Biology: the study of life. What better way to study life than through travel and exploration? The world is full of it and it’s yours for exploring and learning! Study abroad programs for biology majors provide a new lens for your studies and a hands-on, immersive approach you might not have otherwise.
Look at the world—biology and life sciences study abroad just makes sense!
Your “classroom” could include a state-of-the-art lab space, the pitter patter of rain in the world’s lush rainforests, or a dive into colorful coral reefs. Add in a helping of culture, perhaps a new language, new study abroad pals, and the unimaginable memories you’ll collect along the way, and you’ll have a difficult time deciding against (and between) these study abroad opportunities for biology majors!
Can biology majors study abroad?
Hmm...Is the answer a) Yes b) Absolutely c) What are you waiting for? or d) All of the above? This is a practice question for fake bonus points, so to help you out...the answer is D, of course! Study abroad programs for biology majors are going to add that little extra life (pun intended) to your college experience.
Going abroad to study biology and life sciences may put you just outside of your comfort zone, but the rewards will be life-changing (again, pun intended). You’ll be immersing yourself in a new environment, racking up college credit in a way that will make all your friends back home jealous, connecting with new friends the entire way, and adding an impressive experience to your resume moving forward.
The best study abroad programs for biology majors, ironically enough, aren’t limited to just bio majors! If biology is not your focus, you should definitely still check out the other offerings through these programs.
11 cool study abroad opportunities for life sciences and biology majors
1. IFSA: Life Science Career Accelerator Plus
Why? Leadership, research, and internship opportunities. What more could you ask for in a biology study abroad program? Maybe to be based in one of the hippest, most multicultural and happening cities on the globe—oh cool, you can have that, too!
Your new apartment or flat in London will be your home away from home as you become immersed in a program designed specifically with life science students in mind. This program will provide all the benefits of studying abroad and then some.
You’ll be challenged in interesting classes, experience a different culture, take in some of the world’s best known sights, and wrap it all up with college credit and a bonus professional competency certificate from a leading talent firm in the life sciences. All combined, this will make you a pretty impressive candidate when you look to land that dream job or continue on to medical school.
- Where? London, England (cue the British accent)
- When? Fall and Spring terms are available
- Read IFSA reviews
2. TEAN: Brisbane – University of Queensland
Why? What better way to kick off your biology study abroad program than with a 5 day comprehensive orientation at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef? Soak (literally) in the biodiversity around you and get acquainted with your new mates.
Afterwards, relax into life at the University of Queensland, a leading university worldwide, located on a green, subtropical campus a short ferry or bus ride away from the heart of Brisbane. When you aren’t studying, continue your exploration of the land down under with nearby trips to mountains, rainforests, or Australia’s famed coastline.
- Where? Brisbane, Australia
- When? Offered year round for a full academic year, fall semester or spring semester
- Read TEAN reviews
3. Multi-Country Summer in Europe: 10 Cities in 5 Weeks
Why? If you’re dreaming of traversing the European continent and in need of a general biology study abroad program, you’ve hit the jackpot. This program delivers in a big way—travel across Europe over the course of the summer, learning from your professors by day, and taking in the sites and the culture by evenings and weekends!
Forum-Nexus emphasizes increasing your international IQ, ensuring you are able to carry this experience forward with you to your remaining college classes and future job. Speaking of your career, professional visits are also built into your itinerary, providing a first hand look at European companies and organizations along your journey.
- Where? London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Rhodes
- When? For 10 weeks each summer; shorter term programs are also available
- Read Forum-Nexus reviews
4. Coral Reef Ecology Summer Course at BIOS
Why? Calling all upperclassmen and graduate students! The time has not passed you by for biology study abroad. A joint effort founded by Harvard, NYU, and the Bermuda Natural History Society, this program lends plenty of lab and field work opportunities and a solid understanding of coral reef ecology. Dive in!
This program requires the successful completion of a previous university course in biology, ecology, or marine science. And though it’s not a requirement, previous experience with scuba diving can also be a benefit.
5. Costa Rica: Nature and Biology
Why? The Costa Rica: Nature and Biology program provides a short term study abroad solution for biology majors. Taking place each May, this short and sweet program travels to one of the happiest little countries on earth. It includes 8 nights of accommodation and essentials like travel insurance, ground transportation, and a local guide.
Packed into your Maymester are Costa Rica’s biodiverse settings, including El Salto waterfalls, national park visits to rainforests and volcanoes, and the Pacific coastline, all providing a beautiful and once-in-a-lifetime chance at studying biology up close and personal.
6. IES Abroad Christchurch DE – University of Canterbury
Why? Choose this general biology study abroad program and your time between classes could see you hitting the slopes while skiing the Southern Alps. Or surfing, if that’s more your style. Or, you know what, why not just do both?!
When you aren’t on the slopes or riding the waves, relax into Kiwi life in your homestay or apartment in one of the world’s most ever-changing cities. The University of Canterbury offers exceptional classes as well as more than 90 university clubs for you to join. In no time at all, you’ll have new friends and be making lifelong memories.
7. 55-Day South African Wildlife Ranger Course
Why? Take a walk on the wild side (quite literally) at an accredited wildlife reserve, home to Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. Your classroom will extend beyond four walls, with learning taking place within the classroom and on safari.
You’ll be taught by experienced game rangers on subjects such as animal behavior, fauna and flora, and guest interaction. When you’re not in the classroom or on safari, you’re likely to be living your best life while hiking, whale watching, or, if you’re brave, even bungee jumping!
You’ll end your time abroad with countless memories of South Africa and your new certification as a Game Ranger. How’s that for a one-of-a-kind biology study abroad program?
8. ISA Study Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand
Why? A feast for your senses, take a trip to the buzzing city of Bangkok! Better yet, stay a while longer and study at the oldest educational institution in Thailand—Mahidol University. With mountains to the north, islands to south, and forests in between, Thailand has plenty to offer during study abroad for biology majors.
Included in the program are on-site support, housing, tutoring, cultural activities, and excursions to Kanchanaburi and Koh Larn. Outside of studying and the excursions, spend a day perusing at Bangkok’s famed floating markets or tasting samples of the delectable Thai food at the city’s many food stalls.
9. USAC Costa Rica: San Ramón – Life & Health Sciences
Why? With raving reviews from past participants, USAC’s program in San Ramón is a great study abroad opportunity for biology majors. This program features small classes, hands-on experiential learning, and the chance for independent research in a quaint Tico town.
Plus, it’s a good fit for upper division students looking to combine biology studies with culture in a conducive and friendly environment. You can also strengthen your Spanish skills. On the side, this program also serves up field trips and local volunteer opportunities. Pura vida!
10. Semester in Dublin – Dublin City College
Why? If biology is your thing but you do, in fact, prefer a classroom and perhaps you're searching for a more urban environment for your biology study abroad program, you might like spending a semester abroad in Dublin!
Engage in courses with both local and international students. Make new friends to wander the cobblestone streets with and enjoy Ireland’s live music and pub culture. Dublin City College offers modern facilities for students and a vibrant student life. Included in your study abroad program for biology majors are trips to the farther-flung coasts of the Emerald Isle.
11. Operation Wallacea – Madagascar
Why? For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path biology study abroad adventure, Madagascar may be the perfect fit. Even more so if you are interested in conservation efforts and data collection.
Choose between a terrestrial or marine field site and have a hand in protecting Madagascar’s unique rainforest and coral reef ecosystems. The program’s past participants have rated Operation Wallacea and their time in Madagascar with stellar reviews.
And if you still aren’t sold, don’t forget that your time on the world’s 4th largest island will be enhanced by the cutest residents—lemurs!
Can’t pick? Compare these programs side-by-side with a FREE MyGoAbroad account
Why NOT do biology study abroad?
Gain experience AND academic credit in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Let’s review! Can biology majors study abroad? YES! Can you choose your future classroom location, make lifelong friends, and travel the world? YES! Can you and will you grow exponentially through taking advantage of a study abroad opportunity for biology majors? YES!
You’re already well equipped with knowledge of 11 of the best study abroad programs for biology majors. Life is waiting on you! Now get to work planning your next adventure.
Explore ALL Biology Study Abroad Programs on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad. A nonprofit organization founded more than thirty years ago at Butler University, IFSA delivers future-focused study abroad programs around the globe, helping students gather critical perspectives, knowledge, and skills essential for future success.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLvAm6momZRjsLC5jpqpraGTobK0e9KtrJ2xXZavs7vAnWasrKWZxm6twaummpxdpL2xu9GtrKehpJ6ytHnFqKlmmpmkubCz2GakmqKfp8A%3D