If you’re dreaming of studying abroad, you may be worried about stepping outside of your comfort zone and leaving your safe, familiar environment. It’s time to silence that little voice that’s trying to talk you out of having the experience of a lifetime.

Just as with every time you hop in your car, board a plane, enter a movie theater, go shopping at a mall, or walk out your front door, there is always risk.

Is studying abroad worth the risks? Absolutely. The truth is that traveling can be scary. But the other truth is that studying abroad is nothing to be afraid of. And there are study abroad safety statistics to prove it.

Is it safe to study abroad in 2025?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes.

The whole premise of studying abroad is that it helps you overcome your fear of unfamiliar places and people. The world can seem scary, but the world is also an utterly beautiful place filled with a whole lot of kind people who don’t want to steal your wallet at the train station. Instead of allowing your fear of potential catastrophes to hold you back, view it instead as a lesson in proper preparation. There are real risks to travel, but these risks shouldn’t keep you from studying abroad.

Additionally, most program providers consider student safety their top priority and go the extra mile to help mitigate concerns. Always be sure to ask your program provider about the steps they take to help ensure safety and how to stay safe while studying abroad with them.

The world’s safest places to study abroad

The world has been becoming a more dangerous place, at least according to the Global Peace Index. With a worsening atmosphere of insecurity and a rise in global conflict, students are becoming more concerned about staying safe and looking for safer places to study abroad. Along with checking study abroad safety statistics, many students may find themselves looking to reputable sources like this report from World Atlas ranking the top 10 safest countries in the world for advice.

If you want to travel, but you’re concerned about safety, here are some of the world’s safest places to study abroad:

1. New Zealand

While feeling safe is a luxury in many places, it’s one that New Zealanders are accustomed to. New Zealanders are, by and large, open-minded and believe people should be free to live the lifestyle they choose, which makes for an easygoing study abroad country largely free of personal violence and strife between communities. The country is rated in international surveys as one of the world’s most peaceful and least corrupt countries, and there’s not even any deadly wildlife for you to worry about.

What to study here: Environmental management, Biology, Forestry

Recommended program: Travensure Study Abroad sequence

2. Australia

Australia has an established political system, a low crime rate, and is always ranking high on the list of the world’s safest countries. The biggest threats to your safety definitely come from the natural environment. Be sure to look out for venomous animals like snakes, spiders, and jellyfish!

What to study here: Technology, Marine Biology

Recommended program: Study abroad in Australia with TEAN by WorldStrides

3. Canada

Many people regard Canada as a blissful, crime-free oasis. While some sticky fingers still roam about the cities, they are mostly right. As one of the most welcoming destinations in the history of study abroad, Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. Just watch out for rogue moose!

What to study here: French, Business, Economics

Recommended program: Language Camp with Greenheart Travel

4. Japan

One thing Japan does better than any other country is that it puts a strong focus on crime prevention, and the safety of its citizens is paramount. Small police stations called koban are strategically placed throughout cities and neighborhoods, so you can always find a safe haven or just a place to ask for directions. Their ubiquitous presence also encourages people to turn in lost property, including cash.

What to study here: Design, International Relations, Japanese

Recommended program: Study Abroad in Japan with World Campus International

5. Spain

Spain is first and foremost a country devoted to living the good life, and safety is a big part of that. There’s also a lot of diversity in Spain, so if you don’t fit the description of a stereotypical local, you are less likely to stick out and be an easy target for pickpockets.

What to study here: Spanish, Art, Communications

Recommended program: Study Abroad in Spain with Linguistic Horizons

6. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic goes the extra mile to ensure the safety of its visitors. For example, every lamppost in Prague has a six-digit number posted at eye level. Should you require assistance from the police or emergency services, these codes will pinpoint your location if you’re unable to offer an exact address.

What to study here: Literature, Architecture

Recommended program: Study Abroad in the Czech Republic with ISA

7. Iceland

Iceland consistently ranks as the world’s safest country, boasting low crime rates, excellent emergency services, and strong safety regulations. Icelanders are also known for being warm and welcoming, so you’re sure to feel right at home when you embark on your study abroad adventure. While there are occasional volcanic eruptions, the government has stringent safety measures in place.

What to study here: Environmental studies, Engineering

Recommended program: Renewable Energy Innovation & Sustainability with The GREEN Program

8. Ireland

If you want a worry-free study abroad experience filled with endless pints of Guinness, Ireland is the place for you. With stunning landscapes, a rich culture, and incredibly friendly locals, it’s the perfect destination for students. While it’s always smart to be extra cautious in bigger cities like Dublin, Ireland is still one of the safest places to study abroad.

What to study here: History, Creative Writing

Recommended program: Cork – Full Curriculum with USAC

9. Denmark

Denmark is known as one of the happiest countries in the world, and its commitment to safety plays a large role in that. Well-lit streets, reliable public transportation, and an efficient emergency response system ensure that students will feel safe during their time abroad, even in larger cities like Copenhagen. If you want a safe, fun, and cozy culture, head to Denmark for your study abroad experience!

What to study here: Architecture, Business

Recommended program: Open Campus Block in Copenhagen with CIEE College Study Abroad

10 (actually helpful) study abroad health & safety tips

When it comes to how to stay safe while studying abroad, here are 10 basic health and safety tips to help you check yourself before you wreck yourself when studying abroad:

1. Bring back the fanny pack.

Wearing a fanny pack or a money belt is a pro-traveler move. Having a small, zippered pouch securely fastened around your waist and tucked under your pants or shirt keeps all your goodies out of reach of pickpockets and out of sight to those looking to target tourists. With a fanny pack or money belt, all your essential documents, cash, cards, etc., are on you as securely and thoughtlessly as your underwear.

2. Use the buddy system.

One of the biggest warnings to students studying abroad is not to wander the streets alone, especially at night. So, one of the most basic and obvious tips is to use the buddy system. If you didn’t bring a buddy with you from home, don’t be afraid to ask a classmate if you feel uncomfortable traveling somewhere alone, especially for the first few days in your new area while you are still getting acclimated. Chances are, they will be happy to have you as their buddy, too.

3. Keep a low profile.

You don’t have to hide away and be a hermit, but remember that it’s best if you don’t broadcast the fact that you are a foreigner. This will prevent unwanted attention and also help you immerse yourself in the culture. This is the time to practice the art of camouflage. Dress like the locals and leave your jewelry at home.

4. Get travel insurance.

If an emergency situation occurs while studying abroad, travel insurance will swoop in and save the day. Most study abroad program providers will help you sort out this detail, but you should also make the effort to know your insurance policy like the back of your hand. Don’t forget to make sure you have travel medical coverage too, bonus if you get a plan with telehealth!

5. Drink wisely.

Don’t go crazy with the alcohol—your safety and your liver will thank you. Drink responsibly with friends you trust, and always know how you plan to safely get home before you go out. If you aren’t 627% sure where your drink came from, don’t drink it. It seems obvious, but you’re in a foreign country, so you’re a target just by being a tourist, and being drunk just multiplies that risk by like a gazillion (not an actual statistic). Also, those picturesque cobblestone streets and heels don’t mix.

6. Enroll in a government travel program.

Different countries take unique measures to ensure their citizens are traveling as safely as possible. Many countries offer programs specifically designed to track and locate travelers as they move around outside of their home country. In the UK, this is the Registered Traveller Service. While Australia offers the Smart Traveller Program and U.S. citizens can opt to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. These government programs share underlying goals: to keep you safe, keep tabs on whether or not you are alive, and keep your family informed on your status in an emergency situation.

7. Make multiple copies of your ID and passport.

This may be one of the oldest travel tips in the book. However, it can’t go without being said again, and again: have multiple copies of your travel identification documents handy. Leave physical and digital copies with your immediate family, make sure your study abroad provider has multiple versions, save your files in your school and personal email accounts, keep a copy folded up neatly in your money belt, and stash a few extra physical copies in your notebooks and your suitcase. It may seem like overkill, but this small step can potentially alleviate a boatload of stress in case of an emergency.

8. Tell people where you are.

Even if you are just going out for a morning stroll, give someone a heads up. Shoot a text to a friend letting them know your general vicinity, or let your roommate know when you expect to return. If you are intending to travel outside of your study abroad city, let your on-site director know in advance. The more people are aware of your bearings, the safer you will be. If you are impossible to track down in a crisis, your friends and extended network might aptly jump to the worst-case scenario, thinking you will be starring in the next Taken movie. Save everyone the panic by being proactive in telling others your wheres and whens.

9. Learn the language.

If you plan to study abroad in a country where you aren’t familiar with the language, try to learn some words before you go. You will definitely pick up a lot when you get there, but make sure you prepare by learning a few basic phrases, like the word for “help,” for instance. Taking it a step further and researching the cultural nuances and nonverbal language can also keep you out of unnecessary trouble.

10. Trust your gut.

Seriously, it’s always right. Keep your wits about you. Be aware of your surroundings. Be smart and you can travel smart.

Let’s do this! (with caution)

Study abroad safety statistics only say so much. By taking the necessary precautions and planning ahead, many safety issues can be lessened or avoided altogether! Studying abroad is risky business, but what’s even more risky is staying in your comfort zone. While there will always be some fear of the unknown, these very fears are part of what you will conquer during a study abroad program. Studying abroad will allow you to see the world for what it is and form your own opinions.

Spending time abroad will also help you to recognize your shared humanity with others and dissipate fear or misunderstandings. After all, it’s much more fun to love the world than to be afraid of it, So let Travensure guide you all the way.