Over 200 Students Share Their Dream Study Abroad Destinations in New Survey

• 73% of responses feature European destinations, led by Italy, Spain, and Germany.

• Top 5 most popular countries: Australia (20 mentions), Italy (18), Spain (18), Canada (17), Japan (15).

• Students frequently cited beaches, nightlife, skiing, and city culture alongside academics.

• Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South America are growing in popularity.

• Most students are 18-23, with an average age of 21 years.

Luggage shipping experts Send My Bag surveyed over 200 students to find out where is the ideal place to study abroad this Winter. The survey highlights not only where students want to go but also why, from lifestyle considerations to cultural experiences.

Top Destinations & Main Reasons for Studying Abroad in 2025

• Australia - 20 votes: Beaches, surfing, wildlife

• Italy - 18 votes: Culture, history, art, gelato

• Spain - 18 votes: Beaches, nightlife, tapas

• Canada - 17 votes: Mountains, lakes, skiing

• Japan - 15 votes: Anime, culture, tech

Other popular destinations included: United States, France, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Austria, Czechia, Poland, Hungary, Switzerland, New Zealand, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, and Belgium.

Student Comments Highlight Lifestyle and Experience

• “I just want to surf every weekend and explore the outback, sounds like an adventure.” - Australia, 23

• “I want to learn art history where the Renaissance happened.” - Italy, 20

• “Tango classes and Patagonia trips.” - Argentina, 22

• “Anime and temples in Japan are my dream.” - Japan, 19

• “Beaches, nightlife, and sunshine in Spain.” - Spain, 21

Conclusion:

UK students are prioritising a mix of culture, lifestyle, and adventure alongside academics when choosing where to study abroad. Europe remains the most popular study region, but Oceania, Asia, and South America are growing in popularity. Whether it’s surfing in Australia, exploring Renaissance art in Italy, or immersing in Japanese culture, students are clearly looking for destinations that combine study with unforgettable experiences.

The survey suggests students are increasingly adventurous, with growing enthusiasm for Brazil, Argentina, and New Zealand. Rising UK living costs were mentioned in several comments as a reason to consider affordable alternatives abroad.

Darren Johnstone from Send My Bag commented:

“Our survey shows that while Europe remains a favourite, students are increasingly drawn to destinations offering adventure and unique cultural experiences. Australia is hugely popular for its beaches and outdoor lifestyle, while countries like Brazil and Japan are catching attention for their culture, food, and vibrant cities. What’s particularly interesting is how lifestyle and study opportunities are intertwined, students aren’t just picking countries for their universities, they’re picking countries they want to live in.”

He continued:

“Top destinations like Italy, Spain, and Canada consistently attract students for both study and lifestyle, but the rise in interest for South America and Oceania shows a growing desire to explore beyond traditional European hotspots. As a company helping students relocate internationally for long-term stays, it’s exciting to see how adventurous this generation is, and why services like ours are becoming an essential part of the study abroad experience.”