Program Reviews

This was my first time traveling internationally. I've always wanted to study abroad in Korea and go to a Korean school to challenge myself in their studious ways. I took a Korean Language Beginner's course which was challenging at first, but now that I see Korean words I catch myself being able to read it which is very exciting for me. I think one thing I found challenging was mainly housing. Where I lived during my study abroad for Winterim they had construction going on which limited spots for students and many had to rent out airbnb's. I think that if they were to provide enough housing it would make my experience even better, but overall I had the best time in Korea. Right under my dorm has a 24/7 convenient store which was really beneficial to me because they had laundry detergent, toiletries, and many foods/snacks to choose from! Yonsei is also near surrounding cities that are very popular such as Hongdae and Myeongdong which made it easy to get to and have fun!

Studying abroad in Bilbao, Spain was an absolute dream come true! From the vibrant culture to the breathtaking landscapes, every moment felt like a picturesque adventure. The university provided top-notch education, immersing me in Spanish language and culture seamlessly. The locals were incredibly welcoming, making me feel like a part of their community from day one. Exploring the charming streets filled with delicious pintxos and lively music became a cherished routine. My time in Bilbao not only enriched my academic knowledge but also left me with unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. Grateful for this transformative experience!

I am very thankful for the time I got to spend in Uruguay. I have learned so much inside and outside of the classroom. I feel I made a great decision to come to Uruguay during the summer when Carnival and so many other cultural important events take place. During my time here, I have felt that as a Latino I have connected with my roots despite my family not being from here. I have found much more similarities with the local culture and my own. I have learned the importance of language and how it connects me to the locals. As many historical figures such as the Argentine liberator, Jose de San Martin, the Venezuelan hero Simon Bolivar, and the Argentine politician and author Manuel Ugarte have pointed out in the past there is a lot to unite the people of the geopolitical region of Latin America. A shared history, language and traditions have made me appreciate the continent more. The experience has also been eye opening seeing the way how a Latin American country views the world. My time in Uruguay has taught me a lot and has helped me grow with experiences that will help me for the rest of my academic and professional career.

I had the best time of my life coming to Alicante, Spain! Even in just the first week of my program, I was able to make so many new friends on the excursions that USAC provided their students. I stayed with a host family, which allowed me to immerse myself more in the culture of Spain while also learning more about the Spanish language. They were very accommodating and kind people, and I felt right at home as soon as I arrived. The classes I took challenged me in the language but also taught me a lot about different perspectives. I learned a lot about Spanish grammar, literature, and history in a way that I would never be able to learn about at my home university. Additionally, the staff at the USAC office at my host university was very kind, and never hesitated to answer any questions that I had. I always felt supported while studying at the university. Overall, studying abroad with USAC gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself and the world around me in a way that allowed me to feel supported. I believe that I became more mature, courageous, and respectful of the world around me because of my time abroad.

I have known I wanted to study abroad since the moment I started searching for colleges. French had become a very integral part of my life, and I knew that at some point to get better I would have to study abroad and immerse myself in French life and culture. And I am so glad I decided to do that with the program in Pau, France. Pau is not a huge city, but I find that to be an advantage. The downtown isn't always crowded and you can really feel like you are a part of the culture rather than just a tourist passing through. One of my favorite experiences so far has been attending Carnaval, a celebration of Béarnais culture that I truly got to participate in. The program staff has been absolutely wonderful, and attending classes at the university has become a habit that I will miss. I feel like I am getting the most out of my time abroad and that is a fabulous feeling.

At first I was a little on the fence about studying abroad in Ireland, and was rather nervous about completely uprooting myself into a new setting. However, now I am unbelievably glad that I went! It was really one of the best experiences I have had. I traveled and study at UCC Cork, Ireland and I was honestly unprepared by the sheer amount of cultural richness and just downright fun the city had to offer! The town itself is the perfect size, not too small but also not too big. You can walk around the historic city-center and often run into someone you know. The architecture was amazing and the general atmosphere was simply so refreshing and new. And the people were awesome. Almost everyone is welcoming and helpful and during my first couple weeks I've never felt more comfortable simply walking around a town and asking people for help than I did in Cork. USAC was also extremely instrumental in getting everyone prepared and settled. They offered excursions to amazing sites in the area and really helped you get connected with the community! The university itself is awesome. It has some of the oldest buildings in Cork and feels as if you are walking around in a Harry Potter book. The other students are spectacular too, I've met so many new people who simply bring me in to their circle. There is certainly something for everyone at UCC and I would not have wanted to do it with any other program than USAC!

I knew from the start that the Chile program would be the right choice for me--because of my focus in Latin American politics and my Spanish skills--but the program far surpassed my expectations, and I genuinely hope that more prospective students choose this site. Chile might fall off the radar for the average person looking to study abroad, but I want to take a moment to advocate for Chile because of how amazing of an experience it was on all ends--academically, socially, in terms of leisure, and the staff. For starters, it truly is the best of all worlds. You are able to experience the vibrance of a major urban hub, but you can also access close by the most remote spots known to man. I highly encourage Chile, if for the optional tour to the Atacama Desert only. Even as somebody that thought they wouldn't enjoy a lot of the outdoor activities in Atacama, I was proven wrong and it became arguably the best part of my study abroad, especially the amazing star gazing. Chile is also so close to great travel destinations, from Easter Island, Machu Picchu and Lima, Buenos Aires, and Rio (I was able to travel to the last four on that list!). My social life was incredibly lively because I chose the cheapest living option with the most amount of roommates, so it ended up being a win-win. I had a great deal, plus I met many friends. The housing is mostly students from other Latin American countries (my roommates were a friendly mix coming from Mexico, El Salvador, Chile, and Spain), so my Spanish improved a lot. For anybody worried about the Spanish, I noticed other people did fine. Despite what local news might say, I actually found Santiago incredibly safe, especially in comparison to big US cities. Overall, the program was very satisfying, and I sincerely hope you consider studying abroad in Santiago.

I had the best time when studying abroad at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands. Not only did I gain cultural and worldly knowledge, but I did so in a beautiful place surrounded by great people. Maastricht is a gorgeous city located on the border of the Netherlands and Belgium with the River Maas running through it, almost at the center. The school is a central part of the city, however tourism isn't uncommon making Maastricht a multicultural hub. Maastricht is located about two hours away from Amsterdam which is not too far but not too close, making trips into the big city special. Traveling to other cities and countries was very easy as Maastricht has a reliable bus and train system. The city itself is not that big, it only takes about forty-five minutes to get from one side to the other, but it is packed with college life. The schools buildings are spread out all over the city, allowing students to explore unknown areas and truly get to know the region. The school system is set up into two parts, lectures and tutorials, which really helped me to understand and retain the information that I was learning. The study abroad program at the University took the students on trips to Berlin and Paris, where we were able to see art museums and historic sites. In all, to be able to travel and create new memories and experiences while also making friends and learning is an invaluable experience.

I would highly recommend studying abroad, you're able to be surrounded by open minded individuals who have a passion for traveling and educating themselves!

I studied abroad in Galway, Ireland in the Summer of 2023. It was such an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. I was able to leave the country for the first time and be immersed in the culture. The USAC staff supported me on every step of the way, but I still felt like I had freedom to explore on my own as well. I made amazing friends from my program and we would adventure throughout Galway. It is a beautiful city and by spending five weeks there I was able to truly get to know the ins and outs. I got to watch live traditional Irish music in a pub, as well as go on field trips to the beautiful Aran Islands and Connemara. Studying abroad helped me push myself and grow as a person and I can't wait to visit Ireland again!

I had so much fun during my time in Saint Andrew Scotland. I got to see so many things I would’ve never seen otherwise all while getting the best education in the United Kingdom. I met some of the best people I would’ve never imagined I would have so much in common with. i’m at individuals from over 26 countries who all spoke a total of 17 languages. The knowledge I have gained from my time in Saint Andrews is something I will continue to cherish for the rest of my life. I have made some lifelong friends overseas, who I will continue to keep in contact with for the foreseeable future. this semester abroad has truly changed my outlook on the world for the better as I have learned so much about different cultures directly from primary sources. If you ever get a chance to visit Saint Andrews, I highly recommend.