4 Best Countries for Health-Conscious Students

International experience isn’t just about studying in a new place; it’s about embracing a new culture and being open to new experiences. In addition to opportunities for cultural immersion, language learning, and unique study experiences, students often consider another factor when determining where to go: maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Check out these four countries for some health-conscious—and top-notch—choices.

Singapore: Health Care

Health gurus and economists, take note: Singapore’s healthcare system is one of the safest, most affordable, and top-notch systems not just in Asia, but in the world. In fact, major US medical institutions like Johns Hopkins have set up shop here. Singapore’s Ministry of Health believes in providing quality and affordable basic health services for all. How does it work? Personal responsibility, and low cost. First, Singaporeans take personal responsibility for their health. Secondly, nearly the entire population purchases medical insurance through a state insurance plan called Medisave, which is a broad-strokes plan that covers most major treatments. Medisave accounts are tax-free, earn interest, and become part of the member’s estate after death. Government pension plans, employers and employees all pitch in and help fund Medisave. Individuals can opt to improve their Medisave plans with a program called MediShield, which can be used for chronic diseases and other major illnesses not covered by Medisave. Finally, there is Medifund, which is based on an individual’s financial situation. Turns out, Singapore is a great place to study, too. You can pursue medicine at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School or earn a Master of Psychology at the Singapore Campus of James Cook University.

New Zealand: Sports

Like adventure? Energize your body, mind, and spirit in New Zealand. With legendary rugby teams like the All Blacks and nearly every child and adult playing soccer, it’s no wonder that New Zealand is a sports-lovers paradise. Like cycling? Road or mountain? Paddling? Hiking? Sailing? Golf? Skiing? Cricket? Yoga? Basketball? Swimming? Kite boarding? Bungee jumping? White water rafting? Fishing? Sky diving? Study Sport & Recreation at the Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology or earn a Bachelor’s in Physical Activity Health and Wellness from Otago Polytechnic and you’ll find more possibilities than you ever dreamed of for an incredible, adventurous, and sporty life. The breadth of options is due partly to the fact that New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries on earth, with stunning coasts, forests, fjords, mountains, glaciers, and bodies of water—fresh and salt. Did we mention the Great Walks? You might even get to see a penguin…

Greece: Food

Eating a Greek diet is not only healthy, it’s delicious. And eating a healthy, delicious diet will no doubt benefit your ability to think and study in Greece. Fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts, fish, dairy (yay, Greek yogurt!), red wine, some lean meats, and lots of non-meat protein sources like beans and legumes. Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, is the main source of fat, and most Greeks consume it at every meal. The Greek diet has been linked to reductions in obesity, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and a serious increase in longevity. Consider the island residents of Ikaria, which recently made global headlines for having some of the longest-living residents on the planet. Perhaps the Greek diet explains why Greece is considered the Cradle of Modern Civilization…

Japan: Longevity

Study in Japan and you can expect to live awhile (see Greece above). Japan enjoys a World Life Expectancy ranking of 1, the best score possible. The average life expectancy for Japanese men is 80.5 years, and for women it’s 86.8 years. Why? Fewer deaths from cancer and heart disease. Why? It’s what they eat. A recent study published by the National Centre for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo concluded, “Our findings suggest that balanced consumption of energy, grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs, soy products, dairy products, confectionaries, and alcoholic beverages can contribute to longevity by decreasing the risk of death, predominantly from cardiovascular disease, in the Japanese population.” You can get to the source of Japanese healthy living with a PhD in Agriculture. And regardless of your degree choice, Japan’s an amazing place to study, offering world class education and a deep cultural history.

Experience the well-oiled machine of the Singaporean health care system, the “choice” adventure possibilities in New Zealand, the delicious diets and associated health benefits of Greece and Japan and you can make a well-informed—and healthy decision—about your next international adventure. Cheers! Yiamas! Banzai!

Third photo image credit: Carnivore Style