Japan records 16% increase in US study abroad participation; see the top 10 destinations students choose

Japan has emerged as a top destination for U.S. students studying abroad, recording a 15.9% increase in participation, according to the 2025 Open Doors report. While Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom continue to lead, Japan’s rise reflects growing interest in Asian study destinations. The report highlights the top 10 countries for U.S. students, showing shifting trends in academic interests and international experiences, with Europe maintaining popularity and emerging destinations attracting more students each year.

Thinking about where American students are heading when they study abroad? It turns out Japan is fast becoming a hot favourite. The latest Open Doors survey shows a remarkable 15.9% increase in US students choosing Japan for academic programmes. That means more students are exploring the country’s universities, culture, and unique learning opportunities than ever before.But it’s not just Japan on the radar. Europe continues to dominate, with countries like Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom hosting tens of thousands of American students each year. At the same time, smaller but rapidly growing destinations, including Ireland, Greece and Australia, are attracting adventurous learners looking to combine travel with their studies. Whether students are seeking language immersion, STEM courses, or cultural experiences, the global map of study abroad is clearly evolving.

Top destinations for US students

The 2025 Open Doors report, covering the 2023/24 academic year, lists the leading destinations for US students studying abroad:

Source: Open Doors Data

Japan shows strong growth among US students

The rise in Japan reflects growing interest in academic programmes spanning language, business, and STEM fields. Student numbers increased from 9,678 in 2022/23 to 11,217 in 2023/24, making it the fastest-growing destination among the top 10.

Italy leads with 45,067 students, a 7.7% increase from the previous year. Spain follows with 36,826 students, up 12.8%, and the United Kingdom recorded 36,450 students, a 4.1% rise. France experienced a slight decline of 2.1%, hosting 16,740 students.Ireland and Germany also saw steady growth, while Greece attracted 6,782 students, up 12.9%. Australia welcomed 6,509 students, up 6.1%, and Costa Rica recorded a 7.4% decline, with 6,070 students.

The data shows that while Europe remains popular, Asian destinations like Japan are gaining momentum. American students are exploring a wider range of cultural and academic experiences, from short-term programmes to semester-long study.The 2025 Open Doors report highlights a dynamic landscape, with traditional favourites holding steady and emerging destinations offering new opportunities for US students seeking academic credit abroad.