Program Reviews

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.

I don't regret going, but I also can't say it was fun. I tried my best. I'm usually really social and involved with groups focused around my hobbies. I put everything I could into improving my Spanish and was one of the better speakers in my program. Nevertheless, the lack of non-party social opportunities through the university (you're at a commuter school with hardly any student clubs) and my dead-set focus on only ever speaking Spanish made me very sad and lonely (most friendship opportunities were with anglophile Chileans or other English-speaking exchange students). My disappointment was not for lack of trying--I traveled and went to events just about as much as anyone. Living in Chile was just really, really, really hard.

I am so glad I found USAC when I did. Their summer session in Pau felt tailor-made to everything I wanted in a study abroad experience. Most aspects of the program were up to the individual (housing, length of study, excursions, classes, etc) which makes me confident that there is an option for everybody. I was able to customize my experience to what suited me best, while maintaining the structure and organization provided by the USAC staff. This program was the perfect combination of learning, exploring, and having fun, and I can't recommend it enough!

I decided to study abroad somewhat on a whim. I had studied Spanish for over four years, and was really looking to put my language skills to the test while tapping into the global field of my main studies. USAC staff were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive; I never felt unsure of what resources they were ready and able to provide for me. Spending two months in Madrid over the summer was amazing, and while it took a lot out of me as a first-time international traveller, I would do it over and over again if I could.

Being in a completely different country with a language barrie can be nerve wracking and scary. But USAC did an amazing job with given information before my study abroad such as what to do in the country you are going, what is appropriate etc. South Korea was life changing and it wasn’t only my dream to be there but to study there especially at the #2 prestigious university in Korea, Yonsei. I was able to make so many friends from all across the world, learn about a new culture, learn a new language, be independent, being able to experience a new university setting and culture academically and make great me memories with great people. I will never forget my summer abroad in Seoul South Korea with USAC.