Many students only know North India and North Indian Cuisine. But India is full of hundreds of languages and cultures, religions and mindsets all sharing the same space! The more I learned about India and its history, the more I understood myself and my future. This is a truly unique program because it's affordable (meals for under 2 United states dollars), full of opportunity (in six weeks, we went Kayaking, saw UNESCO sites, wore traditional dress, and tried 8 variations of mangoes!) and is challenging but rewarding. This is the classic study abroad experience that a lot of students look for, because everything is opposite from regular life, but you have so much support both from the on-site staff and from the local community who want you to learn and enjoy Indian culture.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
If you've never had puri puri before, it's a one-of-a-kind experience, but super fun! This is a multi-component food that is usually consumed in one bite. I would describe it as a flavor bomb! Best of all, depending on who makes it, the taste changes, so it's new every time!
Studying abroad in France was something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I have been studying French for years but this experience was really what I needed. The immersion helped me learn so much faster than before. This was one of the best experiences I’ve had and I definitely recommend studying abroad to anyone who is interested. I met so many great people: in my program, as well as the locals. I was able to experience a new culture and learn more about the world. This program has changed my life for the better.
If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
The only thing that I would change about my experience is talking to people sooner. After a long flight, I was tired and hungry and not really in the mood to socialize. I would say you will make friends no matter what, but it is important to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
This was the best experience I’ve had in my whole life. I did summer session 1 during the summer of 2024. Made great friends and great memories! My professor and USAC director were the best and were definitely helpful throughout the whole time there. If I didn’t already graduate this past spring, I definitely would’ve done it again. I was able to travel to other countries such as France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, UK, all throughout the program. I would recommend this for everyone to go through this once in a lifetime opportunity!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Definitely be respectful of the people and the culture around you. If you treat the local people with kindness and respect, it can go a long way.
I loved my time there, met with amazing people and spend an amazing time. The courses were super fun and engaging, especially the outdoor options. I felt super safe in Madrud at all times. The public transportation was amazing and walking around was such a good way to be active everyday. Our advisors were super helpful about anything we needed anytime of the day/night. Tge whole program felt more like a family than a group of people. Still seeing most of the people from the program, actually currently staying at one of my friends house in Chicago that I met through the program!
Choosing to study aboard was definitely the best decision I have ever made! I have always wanted to travel but absolutely could not have done it without the amazing and consistent support of USAC. They truly helped prepare me in every way both before I went and while I was there, and I never felt alone in the process at any point. They not only helped with the more technical side of things, (such as getting visas, passports, ect...) but they also helped with transitioning, mental health resources, and things to do and see! If I were to study abroad again, I would easily choose USAC once more.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
If I am being completely honest the most nerve-racking moment for me was getting on the plane to go to Japan. Leaving behind a state you grew up in with all your friends and family is not an easy thing to do. I remember right before I left I was almost bedridden with anxiety, but had one thing keeping me grounded: All my future classmates in my USAC program. Once we found out who was coming on the trip in the USAC program, we all made a group chat and would have virtual game nights to get to know one another. So when I finally decided to get on the plane I knew when I landed I wouldn't be alone.
This program was pivotal in engaging me culturally, linguistically, and giving me the opportunity to delve deeper into my personal aspirations. The support, culture, and remarkable everyday experiences were amazing in developing a new and rich perspective of the world and myself. Every day I was able to engage with historical masterpieces in a safe, exciting city. I was able to travel extensively on a budget because of the central location of Madrid on solo trips where I could easily find inspiration and awe. I only have fond memories of my time in Madrid, it was phenomenal.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Engaging with a culture where I am not fluent in the language. After some time and embarrassing mistakes, it becomes easier to jump in and start speaking.
During my time in Uruguay, the USAC program there made it a smooth process immediately upon arrival in there airport. The academic program is filled with brilliant professors, who value your experience in Uruguay just as much as valuing your education. With interesting courses, as well as a fluid and well organized program full of trips and outings to get you accustomed to the city, this program is an amazing experience. The courses are challenging, but not overwhelming with paper assignments. I could not recommend this program enough.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Get involved beyond your program. With any study abroad, you want to experience the country, city, and people you are living amongst.
Deciding to study abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made, but it wouldn't have been as amazing as it was without USAC. The entire process was completely smooth, and you felt looked after and supported from the months leading up to the exchange right up until the end of it. Everyone I communicated with was prompt, informative and very very kind. During the exchange there were so many optional group activities to take part in that USAC had organised in order for us to make the most out of our experience. These allowed us to explore, see new sights, connect with and become close to the rest of the group, understand the local culture and so on. Without USAC's program I would've missed out on some valuable experiences. I would absolutely recommend going through USAC if you are thinking about studying abroad. I wish I could do it all again!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just do absolutely everything! Take part in the group activities; you will leave knowing something, having seen something amazing, tasted something, met someone etc no matter what. You will likely miss it when it's over, so make the most of each little thing. Go down to the River Po or Parco del Valentino for a picnic on the grass; these places are so social and full of other students (both local and non-local), especially in the early evenings and the spring/summer months. Also, the shopping is great and the architecture is beautiful. Try plenty of new foods, especially some traditional Piedmontese cuisine while you are in the region. Make the most of the location and travel to other countries when you can - and don't forget the rest of beautiful Italy!
Pros
Great activities and ways to meet new people who will soon become family
The USAC coordinators are all so lovely and there to help whenever you need it
The study experience opens your mind to completely new cultures, foods, languages and ways of living
Cons
Homesickness - but your new friends and the USAC coordinators will help guide you through this, and it does get better after the settling in period!
Money...it is a long time to go away for, so I recommend doing so with some savings. Europe is expensive!
Studying abroad in Costa Rica was an unforgettable experience that broadened my horizons in every way. From immersing myself in the stunning natural beauty—lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife—to diving deep into the rich culture and vibrant traditions, it was life-changing. The local people’s warmth and hospitality made me feel at home, while learning Spanish in an authentic environment accelerated my language skills. It was a perfect blend of academics, adventure, and personal growth
The best parts were not part of the program or school!
May 18, 2025
For people partaking in this program, know that your classes will not be with other Chileans, just the other people in your program. This made it hard to connect with locals when they did come back from summer (I was spring 2024) since you are on such a different schedule. My favorite parts were not from the program, though they provided good support. I joined a local boxing gym (EmpireBox) which was so fun and separate from all the more touristy activities that USAC provided. They are wonderful people at USAC but just know that for the best experience, you should do your own research and find things to join actually with locals rather than in the bubble of USAC.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
This will sound weird but honestly, Tinder really came in handy for a lot of us. I really dislike dating apps but you can go on a setting for only looking for friends, and the people in my program had been having trouble finding people our age since our classes were just with one another, so we got Tinder. Obviously be safe but I went on a few dates (all in Spanish) and I ended up dating a Chilean which was so much better than just hanging out with the Americans I knew. The app gets exhausting if you start talking with too many people and only rely on that to make friends, so strike a balance with the app. Also if possible, leave some time after school ends to travel! Many people from my program were homesick but I got to travel with my parents to the south of Chile as I didn’t get a lot of opportunity to travel during the school year (other than spring break). I didn’t go north to Atacama desert and I would make that decision 100 times over, the south is absolutely beautiful and we loved our experience, especially for me since I didn’t have to worry about school.
Pros
Support
Credit transfer
Small class sizes (if you prefer that)
Cons
Not ideal housing
Hard classes
Very touristy outings
Response from USAC
We are sorry to hear that USAC's specialty program format didn't quite click with you early on, but it's wonderful to see that you didn't let it spoil your entire study abroad experience. It shows a lot of character to join a local boxing gym in another country — that alone would be a huge leap for some of our students who are first-time travelers! Your bravery to find interesting things to do outside of the group makes you a standout student. We appreciate your kind words about our staff, and please know that they were very proud of you for doing well in classes and immersing with the local people in your own way.
Response from USAC
We are sorry to hear that USAC's specialty program format didn't quite click with you early on, but it's wonderful to see that you didn't let it spoil your entire study abroad experience. It shows a lot of character to join a local boxing gym in another country — that alone would be a huge leap for some of our students who are first-time travelers! Your bravery to find interesting things to do outside of the group makes you a standout student. We appreciate your kind words about our staff, and please know that they were very proud of you for doing well in classes and immersing with the local people in your own way.