places to Study Education
Take your education studies to places like:
Subject #7: Engineering
Apply theoretical engineering concepts to real-world global engineering projects abroad. From mechanical and aerospace engineering to industrial and biomedical engineering, you can choose from 30+ engineering-focused programs in your favorite city around the world.
Whether you decide to study how the Spanish approach mobile and space communications engineering in Madrid or how Estonians and Russians handle machine engineering in Tallinn, studying engineering in an international setting provides invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning and exposure to diverse engineering practices and perspectives.
Featured Program: Engineering + Society (Madrid, Spain)
Designed for academically motivated students, take your studies to CIEE's award-winning research partner school, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), where you can enroll in aerospace, energy, or biomedical engineering courses while exploring all Madrid has to offer.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Madrid
Program Details:
- Program Length: 18 weeks
- Credit: 15-18 semester hours/22.5-27 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Mobile and Space Communications Engineering
Best Places to Study Engineering
Earn academic credits and hands-on experience in engineering in countries like:
Subject #8: Experiential Learning & Research
Don't just earn credits when you study abroad – immerse yourself in your host country's community and society with a real-world internship, a directed independent research project, or a service learning project. Whether you want to add an optional for-credit internship to your program by working at a Chinese multinational company, nonprofit organization, or medium-sized enterprise in Shanghai or conduct an independent research project on the ethics of sustainability and French fashion in Paris, you have every opportunity to take your study abroad program to the next level with experiential learning.
Featured Program: Tropical Ecology + Conservation (Monteverde, Costa Rica)
Explore the high biodiversity of the tropical cloud forest of Monteverde, where conservation initiatives, environmental education, ecotourism, and the local community live together to preserve this unique place threatened by climate change. In the heart of the rainforest, you’ll study how the high biodiversity of the tropics comes with the ecological processes that shape tropical communities and affect how human activities harm the environment. During the final week of your program, you’ll carry out an independent research project – from observation to data collection – to apply your learnings.
Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Monteverde
Program Details:
- Program Length: 16 weeks
- Credit: 17-18 semester hours/25.5-27 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Humans in the Tropics
Best Places to Study Experiential Learning and Research
Add an optional for-credit internship, service learning project, or other experiential learning project to your program in places like:
Subject #9: Finance & Accounting
Bring your finance and accounting coursework to life on one of 80+ CIEE study abroad and global internship programs around the world. Whether you want to learn the fundamentals of finance from the Portuguese in Lisbon or study international monetary systems from the British in London, CIEE has an accounting or finance program right for you!
Featured Program: Economics + Culture (Barcelona, Spain)
Designed for students with a background in economics, this program invites you to explore Barcelona’s cultural wonders while earning credits toward your degree in one of Spain’s most important economic centers.
Read More: Your Guide to the Ultimate Barcelona Study Abroad Experience
Program Details:
- Program Length: 14 weeks
- Credit: 12-16 semester hours/18-22.5 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: International Economics
Best Places to Study Finance and Accounting
Take your finance and accounting studies to the next level in places like:
Subject #10: History, Philosophy & Religion
Apply your theoretical knowledge of history, philosophy, and religion to real-world experiences when you study abroad with CIEE. From theology and the classics to art history and archaeology, you'll connect textbook learnings to real-life examples on international field trips, site visits, and cultural immersion activities that bring these subjects to life beyond the confines of the traditional classroom setting. Whether you want to study the religious beliefs of ancient Japan or the tribal myths and traditions of the Czech Republic, CIEE offers 110+ programs that require you to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives.
Featured Program: Summer Ancient + Modern Japan (Kyoto, Japan)
Spend your summer living and learning in Kyoto, a Japanese city renowned for its historical sites and rich experiences. From observing the historical Kyoto Imperial Palace to exploring the city’s rich food scene, you’ll earn credits across a wide variety of courses while expanding your understanding of Japan’s past, present, and future.
Read More: How to Study Abroad in Japan (4 Simple Steps)
Program Details:
- Program Length: 4 weeks
- Credit: 6-7 semester hours/9-10.5 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Modernizing Ancient Japan
Best Places to Study History, Philosophy & Religion
Study history, philosophy, and religion in places like:
Subject #11: Language, Literature & Cultural Studies
When asking, “What subjects can you study abroad?” foreign language programs are likely at the top of the list. What better way to improve your language learning skills than immersing yourself in a city and local culture that speaks another language? CIEE offers many foreign language study abroad programs, from French and Arabic to Mandarin, Japanese, and beyond. You’ll fast-forward your language skills in no time, while learning more about the language’s historic and cultural roots.
Featured Program: Summer Arabic Language (Amman, Jordan)
Designed for all students, this program invites you to improve your Arabic language skills in the heart of Amman, Jordan’s incredible capital city. As you immerse yourself in the local culture and take Arabic study abroad courses, you’ll communicate in the local language and explore Amman’s exceptional souks, minarets, mosques, and coffeehouses.
Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Amman
Program Details:
- Program Length: 9 weeks
- Credit: 10 semester hours/15 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Colloquial Jordan Arabic
Best Places to Study Language, Literature, and Cultural Studies
Each and every one of our study abroad programs make for a great place to study foreign languages abroad; language learning comes a lot easier when you’re submerged in a new place. Another cool benefit of studying abroad!
With all that said, if we had to narrow down the best cities to study foreign languages abroad, we’d condense them to these options (although they all are great):
Subject #12: Marketing & Communications
Taking communication study abroad courses is highly valuable. You’ll get to explore global communications trends around the world and enhance your intercultural skills by connecting with diverse groups of people. With more than 120+ program options – from examining contemporary media culture in Seville to studying intercultural communication and international marketing in Prague – you’ll discover what it takes to become a successful communicator.
Featured Program: Chinese Language + Asian Studies (Taipei, Greater China)
For those interested in the Chinese language and Asian culture, this program is perfect for you! Taipei, Taiwan’s incredible capital, is an exciting metropolis, known for its unique fusion of cultures, delicious food, beautiful scenery, friendly people, and rich history, including insight into the roots of the Mandarin language and Taiwanese heritage.
Read More: Taiwan Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide
Program Details:
- Program Length: 17 weeks
- Credit: 12-18 semester hours/18-27 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Intercultural Communication and Leadership
Best Places to Study Marketing & Communications
There are so many places to study marketing and communications, including the following places:
- Argentina
- Australia
- China
- Czech Republic
- England
- France
- Italy
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Singapore
- South Korea
Subject #13: Political Science & Law
Take your passion for political science and law abroad! While overseas, you’ll explore big topics, like what drives change in governments on a global scale, and even meet those who’ve lived through such monumental shifts. No matter where you study abroad, you’ll develop skills that will help you thrive in the political science field.
Featured Program: Arts + Sciences (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Take your political science and law studies to one of the greenest and most architecturally beautiful cities in Europe: Edinburgh! From studying the politics of Scotland’s capital city to furthering your pre-law or law education, you can earn credits toward your degree while living and learning in the historic city of Edinburgh.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Scotland
Program Details:
- Program Length: 17 weeks
- Credit: 15 semester hours/22.5 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Business and Corporate Law
Best Places to Study Political Science & Law
Further your political science and law studies in amazing places around the world like:
Subject #14: Psychology & Health Sciences
Whether you're interested in gaining real-world experience in public health clinics, hospitals, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), choose from 90+ health-focused programs in 40+ cities around the world with CIEE. From shadowing healthcare workers in Botswana to exploring Latin America's health challenges in Buenos Aires, you'll experience global health systems firsthand.
Featured Program: Summer Community Public Health (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Are you eager to learn more about how Latin America handles public health? Living and learning in Buenos Aires where you’ll study biology, medicine, nursing, or a related field and gain an international perspective on the ins and outs of public health systems in a developing country. Courses are taught in Spanish to help you polish and advance your Spanish language skills!
Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Buenos Aires
Program Details:
- Program Length: 8 weeks
- Credit: 10 semester hours/15 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Pre-Professional Healthcare Issues
Best Places to Study Psychology & Health Sciences
Some of the top places to study psychology and health sciences include:
Subject #15: Sociology, Gender & Anthropology
Don’t just visit a community – immerse yourself in it and live like a local. From learning about the many contributions of Chinese society during its 5,000-year history to focusing your coursework on gender studies in Prague, this is sociology, gender, and anthropology studies beyond any textbook.
Featured Program: Summer Ghanaian Studies (Legon, Ghana)
Spend your summer studying and living in one of Ghana's most important suburbs, Legon, where lush forests, diverse animals, and miles of sandy beaches are all within reach. When class is in session, you will learn from CIEE faculty at the University of Ghana, CIEE's partner school, and the country's oldest and largest public university. Classes will provide opportunities for you to practice speaking Twi – a dialect of the Akan language – and focus on the impact of enslaved Africans.
Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Legon
Program Details:
- Program Length: 4 weeks
- Credit: 3-4 semester hours/4.5-6 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Atlantic Crossings
Best Places to Study Sociology, Gender, and Anthropology
Take your sociology, gender, and anthropology studies almost anywhere in the world, including:
Subject #16: Sustainability & Environmental Studies
Experience sustainable and environmental fieldwork for yourself in your dream location abroad with CIEE. Whether you want to earn specific credits or complete GE requirements, you'll have the opportunity to conduct independent research alongside field experts and explore the environment hands-on at world-class research stations and international companies. Whether you choose to study tropical ecology in Costa Rica's rainforest or Mayan history and the environment on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, we offer a sustainability and environmental studies program right for you.
Featured Program: Semester in Yucatán (Yucatán, Mexico)
Spend a full semester diving into Mexico’s fascinating history, ancient ruins, colonial heritage, and modern amenities while earning credits toward your degree. From studying environmental studies to STEM, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s environment while contributing to local organizations and gaining professional experience in your field.
Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Yucatán
Program Details:
- Program Length: 21 weeks
- Credit: 12-18 semester hours/18-27 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA
- Featured Course: Tourism
Best Places to Study Sustainability and Environmental Studies
Earn credits in sustainability and environmental studies in places like:
Find Your Area of Study
When debating what subjects are best for study abroad, know you can explore just about any discipline you want with CIEE’s many diverse study abroad programs. An adventure awaits!
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