If you’re lured by those vibrant posters around campus but think the subject you want to study won’t come close to making the list of the best majors for study abroad, consider this. Study abroad is possible for each and every major.

Math, science, music, you name it—there’s a study abroad program that fits your major.

“Not MY major”, you’re thinking. Sure, you can list off some classic “study abroad majors” you associate with a semester abroad. We all know that chic art student Instagramming their lunch break at the Louvre or polyglot jetting off to Buenos Aires one semester and Tokyo the next.

You might think there’s no benefit to international classes for your major and lack the time to skip a semester of core classes. The truth is, you can find programs that let you take as many (or as few) credits as fit your scheduling needs and academic interests.

Any major can find value in learning from a new perspective. That’s what studying abroad is about. Plus, the are applicable far beyond degree requirements.

Do all colleges offer study abroad?

Don’t panic if your college doesn’t have a built-in list of opportunities to study abroad by major, or even if it doesn’t offer study abroad at all. With a wide range of , there’s truly something out there for everyone.

It can be helpful to talk to a study abroad advisor about your options.

While faculty-led trips and university-sponsored exchange programs are classic routes to time abroad spent earning credit toward your degree, you can still study abroad through a provider if your college doesn’t have its own programs—or if the programs it does have don’t fit in well with your personal and academic goals.

Look for courses that broaden your perspective on your major in locations that have you itching to buy that plane ticket say, yesterday and you’re well on your way to a experience.

What majors can study abroad?

Say it louder for the people in the back: All majors!

When it comes to study abroad, majors aren’t the only thing that matters. Carefully considering when and opens up a world of possibilities.

Some majors will allow you to fit study abroad into your schedule more easily. There’s no need to write off studying abroad if your major comes with tons of strict rules about the courses you take or requires you to be at your home campus every semester to graduate on time.

If you can’t get away for a full semester or fulfill major requirements abroad, think about knocking off some elective credits through a winter or . You’ll still get to go abroad, and you may even get ahead in your degree while you’re at it.

15 best majors for study abroad

Check out if YOUR major made the list. You might be surprised.

The best majors for study abroad at your college may vary depending on your home school’s degree requirements. Some majors tend to fit well with international experience. And they may not all be majors you’d first expect. Check out these 15 opportunities to study abroad by major to spark your wanderlust:

1.

• Why? International relations ranks as one of the best majors to study abroad and earn credit toward your degree, all while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in your field. Spending time living and studying abroad prepares you to more fully understand intercultural dynamics and global issues.
• You’ll explore the subjects you’re studying in context and learn how to promote cross-cultural dialogue, essential experiences for anyone seeking a degree and future career in IR.
• Recommended program:

2.

• Why? Sustainability and environmental issues are inherently global. If you’re majoring in environmental studies, taking coursework abroad will introduce you to new perspectives and approaches to preserving the planet.
• You’ll also see how environmental issues affect different parts of the globe in real time. Take classes exploring large-scale issues, or go for hands-on, local approaches to sustainability. Either way, to expand your knowledge.
• Recommended program:

3.

Imagine studying Monet with his original works in front of you.

• Why? Picture this: You take a break from poring over that article about Renaissance painting to wander the streets and indulge in the architecture of the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. You might spend a morning touring Beijing’s ancient treasures followed by an afternoon checking out contemporary galleries in the city.
• Maybe your study break takes you to the Louvre in Paris or the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town. Wherever you find yourself, Art History is one of the best majors to study abroad when you want insider knowledge of your field.
• Recommended program:

4.

• Why? Chances are, you’ll interact with international businesses and the global market in your future business career. Taking business classes abroad means and gaining cultural awareness you’ll put to good use when you’re hard at work.
• With business courses available across the globe, you’ll find a program to earn credits toward your degree while still getting that quintessential college study abroad experience.
• Recommended program:

5.

6.

Pre-med programs abroad will diversify your skillset and understanding of medicine. (Photo by IMA)

• Why? Think you can’t ? Think again. You’ll discover various programs that give you a chance to fulfill requirements while learning about healthcare and medical careers from a new perspective.
• Sign-up for core classes in London, shadow medical professionals in San Jose, or take part in hands-on lab and research programs in Copenhagen or Stockholm. Let studying abroad elevate your med school applications as you explore your interests through a unique cultural lens.
• Recommended program:

7.

• Why? Your communications degree is a first step toward landing a job in media. No matter if your future career goals focus on online or print marketing, public relations, or journalism, an international perspective only furthers your ability to connect with people from a variety of backgrounds—and makes you more, well, .
• Cross-cultural communication skills are a great boost for so many jobs, and that’s certainly true for this field. A range of courses at universities abroad translate to the ideal experience for communications majors.
• Recommended program:

8.

• Why? Every culture has its own approach to studying feminism, sexuality, and gender. By taking classes in your major abroad, you’ll see different approaches to the field. Classes about social policy, history, race, and more all enhance your studies.
• You’ll experience practices and perspectives you might not otherwise have considered that will equip you to take on big questions about political activism and gender roles. Your conversations outside of class are just as valuable as you’ll get to explore cultural perspectives on these subjects firsthand.
• Recommended program:

9.

Studying political science abroad can give you a leg up in your career later on.

• Why? What better way to see how another government works than by packing your bags for a term in that country? Studying abroad gives aspiring political scientists a way to study political systems and theories from a new point of view.
• Living in another country also lets you in on new perspectives about your own country’s government. Get ready to chat with your local friends and classmates for an eye-opening experience.
• Recommended program:

10.

• Why? Go ahead and declare that English major if you’re searching for one of the best majors to study abroad while bringing your go-to texts to life. Not only will you find many classes that count toward your degree in international literature hubs, but you’ll also gain a global perspective for analyzing and understanding classic and contemporary works.
• No matter if you want to focus on literature, theory, or (or maybe a little bit of everything), you’re sure to find inspiration during your time overseas.
• Recommended program:

11.

• Why? Marketing has always been about capturing a wide audience’s attention. Whether you’re interested in digital or social media, broadcasting, or journalism, gaining an international awareness of marketing trends will position you for success.
• The best part? Many universities abroad feature courses in this field, and you’ll enhance your knowledge both in class and in your daily interactions so you’re better prepared to reach a global audience.
• Recommended program:

12.

Write that history paper under the grand columns of the Parthenon.

• Why? History is one of those ultimate majors to study abroad if you’re looking to dive into your studies in a way you just can’t do if you only enroll in classes on campus. , studying abroad lets you take your learning beyond textbooks. Get up close and personal with the facts in situ, bringing history to life by studying where it happened.
• Recommended program:

13.

• Why? Public health initiatives impact people across the globe. There’s a huge need for public health professionals. International experience plays a big part in landing a job. That’s good news for public health majors looking to add international awareness to their studies.
• Studying public health abroad will give you insight into global and local issues that you can leverage into helping others live longer and happier lives.
• Recommended program:

14.

• Why? Studying abroad means delving into the intricacies of human rights movements in a given location. Take your knowledge of human rights to the next level with the practical experience a study abroad program adds to your major.
• Thanks to the theoretical and applied perspectives your coursework gives you, you’ll gain insight into political and social history as well as the theory and practice of social movements.
• Recommended program:

15.

It's probably obvious but, yes, foreign language majors DEFINITELY make the list.

• Why? There are plenty of , but the ability to go abroad while earning major credit certainly doesn’t hurt. Studying abroad is hands-down one of .
• After all, you’ll have around-the-clock language immersion, with everything from cafes to museums to weekend outings counting as your classroom. The benefits apply regardless of your target language, and you’ll find amazing programs just about anywhere that bring your language learning to new heights.
• Recommended program: Check out programs in , , , , , , , , or .

Elevate your education with study abroad!

Enrich both your education and your life with a major abroad!

The ability to look at your major from a different perspective is just the first perk on a long list of . Whether you take classes toward your major abroad or round out your studies with interesting electives, studying abroad can give you new insight into your academic and career goals.

More importantly, it will teach you adaptability, empathy, and independence. You might not see those skills listed on your transcript, but you’re sure to draw on your confidence and cultural awareness wherever your post-college days take you.

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