Choosing where to study abroad is one of the most exciting decisions you will make as a student. But with so many destinations to consider across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, it can also feel a little overwhelming. Should you go for the big city energy of Seoul? The tropical paradise of Bali? The sun-soaked streets of Lisbon? The lush rainforest of Costa Rica?
The truth is, the best place to study abroad in 2027 depends entirely on what you are looking for. This guide breaks it down by category so you can find the destination that fits your personality, your budget, and your goals.
Best for Culture: Seoul, South Korea
If cultural immersion is at the top of your list, Seoul is hard to beat. South Korea’s capital is a city where ancient palaces sit alongside futuristic skyscrapers, where K-pop and Korean cinema have taken the world by storm, and where the food scene is one of the most exciting on the planet. Living in Seoul means being part of one of Asia’s most dynamic, fast-moving, and culturally rich societies.
Through Asia Exchange, students can choose from three outstanding universities in Seoul: Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, one of Korea’s best private universities with a world-class reputation in languages and international relations; Hanyang University, a leading research university strong in engineering and sciences; and Konkuk University, a well-rounded institution with a beautiful campus in the heart of the city.
Best for: Social sciences, languages, international relations, engineering, humanities, business.
Best for Adventure: Bali, Indonesia
If you want your semester abroad to feel like an adventure from day one, Bali delivers. One of the most iconic islands in the world, Bali combines stunning natural beauty, a rich spiritual culture, world-class surf, and a vibrant international student community into one unforgettable experience.
Asia Exchange partners with three universities in Bali: Udayana University, home to the internationally renowned BIPAS program with students from 16+ countries each semester; Warmadewa University, a well-established Balinese institution; and Undiknas University, a dynamic university with a strong focus on business and economics. All programs are taught in English and offer a broad range of courses.
Best for: Business, international relations, cultural studies, social sciences, tourism, environmental studies.
Best for Budget: Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of Asia’s most affordable study abroad destinations and also one of its most exciting. The cost of living is remarkably student-friendly, the street food is legendary, and the city offers a fascinating mix of ancient temples, modern skyscrapers, and a nightlife scene that never seems to slow down.
Asia Exchange partners with Kasetsart University, one of Thailand’s leading universities with a broad range of programs in engineering, business, social sciences, and more. Also available is Siam University, known for its strong business programs and welcoming international environment. Neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia are just a short flight away, making Bangkok a perfect base for weekend adventures.
Best for: Business, engineering, social sciences, economics, architecture.
Best for Beach Life: Phuket, Thailand
If you want to combine serious academic study with a genuinely paradise lifestyle, Phuket is your answer. Home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and a warm, welcoming local culture, Phuket offers a study abroad experience that is unlike anywhere else.
Asia Exchange partners with Prince of Songkla University, the oldest university in southern Thailand and a well-respected academic institution with a beautiful campus. It is also one of the most popular choices for first-time study abroad students, offering a supportive international environment alongside an extraordinary natural setting.
Best for: Business, hospitality, tourism, social sciences, first-time study abroad students.
Best for Engineering and Technology: Bandung, Indonesia
For students in engineering, technology, or the applied sciences, Bandung is the standout destination in the Asia Exchange network. Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) is widely regarded as Indonesia’s most prestigious technical university and one of Southeast Asia’s leading engineering institutions. Studying here is a genuine badge of honour on any CV.
Set in the cool highland city of Bandung, known as the creative capital of Indonesia, ITB offers a rigorous academic environment with a passionate student body, beautiful colonial-era architecture, a thriving arts scene, great food, and some of the most affordable living costs in the Asia Exchange network.
Best for: Engineering, IT, architecture, applied sciences, mathematics.
Best for City Life: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is one of Southeast Asia’s most international and liveable cities, and a fantastic choice for students who want the full big-city experience without the price tag of Tokyo or Singapore. English is widely spoken, the food scene reflects the city’s extraordinary cultural diversity, and the cost of living is very student-friendly.
Asia Exchange partners with Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Kuala Lumpur, both offering a broad range of programs. UPM is particularly strong in engineering, sciences, and agriculture, while UniKL is known for its focus on technology and business.
Best for: Engineering, sciences, business, social sciences, IT.
Best for History and Design: Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is one of Asia’s most underrated study abroad destinations. A safe, clean, and extraordinarily welcoming city, Taipei combines a rich cultural heritage, a thriving design and creative scene, excellent street food, and a surprisingly affordable cost of living. It is a city that rewards curiosity, and for students interested in Asian culture, design, or business, it offers a genuinely unique perspective.
Asia Exchange partners with Shih Chien University, a renowned institution in Taipei with particular strengths in design, fashion, and creative industries. Students interested in a full degree can also explore degree options through Shih Chien.
Best for: Design, fashion, architecture, creative industries, business, Asian studies.
Best for Something Completely Different: Borneo, Malaysia
For students who want a study abroad experience unlike anything else on the list, Borneo is extraordinary. Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak offers an internationally recognised Australian degree on one of the most biodiverse islands on earth, with programs in engineering, IT, and business taught entirely in English.
The surrounding rainforest, rivers, and wildlife of Borneo make it one of the most unique living environments in the world. For students interested in sustainability, environmental science, or simply studying somewhere that gives them an entirely new perspective on the world, Borneo is an unforgettable choice.
Best for: Engineering, IT, business, environmental sciences, students looking for something truly unique.
Best for European Sunshine: Lisbon, Portugal
If Europe is calling your name, Lisbon is one of the most exciting destinations available through Asia Exchange. Ancient cobblestone streets, Atlantic beaches, world-class surf, incredible food, and around 300 days of sunshine a year: Lisbon has a quality of life that is hard to match.
Asia Exchange partners with European University of Lisbon, one of Portugal’s top-ranked private universities, offering programs in design, technology, business, and more, all taught in English. Full degree options are also available.
Best for: Design, business, technology, game design, fashion, creative industries.
Best for History and Culture in Europe: Rome, Italy
For students who want to study in one of the world’s most historically rich and culturally vibrant cities, Rome is an extraordinary choice. The eternal city offers two thousand years of history on every street corner, world-class art and architecture, and an Italian way of life that is genuinely infectious.
Asia Exchange partners with European University of Rome, a well-regarded private university offering programs in business, economics, law, and more in the heart of the Italian capital.
Best for: Business, economics, law, humanities, students with a love of history and culture.
Best for Nature and Sustainability: San José, Costa Rica
For students drawn to Latin America, sustainability, or simply a destination that is as beautiful as it is fascinating, Costa Rica is a wonderful choice. One of the world’s most biodiverse countries, Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability and environmental policy, making it a particularly meaningful destination for students in relevant fields.
Asia Exchange partners with Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT) in San José, offering programs in business, IT, engineering, and more in a country that consistently ranks among the happiest and most environmentally progressive in the world.
Best for: Business, engineering, IT, environmental studies, students interested in Latin American culture and sustainability.
Still Not Sure Where to Go?
With so many incredible destinations to choose from, it is completely normal to feel a little stuck. Asia Exchange makes it easy to find your perfect match.
Take the free Destination Quiz to get a personalised recommendation based on your interests, budget, and goals. Or book a free counselling session with one of the Asia Exchange team, all former exchange students themselves, who can talk you through your options and help you make the right choice.
