USAC Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

Studying abroad with USAC in Alicante was truly the best experience of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by the entire USAC staff. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful, especially the program director, Luis. He genuinely cares about every student, and it shows in the way he goes out of his way to make sure we’re learning, having fun, and making the most of our time abroad. You can tell the staff love what they do—they create such a positive and caring environment.

Almost every weekend, we went on trips and tours of the city or nearby towns, which helped me experience so much of Alicante and its beautiful culture. Whether we were visiting museums, exploring castles, or just walking along the beach, every outing felt meaningful. I was able to see and do so much more than I ever expected.

I stayed in an apartment during my time there, and it was so cozy and comfortable—it quickly felt like home. Living in the city made me feel like a real Spanish student. I got to shop at the local markets, walk to class, and immerse myself in everyday life in Alicante. Every day felt like a new adventure, whether I was trying new foods, practicing Spanish with locals, or just enjoying the view of the sea.

I also learned so much from my teachers and classes. The professors were passionate, approachable, and made the material interesting and relevant. I felt like I was not only learning about the language but also truly understanding the culture and way of life in Spain.

If I could do it all over again, I would go back to Alicante in a heartbeat. It’s an experience I’ll never forget, and I’m so grateful for everything USAC made possible.

My study abroad trip to South Korea was a deeply personal and transformative experience that went beyond academics. As someone with a strong interest in East Asian culture and language, being immersed in Korean society allowed me to connect classroom knowledge with real-world interactions. I felt this through daily conversations, navigating cultural norms, or witnessing the pace of urban life in a completely different culture. What made my experience unique was how it deepened my understanding of identity and belonging, especially as someone already engaged in cross-cultural study. For future participants, I recommend staying curious, open-minded, and willing to engage with both the exciting and uncomfortable moments. Don't be afraid to step outside the expat bubble and build genuine connections; the growth that comes from cultural immersion is what makes this journey unforgettable.

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.