USAC
Programs and Reviews
USAC is a non-profit organization made up of 33 U.S. member universities that has provided quality and affordable study abroad programs for almost 30 years. USAC currently offers programs in 24 countries at 39 program sites and provides a broad spectrum of assistance with housing, visa assistance, academics, field trips, internships, field study courses and more from the point you apply, your arrival and stay, to your transcript and re-entry.
Programs Abroad
Reviews
100%Overall
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80%Overall
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Studying in Ghana was one of the most challenging, enlightening, and worthwhile experiences of my life. On most days, we walked to the university building (about 20 mins) for morning classes, then ate lunch. We spent the afternoon shopping, visiting different places, or completing homework assignments. Most evenings, we went to clubs or bars to hang out as a group. There isn't a lot close to the university, so we took cabs everywhere. During the summer, Accra is humid but not extremely sunny. The greatest challenges were the new lifestyle, adjusting to the lack of food variety, and living without running water for several days (which only happened twice in 6 weeks). The challenges, however, were what made my trip worthwhile. I learned so much about myself and my capabilities as a result. I also became very close to several of the people on my trip, and had a blast getting to know individuals from universities all over the country/world. We found some favorite spots and events, such as a British pub and reggae night at the beach. Our weekend trips were worth every penny, especially the one to the Lake Volta region. Experiencing the rainforest, waterfalls, mountains, and wildlife, while in Ghana, was unforgettable. I had an amazing journey, despite the many highs and lows, and am so appreciative of the opportunity.
Critical Feedback:
I would honestly suggest taking more weekend trips if possible. Get a multiple entry visa, and go to Togo one weekend! There's not always a lot to do in Accra, and with another country so close, it's a shame to miss the opportunity. Take advantage of the location and experience everything you possibly can.
100%Overall
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No matter where you go, studying abroad is going to be an incredible, life-changing experience, but the USAC program in Alicante has to be one of the best.
The on-site staff is one of a kind. They made it really easy to get involved and meet everyone else in the group. Luis, the program director will undoubtedly be one of the greatest people you ever meet. He even gave me the chance to appear on the most popular radio station in Spain! I doubt any other programs would offer an opportunity like that.
I can also tell you that USAC offers the best housing in the city. I met students from other programs that lived on the outskirts of the city, but USAC will put you right in the middle of everything. Trust me, this is where you want to be.
Critical Feedback:
Track I and Track II spanish classes had class on Friday. I was in Track III so it didn't actually affect me, but it would be nice if all of the classes were set up to have Fridays off. It would make traveling on weekends a lot easier.
100%Overall
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Studying in Alicante was one of the best experiences in my life. The USAC staff were such wonderful, generous, helpful, friendly people. I feel lucky to have been a part of their program and to have studied in such a fun, beautiful, and memorable place. I would highly suggest studying abroad with USAC in Alicante. I miss it very much now, looking back and sorting through photos. Thank you to all who made it an adventure of a lifetime.
100%Overall
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I can't say enough wonderful things about my experience in Alicante. I attended the Universidad de Alicante for the Spring 2012 semester and my only regret is not staying longer! Alicante is a beautiful city full of life, with a size that made it realistic to explore thoroughly. I loved being able to walk almost everywhere, as well as having the ability to utilize public transport (bus, tram, and train) throughout the city. It was a great big-city experience with the convenience of a small town! The people were more than friendly, my apartment was huge and beautiful, and I was ten minutes walking distance from everything in town (including the beach!). Also, being on the Mediterranean, the food was incredible.
My classes were engaging and challenging and my Spanish improved tremendously as a result of the accelerated pace of USAC language tracks. I also took some fantastic extracurricular courses (Spanish cuisine, sailing, and rowing) and had an amazing time in all of them! These classes outside of the university are the best way to get a feel for the culture and the local environment.
Another great perk of Alicante is the ease of travel to other cities in Spain and throughout Europe. Plane travel is cheap, fast and easy, and the trains are a great way to see the landscape. There are dozens of small towns near Alicante that are within an hour or so on the tram and are truly hidden jems on the coast. I never got enough of traveling while I was abroad.
All in all, living in Alicante was the greatest experience of my life. I learned more about myself in a semester than I have in all of my 21 years before that, and a huge piece of my heart will always remain in that city. My advice: pack light, travel often, try everything, and never say no to an opportunity! Get immersed: speak the language, try the food (and the wine), visit Tabarca by boat, hit the beach as much as possible and learn the Spanish way to enjoy life! You will be astounded by how much you change.
Critical Feedback:
If I could change one thing, I would have taken some classes with local students to break out of my American bubble. However, USAC students are on a completely different track than the local students and getting my entire minor in a semester wouldn't have been possible any other way. I love this program, their amazing staff, and USAC in general!
Alumni Interviews
Staff Interview
What position do you hold at USAC? What has been your career path so far?
Michael: East Coast Regional University Relations Coordinator. My career in Study Abroad started back in the spring of 2002. At the time I was a student at California, State University, Chico and was participating in the USAC Torino, Italy program and a group of faculty/staff came for a site assessment visit. In that group was my Study Abroad Advisor from my home university, Tasha Dev. The Resident Director, Dr. Alyssa Nota, had asked for volunteers to show our housing to the visitors and to participate in a roundtable discussion. During that visit, Tasha Dev asked me if I would be interested in student worker position in the office at Chico when I returned. I started at a student worker doing 10 hours per week, and by graduation two years later, I was working 20 hours or more. Shortly after graduation I was approached for a more permanent position as Assistant Study Abroad Adviser, eventually moving up to become the Study Abroad Adviser and after eight years working at Chico State, I left for my current position at USAC.
Did YOU study abroad? If so, where did you go and what inspired you to go?!
Michael: I participated in the USAC program in Torino, Italy during the Spring of 2002. I studied abroad as during my second semester of sophomore year. I had always wanted to study abroad and being half Italian, Italy was always where I wanted to go. I chose the Torino program because of a conversation I had with a family friend who had studied in Torino and met his wife there. He had told me about what a great city it was and how it wasn't overrun with tourists and that I would get a taste of "real" Italy, which is exactly what I wanted.
What about the future of the industry? How do you think study abroad and international education will change over the next 10 years?
Michael: In my 10 years in the industry, I have seen numbers increase, more and more destinations popping up and more providers popping up. I think the most exciting thing I have seen is that more and more students are studying abroad in less traditional locations like India, Thailand, China, etc. I think this will continue as more and more students see the benefits of these non-traditional locations both in the career paths but also for their wallets. I am also hopeful that over the coming years as more universities are internationalizing their curriculums and promoting study abroad more, we are going to see higher numbers of students and a more educated, culturally aware generation of leaders.
Describe what "study abroad" means to you in 3 words or less.
Michael: Adventure, self-awareness/discovery, and knowledge. (I'm half Italian, I can't do anything in three words or less)
It was an amazing experience for my first travel outside the United States. The overall experience was amazing, and the lifestyle was unique. I studied for a semester in Bilbao Spring 2013.
-Stayed in a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom (small) apartment with 2 other USAC students.
-Metro system is main form of transportation. VERY safe
-TABC, it is a teaching program to make extra money easily. 15$ an hour job. I had 5 hours a week. Some people worked more! Nice income.
-VERY helpful staff. Very friendly and easy to talk to.
-Cultural excursions are relevant and interesting. I learned about the history and understanding the differences.
-3 week spring break and cheap flights! I spent 5 days in Rome, 5 days in Athens, and 3 days in London. Flights between European cities as low as 30$ round trip.
-the professors were excellent and my Spanish improved twice as fast as if I were home.
-The beaches are great, 3 of them and one is perfect for surfing!
Critical Feedback:
My only faults were the excessive rain during this spring time. But reports say it is record setting. I wish I had traveled around Europe more.