USAC

I'm glad Chile was my first international experience because it was amazing. It was my first time out of the country, and I'm not fluent in Spanish, so everything was definitely new for me. USAC provided fun out-of-city trips, informative classes, and a supportive home stay family. With a month of experiences and newly developed Spanish skills to finally talk to my house mom, this study abroad experience was the perfect introduction to being of the country. I'll always cherish this experience as the start of my many travels.

I studied abroad in Alicante, Spain during the Spring 2023 semester and it was an unbelievable experience. I made so many great friends and met amazing people during my time abroad. The directors at USAC Alicante, as well as the professors enhanced my experience in so many ways. Luís, Verónica, and Marta all took the time and effort to make every student comfortable in what can be a very nerve-wracking, but of course exciting, transition. My friends and I traveled to many different countries while in Spain, such as Morocco, London, Budapest, Italy, and Germany. We also went to the island of Ibiza and other places in Spain frequently. I also was able to volunteer through the Service Learning course that they offer and work with children and faculty in the community. It was truly an experience that changed my life and I will always be grateful for this opportunity.

I had always harbored a lot of anxiety about studying abroad, so my family was shocked when I decided to apply to this program. I'm so endlessly grateful that I did, as my fears melted away a couple days after I arrived. I got my own room and bathroom at Stirling University, which, as someone who has always shared a bathroom, felt very fancy. My suitemates and I cooked and ate dinner together every night, which was a new experience for me as at my college, I usually rely on the dining halls. The other people in my program were from across the country and even a few were from Australia! I took a Scottish History class that I adored. Learning about Scottish history and then getting to see the places it occurred made me feel so alive and inspired. It was so fascinating to get to stand in the room where David Rizzo was murdered in Hollyrook house. Mary Queen of Scots life story has always felt so fantastical and dramatic that it was surreal to walk in her shoes in some of the places she lived.
In my English class, we discussed the definition of science fiction, the history of the genre, and themes of colonialism, gender, queerness, patriarchy and utopia. One of the most memorable of the works we read was The Wasp Factory, by Scottish author Iain Banks. The book tackles questions about gender and sexuality, but is very dark, repressive and dystopian. One weekend during my time in Scotland, my suitemates and I traveled to Edinburgh for a Pride celebration. As I marched in the Pride parade, I thought of The Wasp Factory which came out in 1984, and reflected on how the nation's ideas about sexuality have evolved to become more accepting since then. The parade was a living example of the freedom LGBTQ+ individuals in Scotland now have to celebrate their identities with support from the general public. Holding my bisexual flag high in the air, I could feel the joy of Scotland’s queer community reverberating around me. It was a long walk through the city but I never felt tired. Instead I felt fueled by the energy of my beautiful community and incredibly proud of the progress that has been made in LGBTQ+ equality.
Through this experience, I gained a lot more self-confidence. I was able to thrive in a new country where I didn't have my friends and family to rely on. I was able to face difficult issues like getting caught in the rain in Glasgow and getting a migraine in Aviemore. I was exposed to so many new experiences, like swimming in a loch, and met so many new people. Learning about Scottish history and getting to see the places it occurred made me feel so alive and inspired. My teachers were full of stories and advice, and campus itself was picturesque.

My experience in Lyon, France was incredible. I am a French major, and this program allowed for me to improve my skills and enhance the richness of my speaking. I was able to practice daily, and I used my knowledge everywhere. The classroom was helpful, but I learned most of my knowledge by travelling around and meeting new people. I volunteered and practiced through that outlet as well. The food was incredible, and the people were hospitable. Overall, I had an incredible time, and I couldn't recommend this program more!

Studying abroad in Spain had been a dream of mine since my first Spanish class, eight years ago. The experience was everything I could have wanted and more. I distinctly remember the day I left for my flight to Madrid—all alone!— my brain was overflowing with every emotion from sheer terror to overwhelming excitement. Now, I smile and laugh thinking about that version of me because she truly did not know all of the adventures, memories, laughs, good food, cultural experiences, festivals (Hogueras) and friends that became family that were awaiting her!

Alicante has so much to offer: good food, amazing beaches, vivacious night life, and authentic cultural immersion. A typical week day in Alicante consisted of morning Spanish classes at the beautiful Universidad de Alicante, daily "comida" with my host family (all in Spanish!), sailing class on the Mediterranean, sunset at Playa San Juan or Postiguet, followed by nightly tapas and hangouts with friends. Every day was filled with a new adventure whether that was learning new Spanish phrases or vocabulary as we sailed along the coast of Alicante, trying a new 'comida tipica" de Alicante, or simply spending time with my host family.

My time in Alicante will forever be one of my favorite seasons of life! If you are on the fence---just say yes!!