Program Reviews

Green, for erbazzone
sparkling, for cappuccino
interesting, for the kinds
home, for Reggio Emilia, for its streets, its colors, its size
Delicious: the parmiggano cheese!
Walking, talking, learning, enjoying, seeing, discovering, traveling, adventures, challenges and incredible moments.

The experience in Reggio was beautiful, now I miss it and I can't wait to go back. There are many reasons to go, for me it was a 100% Italian experience, you feel at home, you feel part of it.

I miss you Reggio

Living in Reggio Emilia for the Summer was the most amazing experience. I truly felt emerged in Italian culture, as I lived alone in the studio apartment, above lovely restaurants and shops. I made so many friends, both from America in the USAC program, as well as befriending local university students. As a woman, concerns of solo travel of course arise, but here I always felt very safe and taken care of by the administration. The food was incredible, considering I am vegan and still had many options of authentic Italian cuisine. Reggio Emilia was also the best location to be able to take weekend trips. I did this every weekend as train costs are fairly cheap. Every weekend I took the train; I went to Florence, Venice, Ravenna, Rimini. All were about a 2 hour trip from Reggio Emilia. I could go on and on about the growth I experienced over this Summer, and would love to go back one day.

If you're on the fence about studying abroad, JUST DO IT! Stay with a host family and practice the language as much as possible, meet new people and experience everything you can. This experience was truly one of a kind and if I could go back and do it all again I would time and time again. My classes were challenging but fun and I learned more Spanish in two months than I did in years of classes back at home. I met lifelong friends and gained confidence in myself as a traveler, learner, and person.

I studied Roman Art and Architecture in Verona from early July to early August. I went with my a fellow student at my University which was fun and definitely brought us closer, but there were plenty of people who traveled alone and instantly clicked with people. Italy is a great place to travel within and although I felt immersed in the city of Verona and there's so much to do, I think it's best to make the most of the weekends and use TrenItalia or buy a (relatively) cheap plane ticket to a nearby city or country. Within Verona, my favorite place to eat in Verona was Mood Sushi, an all-you-can-eat buffet that had the coolest ambience within it - water in the floor and floating tables! The best italian food I had, though was pizza at Pizza Bella Napoli near Piazza Bra, where the Verona Arena is located. Also, from late June to early August, the Opera Festival is going on so that's a must if studying during summer term II. We had plenty of free time to explore, while also balancing our schoolwork and making the most of the classes we were in. Within the program itself, we did plenty of day trips that were optional, but these were some of my favorite memories within the month so I absolutely recommend going on these day trips and going on the tours to get acclimated to the area! Overall, I learned so much both academically, met lifelong friends, and made some amazing unique memories! Every student should study abroad!

I knew I wanted to expand my worldview and studying abroad is a great way to do this. Not only did I get to continue my education while visiting a new country, I got to assimilate into the environment. I was nervous to leave home but I knew it was a step I needed to take. I had such a wonderful experience. The minute I met my study abroad group in person my worries dissipated. We all bonded so much living in the flat together and going on the scheduled trips. I highly recommend taking advantage of those! USAC is a wonderful organization and the entire process was so much less stressful than if I'd done it alone. The USAC and University of Brighton staff were lovely. I felt so supported while abroad. I think a common misconception is that studying abroad is very expensive. Through USAC, I was able to pay my home university tuition so the only extra costs were some fees and the plane tickets. Though these fees add up, I believe it is a manageable added expense when you consider all that is included (we were supplied kitchen supplies, bedding, and snacks from UofB upon arrival and both the University and USAC have trips that are included in the fee costs). Ultimately this experience changed my life. The people in my study abroad group have become some of my best friends. Deciding to study abroad allowed me to have so many amazing experiences at such a young age. The memories I made will truly last a lifetime.

This experience was such a fun one for me that I would choose to do over and over again. it was a way of me actually getting out there and going outside my comfort zone. Since I also went to different countries it was so much fun to see all the cultural differences and to experience them all! This experience also gives you the freedom of traveling where you please. I was able to see so many countries I do not think I would have if I would not have gone on the trip. It also gives you good mature skills like budgeting because you are not allowed to work while in a different country being there for only a semester.

Studying abroad was something I never thought I was going to be able to do but I was given the opportunity to go over the summer and study abroad with USAC and I am so glad I did! It was an experience I will never forget and I think it is something every college student should do. I was a bit nervous at first but the staff at USAC were super supportive and were there to guide me every step of the way. I was able to make so many friends and connections and experience life in a new country! If you have to pick something to experience during college, GO ABROAD!

I had the best time studying abroad in Valencia! It was amazing to be next to the beach and getting around the city was so easy. USAC was so helpful in the admission process, they made it so easy and comfortable. I loved my classes they were super interesting and some even took us on field trips around the city. The field trips through USAC were some of my favorite adventures and I made amazing friendships with people in my program. My only regret is not meeting enough locals! I was able to easily travel to other countries and cities within Spain. It would have been nice to have classes with Spanish local students but it was amazing to be alongside with them.

Reggio Emilia is a hidden gem! It gives a smaller-town feel, which completely embraces you in the culture. The language barrier was a bit difficult at first, but the people in the town are so friendly and are there to help you! Reggio is also one of the cheaper programs that USAC offers, so if money is a trouble, it wouldn't be a bad idea to look here! Traveling is also so easy due to the high-speed train station in the town, & there are so many beautiful places to visit that are just a short train ride away. The classes I took were both educational and fun, and some even offer field-trips outside of class. Best of all was the relationships I made while studying abroad. The friendships I made will truly last me a lifetime, and our program advisors became our "Italian moms" while we were over there. My time in Reggio is a time I will never forget!

I had a wonderful time in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Studying abroad in Thailand has expanded my cultural competence and my perspectives beyond Western and Eurocentric outlooks. The program staff are amazing and go above and beyond to be accommodating. There are also ample USAC weekend programs to participate in, as well as traveling on your own or with friends. Chiang Mai is a happy medium compared to the big busy city of Bangkok and rural Thailand. Chiang Mai has a piece of my heart and there is no doubt I will be back.