Studying abroad offers an opportunity to improve education and explore the world. However, being wary of potential risks associated with studying in a foreign country is essential.
According to government reports, the number of students engaged in overseas study reached five million in 2021 and is projected to increase to eight million by 2025.
Universities hold responsibility for the wellbeing of their students, both domestic and international, and are legally required to put in place reasonable measures to safeguard their health, safety, and overall welfare. Universities are expected to ensure that individuals embarking on journeys have thoroughly assessed potential risks, and that necessary precautions are implemented.
Go Overseas has composed a list underlining the top study abroad destinations for 2024. The survey factors in a range of variables, including the historical significance of a place, living costs against average wages, available activities, and the diversity of programmes offered in that location.
Risk ratings consist of five levels:
- Low – safe with few security risks
- Negligible – generally safe, but some predictable security risks
- Medium – not completely safe, but typically presents predictable security risks
- High – can be dangerous and may present unexpected security risks
- Extreme – extremely dangerous and presents unpredictable security risks.
Risks are assessed on the following categories: conflict, crime, health and medical, kidnap and ransom, natural and environmental, personal safety, political overview, terrorism, and unrest.
Top destinations and their risk rating:
Japan
Negligible – Japan mostly consists of negligible and low risks throughout its risk summary. However, natural and environmental risk rating is medium.
Australia
Negligible – Much like Japan, Australia generally consists of negligible or low risks throughout its risk summary. However, the country’s natural and environmental risk rating sits at medium.
Spain
Low – Throughout Spain’s risk summary, the risk ratings only consist of low and negligible risks.
Ireland
Negligible – Throughout Ireland’s risk summary, the risk ratings only consist of low and negligible risks.
England
Low – Throughout England’s risk summary, the risk ratings only consist of low and negligible risks.
New Zealand
Negligible – Throughout New Zealand’s risk summary, the risk ratings only consist of low and negligible risks.
South Korea
Low – South Korea generally consists of negligible and low risks throughout its risk summary. However, South Korea’s conflict and natural and environmental risk ratings both sit at medium.
Sweden
Low – Throughout Sweden’s risk summary, the risk ratings only consist of low and negligible risks.
Thailand
Medium – Throughout Thailand’s risk summary, the risk ratings mainly consist of medium risks, with only health and medical at a low-risk rating.