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Studying abroad is a great way to grow personally, learn about the world, and experience a different culture. If you're lucky enough to go abroad, consider studying in a country that is either a declared nuclear power or has given up their nuclear weapons program. Compare how the people in your host country feel about nuclear weapons and power vs. the U.S. If you have the opportunity, tour nuclear facilities and/or take a class on nuclear issues power.

Countries that possess nuclear weapons*:

United Kingdom – the number one destination for U . S . students studying abroad. Facts : The UK maintains some 200 plans on closing 1/3 of its nuclear warheads. Tourists can visit energy plants by 2010. Visit Kelvedon Hatch, the secret home of the British government to be used in the event of nuclear war during the Cold War : . http://www.system-override.com/kelvedonhatch/index2.htm The UK plans on closing 1/3 of its nuclear power plants by 2010.

France – the number four destination for US in numbers of U.S. students studying abroad. Facts:France maintains approximately 350 nuclear warheads. It ceased production of plutonium and highly enriched uranium in 1992 and 1996, respectively. France derives 75% of its electricity from nuclear energy facilities. The French government encourages visitors to tour their many nuclear plants.

China – the ninth most popular destination for U . S . students studying abroad. Facts: China is estimated to have an arsenal of some 400 nuclear warheads. China exploded its first nuclear device in October 1964. In Beijing , the Beijing Military Museum houses some of the artifacts of China 's nuclear weapons history.

Russia – 21st most popular destination for US in number of U.S. students studying abroad . Facts : Russia still possesses approximately 8,600 operational nuclear warheads. Chernobyl is the site of the worst nuclear power accident in history and is , located in the former Soviet republic Ukraine . The Nuclear Weapons Museum of The All-Russian Research Institute of Experimental Physics is in Sarov .

Israel – 24 th most popular destination for US in number of U.S. students studying abroad. Facts: Some unofficial reports estimate Israel 's arsenal to have as many as 200 warheads. Israel kept their nuclear program secret until 1986 when Mordechai Vanunu , a former Israeli nuclear technician, blew the whistle on the government. As a consequence, he served 18 years in prison.

Countries that have taken a strong stance against nuclear weapons development*:

Costa Rica – 10 th most popular destination for US students studying abroad. Facts: in number of U.S. students Costa Rica has been a global leader for on nuclear disarmament. In 1997, the country submitted to the UN a model nuclear weapons convention, which was a beleaguered attempt at pushing forward nuclear disarmament. Costa Rica has no military and no nuclear power plants.

Japan – 11 th most popular destination for US in number of U.S. students studying abroad. Facts: The only country to have ever endured a nuclear attack, Japan has been a world leader in non - proliferation and arms control. Pictures and artifacts from the aftermath of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are on display at the Hiroshima Peace Museum and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum .

The Netherlands – 14 th most popular destination for US in number of U.S. students studying abroad. Facts: Located at The Hague , Netherlands , the Peace Palace Library houses one of the world's largest collections of materials on international law, international political and diplomatic history, and the history of peace movements.

South Africa – 17 th most popular destination for US in number of U.S. students studying abroad. Facts: South Africa 's apartheid government developed nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles but in the early 1990s they rid themselves of the weapons. Located near Capetown , South Africa , Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is the only nuclear energy station in Africa . South Africa is a member of the New Agenda Coalition, a coalition of eight nations seeking a nuclear weapons-free world.

New Zealand – 19 th most popular destination for US in number of U.S. students studying abroad. Facts : Nuclear weapons and nuclear powered ships have been banned from New Zealand since 1985, much to the chagrin of the U . S. New Zealand is a member of the New Agenda Coalition, a coalition of eight nations seeking a nuclear weapons-free world.

Brazil – 23 rd most popular destination for US in number of U.S. students studying abroad. Facts: Brazil aggressively pursued nuclear weapons from the 60s to the 90s but has since abjured all biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons. Brazil is a member of the New Agenda Coalition, a coalition of eight nations seeking a nuclear weapons-free world.

This list of countries with nuclear weapons does not include Pakistan , North Korea , and India who are all nuclear weapons states. The list of powers or countries who have taken a strong stance against nuclear weapons does not include such as Belarus , Ukraine , and Uzbekistan who have abandoned nuclear weapons programs.  The focus is on the top 25 destinations for U.S. students studying abroad as determined by the Institute of International Education based in New York City, New York

Get Involved :: Action :: Study Abroad