Study: More US Students Seek To Study Abroad Rather Than In Their Home Country

A new study has found that more US students seek to study abroad rather than in their home country. 

Despite global volatility and economic uncertainty, interest in studying abroad remains high among US students, slightly exceeding levels in 2024, according to a recent survey conducted.

The 2025 Study Abroad Survey by Terra Dotta, an edtech solutions provider, indicated that 76% of American college students aspired or intended to study abroad this year, a slight rise from 73% the previous year.

According to the survey of 275 students, more than 90% believe that studying abroad is crucial for their personal growth.

Also, the United Kingdom was the most popular destination with 41% of students, followed by Australia, Spain, Italy, and Ireland. Only 170 students responded to this question.

Australia, which was picked by only 5% of students last year, was chosen by 35% of students this year, most likely due to the country’s full reopening after several years of pandemic limitations. Terra Dotta’s study abroad director, David Nelson, told The PIE News.

Both the United Kingdom and Australia may be viewed by students as more stable options given ongoing geopolitical uncertainty,” he said.

While one-third of students claimed geopolitical difficulties would prevent them from studying abroad, more than 75% said global conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza would influence their travel plans.

The most significant barrier was financial concerns with at least 80% citing it as their ideal worry, and also, almost half not planning to study abroad was due to affordability as their only reason.

While the majority of students (36%) preferred a semester abroad, internships and short-term faculty-led excursions were also common. David Nelson highlighted the fall in traditional semester-long programs.

“This shift reflects a clear desire from students to gain direct professional experience while abroad as they view these opportunities as vehicles to build their professional skill set and enhance their resumes,” Nelson said.

The report comes as U.S. institutions face a well-documented domestic enrollment cliff, with government data revealing that undergraduate enrollment fell by more than two million between 2010 and 2022.

As visa restrictions and antagonistic attitudes toward international students take root under the Trump administration, the number of overseas students at U.S. universities is expected to shrink, leaving institutions exposed to overall dropping enrollments.

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