This 2025 guide ranks the safest countries for student travelers based on expert data and on-the-ground logistics
Safety is the single most important factor when planning student travel. Whether you’re a parent researching secure destinations or a student preparing to go abroad, choosing the right country can determine the success and comfort of the experience.
At Rustic Pathways, our global programs are built around a rigorous safety-first approach. We only operate in countries that demonstrate political stability, strong healthcare systems, and low crime environments—backed by data from the Global Peace Index (GPI), World Health Organization (WHO), and government advisories.
Why Safety Matters in Student Travel
Safe travel environments empower students to learn, explore, and grow without undue risk. When safety is built into the destination, students can focus on their goals—not avoidable dangers.
What defines a safe country for students?
- Low crime rates: Particularly low violent and property crime incidents
- Emergency accessibility: Medical facilities, 911 equivalents, embassy support
- Reliable infrastructure: Safe public transportation, stable power and internet
- Political stability: Low risk of civil unrest, protests, or policy disruptions
- Cultural openness: A proven track record of welcoming international students
These metrics are non-negotiable for Rustic Pathways’ destination selection process.
How We Select Safe Student Travel Destinations
Rustic Pathways follows a 4-part safety protocol to evaluate each destination annually:
1. Global Peace Index & Crime Data
We prioritize countries that rank in the top 50 on the GPI, which measures safety based on violent conflict, social security, and militarization. We also audit regional crime statistics and embassy safety reports.
2. Emergency Medical Infrastructure
Each program location must have:
- 24/7 hospital or urgent care within 30 minutes
- WHO-compliant healthcare standards
- Established emergency protocols and response teams
3. Political and Legal Stability
We assess:
- The likelihood of political unrest or election-related instability
- Legal protections for foreigners
- Immigration and visa reliability for minors and students
4. On-the-Ground Risk Mitigation
Our internal teams and local partners:
- Vet accommodations and transportation providers
- Conduct safety drills with staff and students
- Maintain 24/7 emergency communication lines for all programs
For a full breakdown, explore our Student Travel Safety Guide.
Top 5 Safest Countries for Student Travelers in 2025
These countries are ranked not only by public safety indices, but by firsthand operational data, cultural alignment, and emergency preparedness.
1. Iceland
- GPI Rank: #1
- Virtually no violent crime
- Transparent, trustworthy legal system
- Walkable cities and strong digital infrastructure
- Popular for environmental science and sustainability programs
2. New Zealand
- GPI Rank: #2
- Stable democracy and public trust in institutions
- National safety standards for youth travelers
- Highly rated healthcare and rural access to care
- Ideal for ecological studies and outdoor learning
3. Japan
- GPI Rank: #9
- Exceptionally low crime, high community safety
- Natural disaster readiness and smart infrastructure
- Cultural respect for order, privacy, and guests
- Great for tech immersion, culture exchange, and sustainability
4. Switzerland
- GPI Rank: #10
- Neutral political stance and rule of law
- Multilingual safety systems (English, French, German)
- Efficient transport and emergency protocols
- Home to programs in finance, architecture, and alpine ecology
5. Costa Rica
- GPI Rank: #38
- No military; emphasis on peace and education
- Accessible care even in remote areas
- Eco-focused policies and tourism safety track record
- Popular for wildlife conservation, Spanish immersion, and farming programs
See full breakdowns of all top-rated destinations here:
Safest Places for Teen Travel →
How to Evaluate a Country’s Student Safety Score
Use this checklist when assessing the safety of countries for international students:
| Safety Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Crime Rate | Low rates of assault, theft, and public crime |
| Health Infrastructure | Nearby medical clinics, 24/7 hospitals, WHO-aligned care protocols |
| Legal Protection | Strong rule of law, accessible legal aid for foreign nationals |
| Political Stability | No history of recent uprisings, electoral violence, or policy reversals |
| Public Transportation | Safe and reliable bus/train systems with local support staff |
| Cultural Hospitality | Positive history of hosting international students |
| Communication Access | English-speaking locals, cellular/data coverage, embassy support |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Safest Countries For Student Travel
Which country is safest for students in 2025?
Iceland remains the safest country in the world, based on GPI rankings and our internal analysis. Switzerland, Japan, and New Zealand are also top choices.
What country is best for American students traveling abroad?
Costa Rica, Australia, and several European nations offer safety, comfort, and cultural alignment for U.S. high school and college students.
Does Rustic Pathways provide travel supervision for international students?
Yes. All programs include:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Safest Countries For Student Travel
Which country is safest for students in 2025?
Iceland remains the safest country in the world, based on GPI rankings and our internal analysis. Switzerland, Japan, and New Zealand are also top choices.
What country is best for American students traveling abroad?
Costa Rica, Australia, and several European nations offer safety, comfort, and cultural alignment for U.S. high school and college students.
Does Rustic Pathways provide travel supervision for international students?
Yes. All programs include:
- Background-checked adult supervisors
- Local staff in every region
- GPS-based tracking
- 24/7 communication for families
Where can I get destination-specific safety stats?
Visit our Safest Destinations Guide for real-time safety scores, testimonials, and program-specific details.
What to Do Next
- Review Rustic’s Complete Safety Protocols
- Speak With a Program Advisor for personalized safety walkthroughs