Program Reviews

This summer I studied in Valencia, Spain for a month...and I would not have changed my experience for the world. If anything, I wish I could have stayed longer. Having the ability to meet new people, living with an incredible host family, and learning how to embrace a different culture helped not only grow my confidence, but also my character and change my perspective on life. I learned how to embrace differences, try new foods and activities without fear, and I was able to become a stronger Spanish speaker. Without my helpful host family, understanding teachers, and incredible and encouraging USAC community (both staff and students), I would not have had the most memorable time abroad. The opportunities and connections that I made during my study abroad will forever play a great part in my life and I hope to keep sharing my experiences with others in hopes that they choose to study abroad as well. So, take the chance without worrying about whether or not you'll have a good time, because I promise you will! Studying abroad will forever hold a place in my heart and I hope you get the chance to make these remarkable memories too!

I studied abroad in Viterbo as part of a six week program. My program had about 20 students from all across the US, most of whom did not know anyone else in the program. I think this allowed us all to get to know each other better and be more open to trying new things. Viterbo is a pretty small town in a rural part of the Lazio region and its downtown core is one of the most well-preserved medieval sections in all of Europe. Our apartment was inside the city walls and walkable to many restaurants, a small grocery store, a produce vendor, and the Corso Italia, which is the main drag for shopping in Viterbo. Overall, the apartment was nice and furnished well enough, but it did not have AC. This is standard for many residences in Italy, but it was rather hot while we were there and leaving the windows open did result in a lot of bug bites. The class schedule was a little unusual in that it was not the same every week, so one week you might have a class on Monday and Wednesday, and the next on Tuesday and Thursday. I took the photography class, the cuisine class, and intro to Italian. I would highly recommend taking the intro to Italian class if you are not familiar with the language as many of the shopkeepers and restauranteurs in Viterbo do not speak English, and knowing some Italian will make your interactions smoother. The cuisine class is a great way to learn more about Italian culture, and you do get copies of the recipes to make at home if you so choose. I really enjoyed the photography class, which is the one I needed for credit at my home university. Aside from the very good instruction in the mechanics of photography, I enjoyed how this class got us out into the city and seeing different parts. It was not listed in the class description and is not necessarily required, but it will be easier if you bring your own camera. In addition to the great experience in Viterbo, the town is accessible to both Rome and Florence by rail, and from there you can go onwards to Milan, Naples, etc. In the six weeks we were there, we had time on weekends to go to both Rome and Florence, as well as Positano on the Amalfi coast, and a beach in the nearby town of Tarquinia. I would also highly recommend going to Lago di Bolsena! The program also offered multiple field trips that students could go on to different lesser known places near Viterbo - the two I remember were Civita di Bagnoregio and Marmore Falls. Overall it was a really great experience during which I felt like I got a window into a realistic lifestyle in Italy while also getting to see many of the places I wanted to visit.

To start off I was placed in the most wonderful host family. They were extremely welcoming and treated me as one of their own. I was able to have my own bedroom and bathroom for privacy and alone time when needed. Other than that outside of the classroom I spent all my time with my host parents and grew extremely close to them and their entire family. The food was amazing and I was fully immersed in both the language and culture on a daily basis. I learned so much about myself as a person here.

I studied abroad in Chiang Mai to participate in the Chinese studies program. I’d originally planned on doing USAC’s program in Chengdu, China, which got canceled. USAC recommended this program as another option, and I am glad that I decided to participate.

I not only improved my Mandarin speaking and reading skills, but also learned about a new culture and made many lasting friendships. I was not ready to leave by the end of it and would go back in a heartbeat! Highly recommend this program/group!

Everyone says studying abroad will change your life, but you’ll never understand it until you do it yourself. Nothing will ever compare to challenging yourself to push beyond your personal boundaries. To me it was very hard to leave home. I was crying leaving my home state, but also crying leaving Spain. It was sad to see such a great experience come to an end, but I’ve made friends and memories that will last forever. Thank you USAC for the best experience ever! I can’t imagine not going through USAC. They were the best help with everything.

I always knew that I wanted to study abroad in college, I have been studying the Spanish language for the majority of my life. My experience with USAC was terrific; the faculty and USAC advisors are people that I will never forget, they were so helpful, and their positivity always made my day better. I was able to immerse myself in another culture and language in a city where I felt safe. I made forever friends, this was an experience I will never forget. The only thing I would have done differently is stay longer. I wish I had more time to experience Madrid and travel on the weekends. There was so much to do in the city I felt like there was so much more to see in Madrid and around Spain.

My time in Alicante, Spain feels now much like a dream. What an incredible opportunity it was to continue my studies and expand my knowledge of other cultures at the same time. It truly felt like I was part of a community and I was warmly welcomed to it by the program director and USAC team, a most hospitable bunch. Enough pleasurable words have not yet been written about Alicante. It is a glorious sun spoilt city set on the soft sands of the gleaming Mediterranean sea. With accessible beaches, plentiful public transportation, friendly people and a rich history that predates the Roman times, it is hard for me to imagine a place better suited to spending time, studying or otherwise. I learned much about the land, its hallowed Catholic traditions, many of which are celebrated in the streets to this day. I was able to travel far and wide across the continent from Alicante's international airport, one of the most well-situated and inexpensive in Europe. Lastly, and most importantly I was able to connect with fellow travelers and my USAC cohorts to develop friendships and memories that will last as long as I do.

I went to Alicante this summer and it was such an amazing city that had so many opportunities. While I was there I got to experience what Spanish life is truly like. I got to snorkel and swim in the Mediterranean, I got to eat paella by the beach, and so many more cool things. Everyone there was so kind and helpful. If your thinking of studying abroad in Spain and want a really cool, chill place that isn’t a major city, but still has so many things to do, I’d highly recommend choosing to Alicante

I had an amazing time in Lisbon, Portugal! Two months out I still feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to study abroad in such a beautiful and unique country! My program advisors were incredible and showed us so many hidden gems, allowing me to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and lively events that I don't believe I would have discovered if I had traveled to Portugal on my own or in any other context. The city is easy to navigate (the metro is straightforward and clean) and the locals were warm and welcoming. The program helped me gain confidence and grow to be more independent and self-assured.

I have wanted to study abroad since middle school. I was dreaming of going to a bigger city in Spain being that I took Spanish in school. But when it came time to look at locations I decided that Verona had the most interesting classes to me. And who wouldn’t want to go to Italy. After signing up in October it was all I could think about I would daydream about how amazing everything would be and I was scared it was not going to reach my expectations. The experience did not only meet my expectations but it exceeded them. The friends and memories I made over those 5 weeks are people and adventures I will never forget. I have been home for about a month and it is still all I want to talk about. Most people in the program go in not knowing anyone and everyone wants to meet new people so it is super easy to meet people. In my group I ended up hanging out with of 9 of us 6 came in knowing no one and the other 3 were triplets. And being that Italy has so many train systems it is super easy to travel on weekends. Studying abroad is an amazing experience to travel, meet new friends, and learn more about yourself while becoming more independent. I would do anything to do it all over again!