5 Online Colleges With Study Abroad Programs in 2025

Studying abroad is a great way for college students to learn about the world and gain experience in a wide variety of international settings. Online colleges with study abroad programs can be especially valuable as they allow students to earn a degree on their own time while providing all the benefits of international study.

Whether you're looking for fall, spring, or summer study programs, there is no shortage of options. If you're looking for virtual colleges with study abroad programs, read our list below.

Colleges With Study Abroad Programs for Online Students

The number of U.S. students studying abroad is on the rise. According to NAFSA, there was a 49% increase in students studying abroad, though the total is still less than 10% of college graduates. Whether students are afraid to leave their comfort zones or don't know the options available to them, the causes for this low number are uncertain.

Finding the right online college with study abroad programs can be difficult. Luckily, we've done the research for you to make a list of virtual colleges with study abroad programs.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers over 180 online bachelor's degrees in fields ranging from business and education to healthcare and technology. The school is ranked in the top 10 colleges for online degrees by U.S. News & World Report. What's most impressive about ASU is the opportunities it offers for students to study abroad.

ASU allows students of all disciplines within any degree program to study abroad through any of its hundreds of programs, taking students to countries like Spain, Morocco, Japan, and Kenya. Programs are offered throughout the year, lasting anywhere from a week to an entire academic year. The price of the programs vary, with some costing upward of $14,000.

Students can apply for various scholarships and financial aid to pay for their program. Scholarships include the New American University Scholarship and the Obama Scholarship, in addition to various grants and loans.

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Students hoping to gain a global perspective will be happy to know Southern New Hampshire University offers study abroad programs for all disciplines-even if the partner university doesn't offer their major.

The school offers three paths to studying abroad; semester programs, faculty-led short-term programs, and national student exchange programs. This means students can find the right option within their comfort zone.

For the same price as general tuition of $330 per credit, students can participate in international education programs. Students also have flexibility in the length of their study abroad program, with week-long trips to more traditional semester-long programs.

3. Walden University

Emphasizing the value of working with different cultures, Walden University offers a Seminar with Study Abroad program to qualifying online and in-person students. The university determines the destination of the program, where students will study for seven to 14 days out of the six-week course. Countries that have been part of Walden's study abroad program include Spain, Italy, France, and Costa Rica.

To qualify for this program, students must have completed English Composition, and the school recommends they complete at least 90 credits prior to enrolling in the seminar.

While the cost of the program varies by destination, the cost of tuition may be covered by a student's financial aid. If students need additional funding for other expenses, they can apply for grants and loans.

4. York College of Pennsylvania

York College of Pennsylvania encourages students to study abroad by offering a multitude of global education programs. From short-term faculty-led and semester-long direct exchange programs to intersession options and international internship opportunities, students have no shortage of choices.

The cost of studying abroad through York College of Pennsylvania varies depending on the program and time of year, but there is a $350 administration fee for fall and spring and a $150 fee for summer.

5. Liberty University

Liberty University students looking to earn academic credit abroad can take advantage of LU Send. LU Send is Liberty University's study abroad and international internship program, assisting students in finding the perfect opportunities for them. The university offers two study abroad paths-signature programs and custom programs.

Signature programs are Christian programs that allow students to travel as a group. These options have set fees depending on the location, with destinations including Malawi, Ireland, Ecuador, and Italy. The signature programs attempt to closely mimic the experience of local residents, providing students with a unique perspective.

Custom programs are more flexible, allowing students to choose from study or internship options in over 140 cities across the world. These programs offer more directed areas of study, which means students can find options that closely align with their academic and career goals.

Other Ways To Study Abroad Online

Online students at colleges and universities that don't offer study abroad programs still have options for international education. Consider these alternatives to studying abroad through your institution.

Choose a Study Abroad Program That Accepts Online Students

Online students looking to study overseas can look for and apply directly to programs even if they don't currently attend the institution. This is also known as ''direct enrollment,'' which allows students to enroll in a foreign university for a period of time to study there.

Similarly, there are virtual study abroad programs that allow students to explore the world and interact with instructors from other countries. Whether you typically prefer in-person or online study, this option may be the best way to earn college credit studying abroad if your college doesn't offer the opportunity,

Consider Remote Study While Living Abroad

The best part of online learning is the flexibility it offers. Whether courses are fully asynchronous or require students to attend scheduled virtual meetings, most of the work can be done anywhere you have a computer and internet connection.

Virtual students looking to study abroad can simply live abroad while continuing to attend their online courses. Of course, you'll be responsible for all expenses and accommodations, and there likely won't be any financial aid for living abroad.

Look for Hybrid or Exchange Options

Some international schools may offer hybrid study abroad programs, allowing students to complete course work both online and in-person. These partially virtual study abroad programs provide a lot of flexibility for students while increasing accessibility and reducing costs.

Alternatively, students can consider exchange options. Similar to traditional study abroad programs, exchanges let students gain international experience while earning academic credit. Partner institutions essentially trade students for a period, typically a semester to a year.

Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships

If financial barriers are keeping you from international study, consider applying for study abroad scholarships. There are many grants and scholarships available to students hoping to get a global education. Some focus on particular coursework such as foreign language studies, international relations, or computer science, while others come with in-person or virtual internship opportunities. You can find these programs on the USA StudyAbroad website, which is ran by the U.S. Department of State.

Find an Online Program Today

Whether you're considering going back to school full-time or are just getting started on your academic journey, there's a high quality online program out there that's perfect for you. To find the right virtual program for you, check out the options on Learn.org today.