10 Best Study Abroad Programs in Europe for Spring 2026
Authored By:
Dreaming of a European adventure? Start here with 10 of the best 2026 spring study abroad programs in Europe.
Explore your options, pick your favorite, and get ready for an exciting semester abroad next year!
Read More: How to Study Abroad in Europe
Best Study Abroad Programs in Europe
Featured Program #1: Barcelona Business + Culture
Barcelona is more than a sunny beach city – it’s a hub for international business, innovation, and design. This is one of our most popular business study abroad programs in Europe, and it’s easy to see why.
More fun facts about Barcelona:
- Barcelona is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, many designed by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí
- The city’s iconic La Rambla is made up of five connected boulevards
- Barcelona hosts one of the world’s biggest music festivals, Primavera Sound, drawing artists and fans from across the globe
CIEE’s cultural excursions offer an unforgettable look at local life, including:
- Trekking Montserrat's breathtaking mountain trails, exploring a Benedictine monastery retreat, and witnessing the unique rock formations of Catalonia
- Wandering the colorful streets of Gràcia, immersing yourself in the neighborhood's bohemian vibe and artistic flair
- Diving into the captivating art of flamenco at one of Barcelona's renowned tablaos
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Spain
Featured Program #2: Prague Central European Studies
A fairytale city with a complex history, Prague is the perfect place to explore politics, history, art, and Central European identity. With courses taught in English, an exciting student scene, and budget-friendly living, Prague is ideal for students looking for a unique spring study abroad experience in Europe.
More fun facts about Prague:
- Prague’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture
- The city is home to the world’s oldest working astronomical clock, installed in 1410
- Prague is nicknamed “The City of a Hundred Spires” but there are actually more than 500
CIEE’s cultural excursions immerse you in the heart of Czech culture, including:
- Exploring Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square, or Prague’s theaters and opera venues
- Creating lifelong memories with new friends as you craft your new signature perfume
- Participating in a wide range of other cultural activities to spark your interest in local art, film, music, sports, or cuisine
Featured Program #3: Rome Open Campus Block
With its ancient ruins, modern cafés, and mouthwatering cuisine, Rome offers the best of all worlds. The Open Campus Block program allows you to design your study abroad experience – from courses, to length, to destination!
More fun facts about Rome:
- Rome’s nickname is The Eternal City – and for good reason, with history dating back nearly 3,000 years
- The Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built and could hold more than 50,000 spectators
- Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, is entirely surrounded by Rome and home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel
Step into local life with CIEE-led cultural activities, including:
- Hiking in the countryside of Lazio or relax in the tranquil gardens and vineyards that surround Rome
- Unleashing your creativity in hands-on workshops such as painting or pottery classes
- Unwinding in picturesque seaside villages along Italy’s stunning coastlines
Read More: Why Study Abroad in Rome? Top 5 Reasons
Featured Program #4: Madrid Open Campus Block
If you want to study abroad in spring and experience life in a lively capital, Madrid delivers. This flexible Open Campus Block program lets you design your dream semester abroad, while diving into Spanish language and culture.
More fun facts about Madrid:
- Madrid is the sunniest capital city in Europe, averaging more than 300 days of sunshine a year
- The city is home to one of the world’s oldest restaurants – Sobrino de Botín, founded in 1725
- Madrid’s El Retiro Park was once a royal retreat and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site
Explore Spanish history, cuisine, and culture on excursions such as:
- Day trips to the medieval city of Toledo or other UNESCO World Heritage cities such as Alcalá de Henares
- Visits to popular neighborhoods in Lavapiés, Malasaña, or La Latina
- Kayaking, snow walking, or hiking in the outskirts of Madrid city
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Madrid
Featured Program #5: Berlin Open Campus Block
Modern, edgy, and endlessly creative, Berlin is a magnet for students across the world. With our Berlin Open Campus Block program, you can design your semester to your liking, from courses to locations!
More fun facts about Berlin:
- Berlin has more bridges than Venice – more than 1,700 span its many canals and rivers
- The city’s iconic Berlin TV Tower is the tallest structure in Germany, offering panoramic views from its revolving restaurant
- Berlin is known for its incredible street art scene, with murals covering buildings, alleyways, and even remnants of the Berlin Wall
CIEE’s cultural excursions immerse you in the spirit of German life, including:
- Walking by one of the last remaining stretches of the Berlin Wall still in place at the East Side Gallery – the longest open-air art gallery in the world
- Exploring famous landmarks such as Checkpoint Charlie, the Jewish Museum Berlin, the Reichstag building, and the historic Mitte district
- Getting an inside-look at Berlin's thriving start-up scene at a networking event or pitch night
Read More: Top 20 German Slang Words and Phrases You Must Know
Featured Program #6: Seville Liberal Arts
Want full Spanish immersion in a city that feels like a postcard come to life? Our Seville Liberal Arts program is perfect for students ready to boost their Spanish skills and dive deep into Andalusian culture. Flamenco nights and warm spring days await.
More fun facts about Seville:
- Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, a passionate art form combining music, dance, and song
- The city boasts Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral – Seville Cathedral – where Christopher Columbus is said to be buried
- Orange trees line the streets of Seville, with more than 14,000 brightening the city each spring with their fragrant blossoms
CIEE’s cultural excursions immerse you in the rhythms of Andalusian life, including:
- Enjoying fun sports activities and workshops such as bike tours, wine tastings, cooking, flamenco, ceramics classes, and many more
- Participating in overnights, day trips, and excursions to discover other Spanish cities in the region of Andalucía
- Soaking up Spanish culture through neighborhood visits to some of the most emblematic locations, such as Triana and Santa Cruz
Featured Program #7: Paris Open Campus Block
With our Paris Open Campus Block program, you’ll take classes in everything from fashion and business to history and communications, while living in one of the most iconic cities in Europe. This is spring study abroad at its most dreamy.
More fun facts about Paris:
- Paris was originally a Roman city called Lutetia, dating back to the 3rd century BCE
- The Eiffel Tower was meant to be a temporary structure for the 1889 World’s Fair, but it stuck around and became iconic
- Paris has more than 130 museums, from the world-famous Louvre to quirky gems like the Musée des Arts Forains
Get a true taste of Parisian life through CIEE’s unique cultural excursions, including:
- Visiting another region on a day trip, like Normandy, Champagne, or Loire Valley
- Exploring the hidden corners of Parisian culture, art, and society
- Participating in a cheese, croissant, and macaron tasting to find your favorite French food
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Paris
Featured Program #8: Seville International Business + Culture
If you’re interested in business study abroad programs in Europe with a local twist, this one’s for you. Study international business in English, improve your Spanish, and gain firsthand insight into the economy and culture of southern Spain. You’ll even get to learn about EU markets and globalization from a European perspective.
More fun facts about Seville:
- Seville hosts the world-famous Feria de Abril, one of Spain’s biggest and most colorful festivals, attracting thousands of visitors every year
- The Alcázar of Seville is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe and inspired the sets for Game of Thrones
- Seville’s flamenco dancing tradition is so rich and authentic that it was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO
CIEE’s cultural excursions immerse you in the soul of Seville, including:
- Fun sport activities and workshops such as bike tours and wine tastings
- Getting to know local Spanish students through fun and engaging activities of exclusive Global Discussion events and meetings
- Joining campus activities at University Pablo de Olavide
Featured Program #9: Amsterdam Social Sciences + Humanities
Amsterdam is a forward-thinking city perfect for exploring topics like sociology, psychology, gender studies, and sustainability. With its walkable canals, engaging museums, and inclusive culture, this spring study abroad program in Europe is ideal for socially minded students who want to think big and live boldly.
More fun facts about Amsterdam:
- The city is home to the narrowest house in the world, measuring more than 3 feet wide
- The Rijksmuseum has a secret library tucked inside and it’s open to the public
- The city is built on more than 11 million wooden poles that support its foundations
Get to know the real Amsterdam through CIEE’s cultural excursions, including:
- Experiencing a world-class Dutch theater or dance performance at a historic concert hall
- Exploring Amsterdam's world-famous canal belt on a private canal cruise
- Traveling overnight to experience life in another Dutch city or slip out of urban life at a coastal preserve
Featured Program #10: London Open Campus Block
Customize your schedule with CIEE’s Open Campus Block in London. Spring is an especially exciting time to be in the city – think outdoor markets, football matches, and cherry blossoms in Hyde Park.
More fun facts about London:
- London’s Underground, also known as “the Tube,” is the oldest metro system in the world, dating back to 1863
- Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the tower, not the tower itself (which is now called the Elizabeth Tower)
- London is home to more than 170 museums, many of which are free to enter, including the British Museum and the Natural History Museum
CIEE’s cultural excursions immerse you in the heart of London life, including:
- Exploring Oxford or Cambridge with walking tours through some of the famous beautiful colleges
- Touring London’s world-class art galleries, from The National Gallery to Tate Modern
- Learning about the legacies of post-colonialism with a visit to the Museum of London’s Sugar exhibition
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in England
BONUS: Semester in Athens
Looking for something off the beaten path? Consider spending your spring study abroad semester in Athens, where ancient history meets modern energy. With CIEE, you can explore Greek culture, art, politics, and archaeology while enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle and scenic weekend getaways.
More fun facts about Athens:
- Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, with recorded history spanning more than 3,400 years
- The Acropolis rises above the city and has been a symbol of democracy and civilization since the 5th century BCE
- Athens is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, with around 300 days of sunshine each year
Experience the essence of Athens with CIEE’s cultural excursions, including:
- A visit Syntagma Square to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard, a striking display of tradition and honor at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Embarking on a journey through Athens’ ancient heart, exploring five iconic archaeological sites including Hadrian’s Library
- Escape to the timeless island of Hydra, where car-free cobblestone streets, seaside charm, and stunning Aegean views create a perfect Greek getaway
Europe is Calling
Our study abroad programs in Europe are guaranteed to provide you with endless adventures this spring! Make note of which of these Europe study abroad programs align with your personal and academic goals to prepare for next year’s study abroad trip.
Ready to take the next step?
Related Posts
Studying Abroad in London
By: Marina Thalasinos Studying abroad at Queen Mary University of London, through the Arts and Sciences program, was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. London is a... keep reading
My Journey Abroad
By: Ava Ortiz Once my housing plans fell through for this 2024-2025 school year, I started to consider going abroad. But I didn’t know if this was something for me... keep reading
How Studying Abroad in London Changed My Life
By: Leela Prodhan When I learned in high school that studying abroad was a thing college students could do, I was immediately hooked. To me, studying abroad seemed like the... keep reading