USAC Reviews

The idea of being sent to a country across the other side of the world scared me. However, after arriving in Japan, last March, I had one of the most memorable semesters ever. Through USAC, I was able to not only immerse myself into the culture and language, but I also met some of my best friends too. My school, being abroad, was very active in terms of extracurricular events! The area surrounding the dorms were filled with all types of mini-restaurants, hole in the walls, and unique shops too. My experience has not only shaped my view of the world but along with my career path too!

Seoul, South Korea was a blast! I highly recommend traveling there (on study abroad or otherwise) because of exciting places, the general safety, and the noteworthy food. Walking around new parts of the city, either alone or with friends, was my favorite part. Stopping to go to a random cute cafe was a daily occurrence. As an introvert, South Korea is also very introvert-friendly, and I loved people-watching and all the street performers. I experienced so much in so little time, and I am planning on traveling to South Korea again because I still didn't see all I wanted to see!

I had the best time, I wouldn't change a thing. I would say the best thing that I could have done was spend as much time as possible doing activities with the people that I met while on the program. We really made it a priority to go adventuring every day and see something new. Doing this with the people you meet is also important because it's always fun to share experiences with others. Our professors were also extremely passionate. Being able to learn from them and their experiences was such a wonderful opportunity and I could not have asked for a better course experience. Lastly, USAC did a really great job at making sure that we were experiencing the country and setting up very fun and informative small trips for us.

This program transformed my life. Personally, professionally, and academically I am a completely different person than I was two years ago and I could not be more grateful for the amazing friends I made and professors who guided us during our summer abroad. Studying abroad opened my mind to new perspectives about the world, and since then I have continued to fulfill my passion of traveling and immersing myself in other cultures. I have even gotten a job that allows me to do so because of this experience. I cannot rave about this program enough!

My experience with this program through USAC was amazing! I stayed in the dorms on campus with another USAC member. She and I as well as other participants in the program are all friends to this day! This was a great opportunity to explore Korean culture and experience a new lifestyle. We had Korean students that were our buddies in case we needed any help and that would give us recommendations for good restaurants or places to visit. We met with our buddies and other exchange students weekly at different restaurants to make friends and try traditional Korean dishes. This experience was once in a lifetime and I am so glad I got to embark on this journey! Thank you USAC!!

Madrid is such a beautiful city, and Gabriela & Sara (on site administrators) help you get to know the city and get involved in local activities! We had most Fridays free, so I got to travel on the weekends which was great! I love Spain and the spanish people and cant wait to go back. One thing I wish I would've known is that the classes are only with other USAC students, so you don't get much interaction with university students. I hope in the future they provide the opportunity to take actual university classes so that future USAC students can become friends with the local students

I loved staying in Seoul at one of South Korea’s sky universities. I had a lot of fun, and I want to keep going back. I am excited to see where my future will take me, now that I have had a unique experience abroad and have learned a new language. Seoul has so many cafes, noraebangs, craft workshops, and tours you can book. Additionally, traveling outside the city, I loved Busan the most. It had a rich culture distinct from Seoul, and the people were so welcoming, despite having less of a foreigner population than Seoul. The beautiful temples, palaces, and rich cultural and historical preservation will forever be ingrained in my memories.

I had previously done a foreign exchange to Spain in high school and knew that I wanted to study abroad in Madrid in college. I had the absolute best time with the friends I made and the experiences we had together! I loved all of my classes and enjoyed learning about the Spanish culture. The professors and program directors were awesome and super helpful. I only wish there were some STEM related classes to count towards my degree, but it was also nice to learn about topics outside of my major. If I got to do this all over, I would definitely choose the USAC Madrid program again!

I felt like I was living in a movie during my time in Viterbo!! I got to draw and paint around the city in my art class, I learned how to make delicious Italian staple dishes, and I explored the town and practiced my Italian with locals and language partners. The professors in this program were wonderful, I learned so much from them. I got to explore all over Italy and even made it to Mykonos, Barcelona, and Porto! I had an adorable Italian apartment with a terrace and adorable shutters on my window. I remember greeting my neighbor Rita, whose window faced mine every morning. I would go on walks almost daily to the Terrazza del Plebescito to watch the sunset, sketch, and share with friends.

Studying abroad in Seoul was one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was embraced by the vibrant culture, accessible transporation, and an exciting blend of traditional and modern life.

The city has so much to offer—whether it’s exploring ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung, taking the train to Busan, or even eating all the dlicious Korean street food. Seoul is a city that never sleeps, so there is always something new to discover or a new place to explore.

What made my experience truly special was the opportunity to connect with people I otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to meet. Whether through classes, student groups, or just striking up conversations in cafes, I formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime. The support system, both from my peers and the program/university staff, made transitioning to a new culture much easier. Academically, the experience was both challenging and enriching. I got to study topics I wouldn’t have explored back home, all while gaining a global perspective. The professors were knowledgeable, and I loved how engaging and interactive the classes were.

If I had to sum it up in one sentence, studying in Seoul was a beautiful balance of personal growth, cultural immersion, and non-stop adventure. It was an experience that helped me grow not just academically but also as a person. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone considering studying abroad in South Korea!