In an increasingly globalised world, studying abroad is no longer a fringe option: it is central to the ambitions of many students seeking an international outlook, new peers and expanded opportunities. According to one global estimate, the number of internationally mobile higher-education students has more than tripled since 2000, rising from about 2.1 million to nearly 6.9 million by 2022. With so many students making the leap, the question becomes not whether to study abroad but rather where.
Here we explore some of the most popular destinations for study abroad, what draws students there, and how to think about choosing the right destination—including a closer look at Switzerland and the role of specialist institutions like Glion.
Why Certain Countries Leading The List
First, let’s examine the broad patterns. Data from U.S. students abroad show that Europe remains by far the largest region, with over 66 % of U.S. students going to European destinations in 2020–21. More broadly, Europe and North America together host more than half of all mobile students globally.
A 2025 ranking of “Top 10 Places in the World to Study Abroad” lists: Japan, France, China, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, UK and US. What emerges is a mix of English-speaking powerhouses (UK, US, Australia, Canada), large systems in continental Europe (Germany, Netherlands, France) and highly international smaller countries (such as Switzerland).
Some of the recurring pull factors:
- High-quality universities and programmes with strong global reputations
- Programs taught in English (or major languages with strong support)
- Established networks of international students and alumni
- Access to internships, industry links and global careers
- A safe, stable, culturally rich environment
- Relatively straightforward visa/immigration pathways for students
For example, one authoritative overview noted that “The United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Australia are the most popular host countries for international students… half of all mobile students study in these five countries.”
Yet the sheer size of available places and the competition mean that many students also look beyond the obvious. That’s where destinations like Switzerland—and specialist schools within them—become compelling.
Spotlight on Switzerland
Switzerland punches above its weight as a study-abroad destination. In the 2025 “Top 10 Places” list it appears at #3, praised for its combination of career services, quality of life and cultural diversity.
Switzerland offers several distinct advantages:
- Multilingual environment (German, French, Italian plus English in many programmes) offering a rich cultural immersion
- A high standard of living and stable society, which many international students consider part of the value proposition
- Strong niche programmes (for example, in hospitality, luxury business, international management) where Swiss institutions have world-leading reputations
- Connection to the heart of Europe: central location, strong transport networks, easy access to other European capitals
One such institution is Glion: the Glion Institute of Higher Education offers hospitality-business Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Switzerland and London and has long been recognised for combining Swiss tradition with global reach. For students who aim for hospitality, luxury or international service sectors, attending Glion offers the appeal of a specialised, globally oriented campus in Switzerland.
By linking study-abroad ambitions to an institution like Glion, students can combine the broad benefits of an international environment with the strength of niche expertise. In other words: when choosing “where” to study, the destination itself matters, but so does the alignment of the institution, the programme and the student’s own goals.
Other top destinations and what they offer
United Kingdom (UK) – Continually a top choice. With world-renowned universities, a long history of international students, and English as the lingua franca, the UK remains a magnet. The 2025 ranking places it at #2 globally.
United States (US) – The largest single destination. For many students, the sheer scale of the US higher-education system, the variety of programmes, and the access to industry and research make it appealing. According to Statista, the US hosted over 833,000 foreign students in 2021.
Germany – Offers strong academic quality, many programmes in English, and some tuition-free or low-cost options. It is #4 in the 2025 ranking.
Netherlands – Noted for career services, English-language programmes, and a progressive culture, the Netherlands ranks #5 in 2025.
Canada / Australia – Both high on student preference lists thanks to welcoming environments, strong universities, good quality of life and relative accessibility. Australia ranks #6 in 2025.
For each of these destinations, students weigh what matters: cost, language, career prospects, lifestyle, cultural fit, enterprise links.
How students should pick a destination
Given the variety of choices, the question becomes: how does one pick the right one? Here are thoughtful criteria informed by the trends above:
- Align with your motivation and career goals
Are you seeking a global career in finance, technology, hospitality, research, or entrepreneurship? Each destination has its strengths. If your goal is global hospitality management, you might favour Switzerland; if it is advanced research in science, maybe Germany or the US; if it is English-language business programmes, UK or Canada. - Consider language and campus culture
Some destinations require you to learn a new language; others offer programmes entirely in English. Cultural fit matters. Switzerland’s multilingual environment can be a plus, but you should check programme language, campus diversity and support for international students. - Look at employability and industry links
A destination may look great academically, but how does it translate into internship-opportunities, industry placements, alumni network and regional industry strength? Niche institutions in Switzerland, for example, often emphasise industry internship integrated into the curriculum. - Cost, visa and living considerations
Tuition, cost of living, scholarship availability, visa rules and post-study work rights vary widely. A student should check living costs in Switzerland vs smaller cities in Germany or Canada. - Quality of life and safety
The student experience isn’t just classes. Culture, travel, housing, safety and social networks matter. Switzerland gets high marks for quality of life, but that often comes with higher cost. Some students may prefer a slightly lower cost environment in another European country but trade-off slightly on lifestyle. - The fit of the institution
Regardless of destination, the institution itself needs to match your goals. For global hospitality, choosing the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland makes sense because it is specifically geared to leadership in international hospitality and luxury management. For other goals you may look at broader universities or specialised schools in your field.
Why Switzerland and niche institutions matter
Returning to Switzerland: it ticks many of the boxes that students increasingly care about: career orientation, global outlook, multicultural setting, and strong specialist reputation. As the 2025 list suggests, it is now among the top three global destinations for international study.
When you combine that with a specialist institution like Glion, you are adding extra layers of alignment: if your interest lies in hospitality, service industries, global luxury, tourism management or international business in a service-oriented sector, then arriving at Switzerland via a school like Glion means you’re not just going abroad—you are going abroad intentionally, leveraging the destination and the institution.
Think of it this way: studying abroad isn’t just a “year in another country.” For many students it’s a springboard into a global career. The destination matters because it sets the broader context; the institution matters because it builds your skillset and network; and your own alignment matters because without motivation, the experience may under-deliver.
Challenges and trade-offs
Of course, studying abroad—even at top destinations—comes with trade-offs. The cost can be high, and living abroad requires adaptation. While Europe remains dominant for U.S. students, the pandemic caused a 90 %+ decline in study abroad numbers at one stage. Students from less-represented groups may have lower participation rates; for example, one report found that although Black students made up 13 % of the U.S. higher-education population, they accounted for just 4 % of U.S. students studying abroad in 2020-21. Thus the “best destination” isn’t simply the one with the most prestige: it is the one you can access, engage with, benefit from, and that aligns with your goals.
Final thoughts
Choosing a destination to study abroad is less about chasing the “most popular” and more about choosing the most right one. Popular destinations like the UK, US, Germany, Canada, Netherlands and Switzerland each have strong pull factors, but each combines a distinct profile of strengths.
For students drawn to hospitality, service industries, luxury business, or truly international environments, Switzerland—and institutions like Glion—offer a compelling proposition: high-quality global programmes, rich cultural immersion, a multilingual context and strong career links.
For other students the “right” destination may be different. What matters is clarity on your ambition, criteria and practical conditions. The destination you pick should open doors, deepen your perspective and set you on a path with purpose, rather than simply following the crowd.
