USAC

I absolutely loved my time in La Habana, Cuba. I completed a summer term that lasted 3 weeks. My time in Cuba was fascinating and left me with a widened perspective on the World.

Academics: I took two courses, Dances of the Caribbean and Social Movements in Latin America. Both courses had fantastic instructors and followed a relaxed but meaningful course structure (i.e., classes were not difficult and very interesting!). Classes consisted of half field trips and half in-person discussion/lecture/videos. The classroom was air-conditioned, which was very important because it was incredibly hot!

Program Staff: The professors + USAC staff members were fantastic. The professors were incredibly passionate about what they were teaching. One of our professors was from Cincinnati, and the other was local to La Habana. It was nice having a professor from the U.S. because she was just as curious as we were! The program staff were on call 24 hours of day and were willing to help you with absolutely anything, whether that was figuring out where to exchange money, getting a SIM card for your phone, or recommending fun places/activities to go to in your free time.

Experience: Studying in Cuba for a month was not always easy, but it was incredibly impactful. The heat was brutal, and access to basic goods was a toss-up as to whether or not they were available. Many of us got sick from the heat/food/dehydration in the first couple of days. With that said, it was absolutely worth it for the rest of the experience. My homestay family was warm, welcoming, and supportive. The locals we talked to were friendly and inviting. The scenery was unlike anything I'd ever seen, though be warned, there was a fair amount of dilapidation. One thing to note: the beach was AMAZING. You could walk in the water for what felt like forever; the water was so incredibly warm, and the waves were gentle.

Overall, Cuba was an amazing, challenging, and perspective-altering experience that I am so glad I decided to embark upon.

As I sit down to reflect on my time studying abroad in Bilbao, Spain, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia. My experience in this vibrant Basque city was not just an academic endeavor; it was a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

From the moment I arrived, Bilbao captivated me with its unique blend of modernity and tradition. The city is home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture that stands as a symbol of Bilbao’s transformation from an industrial hub to a cultural hotspot. I spent countless hours wandering its galleries, marveling at the thought-provoking art installations. The museum wasn’t just a place to view art; it became an integral part of my understanding of the city’s identity.

Living in Bilbao was an adventure in itself. My accommodation was located in the heart of the city, allowing me to immerse myself in the local culture. The cobblestone streets were lined with charming cafes and pintxos bars, where I quickly learned the art of socializing over food. I remember my first pintxo experience—small bites of deliciousness served on a skewer, perfect for sharing with friends. I was introduced to the Basque culinary tradition, which is rich and diverse, and I found myself falling in love with dishes like bacalao a la vizcaína and txangurro.

Academically, my classes were engaging and challenging. I took courses that focused on Spanish language and Basque culture, and I found that the professors were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their subjects. They encouraged discussions that often extended beyond the classroom, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history and its significance within Spain. The small class sizes fostered a sense of community, and I made friends from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspective to our discussions.

One of the highlights of my study abroad experience was the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Bilbao. On weekends, I ventured out to the nearby mountains and beaches. The Basque Country is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and I found myself hiking in the lush hills of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and sunbathing on the sandy shores of Plentzia. These excursions provided a refreshing balance to my academic life and allowed me to connect with nature in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

The language barrier was initially daunting, but I embraced the challenge. I enrolled in a local language exchange program, where I met locals eager to practice their English. This not only improved my Spanish but also fostered friendships that enriched my experience. The warmth and hospitality of the Basque people made me feel at home, and I cherished the moments spent sharing stories over coffee or exploring the city together.

In retrospect, studying in Bilbao was more than just a semester abroad; it was a life-changing experience that expanded my horizons and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity. I returned home with a newfound confidence, a broader worldview, and memories that I will cherish forever. If you’re considering studying abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend Bilbao—it’s a city that will capture your heart and inspire you in ways you never imagined.

I traveled to Verona, Italy for my study abroad semester in the Fall of 2023. It was the most wonderful experience I could've ever asked for. That isn't saying that everything went perfect. There were some ups and downs, but nothing compared to living abroad, traveling to new places, and building lifelong friendships and memories! I think about my abroad trip every day with a smile on my face, and still keep in touch with the people I met during the program. The school was a 40 minute walk from our apartments, but there were many other modes of transportation. I usually took the bus and bought myself a 2 month bus pass when I was there, and other people enjoyed the walk or used an electric scooter. The field trips we had during our stay were SO fun, and we had free time to do what we wanted. One of my favorite trips was going to Limone, Lake Garda. After the field trip was over we stayed near the peak of the lake and visited a rocky beach called Sirmione. Verona is a very cute city, and the Arena in the center of the town is actually older than Rome's Colosseum! I had the privilege of seeing an opera show while I was there. The shopping strip near the Arena is also very nice, and it's only a 10 minute walk away from the school. Verona is also known for being Romeo and Juliet's love place, where you can visit Juliet's statue and balcony. I highly recommend studying abroad in Verona!! You won't regret it!

Studying abroad was the best thing I have done in my life so far. Not only was Torino a beautiful city with endless things to do, but it is where I met lifelong friends and memories that will never leave. The program coordinates were so amazing! Not only did they help with moving in, but they also provided us with great trips/knowledge about the city. Torino is amazing!! I went here not knowing what to expect and came back a whole new person!! If you are currently up in the air about studying abroad, I highly recommend it. It is what you make it!

Being abroad was an incredible experience that will last forever in my mind because, for my entire family, I was the first one who was able to go abroad and study. Being in France was a great time because I became more open-minded and I was exposed to a different culture and a different way how life. I'm Latino, and my perspective from the US life and now the French life is something so different. As a future teacher, I'll need to feel good with culture and make my students feel comfortable.