Italy Tops the List of Best Countries to Study Abroad
Prepping for finals is never fun, but few things can propel students through the pain like an upcoming boat ride along a Venetian canal or a glass of wine in a Roman cafe.
Italy is the best country to study abroad, at least according to nearly 6,000 millennials, or adults under age 35, who filled out surveys for the 2016 Best Countries rankings. The rankings, formed in partnership with brand strategy firm BAV Consulting and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, aim to gauge global perceptions of the world's biggest economies in terms of specific attributes associated with countries.
The Best Countries to Study Abroad, including Spain, the United States, France and the United Kingdom, scored highest on a compilation of five equally weighted country attributes: culturally accessible, fun, has top quality universities, many cultural attractions and would consider attending university there. Pakistan and Iran -- two countries criticized by human rights groups -- were perceived as the worst countries in which to hit the books.
Italy, a country known worldwide for its architecture, stunning coastlines and cuisine, doesn't have a problem attracting visitors. Italy was the fifth-most popular tourist destination in 2014, drawing in 48.6 million international visitors, according to the World Tourism Organization.
Students also flock to the country in significant numbers. Italy was the 10th-most popular destination for international students in 2012, drawing in 2 percent of the total international student population, according to the most recent UNESCO data. The country is popular among U.S. students, who only choose the United Kingdom to study in greater numbers.
Top 5 Countries to Study Abroad
No. 5: United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is the second-largest host of international students behind the United States, and welcomed more than 493,000 international students in the 2013-2014 academic year, according to the British Council. The top five countries of origin were China, the United States, India, Nigeria and Germany. The country is home to some of the world's best universities, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
No. 4: France
France welcomed more than 298,000 international students in 2014-15, according to CampusFrance. Many of the international students came from French-speaking North African countries. France has more than 30 universities, including the highly ranked Pierre and Marie Curie University - Paris 6 and Université Paris-Sud.
No. 3: United States
Since the late 1940s, the United States has drawn more international students than any other host country, according to the International Institute of International Education. In 2014-2015, the country welcomed more than 900,000 international students. Overseas students added more than $30 billion to the U.S. economy in 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
No. 2: Spain
Spain hosted 189,198 international higher education students in 2013-14, according to the Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Higher Education, or SEPIE. The top five places of origin for international students that year were Italy, France, Germany, China and Colombia. Spain has more than 25 universities, including the highly ranked University of Barcelona.
No. 1: Italy
Italy was the 10th-most popular destination for international students in 2012, drawing in 2 percent of the total international student population, according to the most recent UNESCO data. The Mediterranean country, home to more than 35 universities, drew in 48.6 million international visitors that year.
Want to Know More?
Click to see the full list of Best Countries to Study Abroad, or visit the U.S. News Best Countries homepage to find news and more rankings. The 2016 Best Countries report and rankings were formed in partnership with brand strategy firm BAV Consulting and The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania.
Devon Haynie is news editor, international for U.S. News. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at dhaynie@usnews.com.
