The number of Massachusetts students studying abroad is growing again after the slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), around 15,100 college students from Massachusetts studied abroad during the2023–2024 academic year. This shows a 5% increase compared to the previous year.
Although the numbers have not fully reached the pre-pandemic peak of 15,300 students, they are very close. Experts say this growth shows that students are once again interested in global education and international exposure. Mirka Martel, head of research at IIE, explained that many colleges are now offering more study abroad programs in different countries, making it easier and safer for students to travel and learn overseas.
📈 Study Abroad Trends in the U.S.
This positive trend is not limited to Massachusetts. Across the United States, nearly 298,000 U.S. students studied abroad in 2023–24, which is a 6% rise from the previous year. However, this is still lower than the 347,000 students who studied abroad before COVID-19.
Massachusetts ranks 5th in the U.S. for sending students abroad because it has many top colleges and universities.
🌍 Popular Study Abroad Destinations
The most preferred countries for Massachusetts students are:
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Italy
- France
- Ireland
- Malta
- UAE
At Northeastern University, students mostly choose Spain, Australia, Italy, and the UK.
At UMass Amherst, South Korea has become a popular choice due to:
- Strong Korean language programs
- Affordable study options
- Short-term summer programs
🌏 Global Shifts in Student Preferences
Across the U.S., nearly two-thirds of students choose Europe for studying abroad. However, Japan has now become the 5th most popular study abroad destination nationwide. Countries like Denmark, Greece, and Portugal also welcomed their highest number of U.S. students ever.
Most students prefer short-term programs, with 62% choosing courses that last 8 weeks or less.
🎓 Universities Encouraging Global Learning
At Boston University, almost 50% of undergraduate students study abroad at least once. Their favorite cities include London, Madrid, Paris, and Sydney.
The most common subjects chosen by study-abroad students are:
- Business
- Social Sciences
- International Relations
- Psychology
- Economics
- Film and Television
📊 Long-Term Growth of Study Abroad
Since 1985, the number of U.S. students studying abroad has mostly increased every year. The only major drops happened during:
- The 2008 financial crisis
- The COVID-19 pandemic, when numbers fell by 91% in 2020–21
Now, with travel becoming easier, study abroad programs are once again gaining popularity.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts saw a 5% rise in students studying abroad in 2023–24.
- Study abroad numbers are nearing pre-COVID levels.
- Europe remains the top destination, but Asia (especially Japan and South Korea) is gaining interest.
- Short-term programs are the most popular among students.
- Global exposure and career benefits are driving students to study abroad again.