I completed the winter program so my time in Spain was very short but I had the opportunity to do so much! Being in a smaller city allowed me to fully explore the town and immerse myself in the Spanish culture. The location of the apartment was amazing because it was only a 10-minute walk from anywhere in the city. The train station and airport were great resources because I flew to Portugal for one of our weekends and used the train to go to Madrid and Barcelona! Our professor, Ana was amazing and she taught us so much about the European Union in such a short time. The planned field trips through USAC were so fun and informative. It was an experience of a lifetime!
Pros
Great Weather
Beautiful Sights
So many beautiful surrounding cities to explore
Cons
The local cuisine was not my favorite-too much seafood for me!
Reggio Emilia was the perfect location to study abroad. All students could find a place to blend in, whether outgoing or introverted. As a member of the LGBTQ community, this city welcomed me with open arms. Reggio Emilia is engulfed with culture, innovation, and good vibes all around. The location of the city made it easy to travel all across Italy. Reggio Emilia is one of the most cost-friendly USAC programs which allowed me to not stress about money. The professors and USAC employees care about their job and are very passionate. I came into this experience nervous, but the truth is, leaving is harder than arriving. I would recommend this city to anyone who enjoys culture, food, and small-town vibes with easy access to big cities.
Pros
Easy access to big cities
Nice place to go home to after a long weekend of traveling
Open minded community
Cons
Small town - not many places to go out to drink with friends
Chiang Mai with USAC is like no other. The beauty of Thailand's nature and culture form such a unique experience. The staff at USAC Thailand is beyond expectations with both event planning and their want for cultural exchange. Everyone is kind and approachable. Both US and Thai students in the program look forward to meeting new people. Classes are enjoyable. The workload allows time for socializing. You can conveniently travel to other places in Thailand. Chiang Mai is friendly to people who enjoy outdoorsy adventures and to those who prefer city life.
I’ve been studying for a year and just started my second semester and this experience is something I will always be grateful for. So far I’ve traveled to 15 countries and counting and multiple cities across my host country. As cliche as it sounds, study abroad truly changes your life and helps you grow and change in ways that wouldn’t be possible or comfortable back at my home university. The friends and experiences I’ve made are unforgettable and I know I’ve made some life long friends and international connections.
Studying abroad has been something that I’ve wanted to do since high school but since COVID, I wasn’t able to do study abroad until my senior year. I’m pursuing a minor in Spanish so I knew I wanted to go to a Spanish-speaking country and I had a couple friends in Spain so that was the best choice for me. I feel so lucky that I chose Alicante because it turned out to be the perfect place for me! The university was beautiful and the city was full of life. I also loved living in walking distance of the beach! The only thing that I didn’t love about the program was the structure of the language track. I found that only having a month per track class was just too fast for me to successfully absorb and learn the content. However, this was the best experience I could’ve had and I am so happy that I got this incredible opportunity!
Yonsei was a great university and all my professors were amazing. However, I would find another program that has more activities included to help you immerse in the country. USAC had no excursions or on-site staff, but other programs, such as UCEAP and TEAN did and they were about the same price. USAC was very hands off and seems to be in it just for the money rather than actually caring about the students. It might have been better to apply directly to Yonsei. The country is extremely easy to navigate, and I had no problems living there even though I did not speak the language.
I’m so glad that I was able to study abroad in Gwangju, South Korea. I’d always dreamed of studying abroad, and I finally made it a reality!
USAC was very helpful every step of the way! Korea was a very safe country to study abroad in, so it was great even for solo travel as a woman.
I made lifelong friends during my time in Korea, and went on many adventures that I’ll never forget! The buses allow you to go anywhere in the country, so it’s very easy to get around and take weekend trips. The people are very nice in Korea. I hope to go back someday!
The program advisors were attentive to students’ needs and making sure students were well prepared for studying abroad ahead of the program. The program allowed students to find support throughout the duration of the program and having options to turn to in case of emergencies. I found the program immersive and was well prepared for my time abroad. The program allowed me to find various cultural aspects of South Korea I never would have experienced without this program. The beautiful country was able to be experienced.
I had an amazing time in Alicante with USAC. Whether it was the beach, clubs, restaurants, or holiday events, I had the best semester. The USAC staff and professors were all encouraging and supportive. The program director, Luis, was always a text away and committed to our adjustment. The locals were super friendly and willing to help. The public transportation was super convenient. The train station brings you to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and more. had a great shared apartment with a beautiful balcony at a fraction of the US price. Barrio Santa Cruz and the Castillo de Santa Barbara were so beautiful! Miss it everyday!
Studying abroad in San Sebastián has been a once in a lifetime experience!! From the surfing classes and surf instructors, the nicest and funniest Spanish Instructors and advisors, of course the people I traveled with were amazing, the music festivals, the night life and even befriending locals!! I have made lifelong friendships and we are all excited to get together again! I am already planning a Europe trip back to San Sebastián with my current roommate, to meet the locals I met last year! It was a movie like experience and it’s only for a blip of your life, SO GOO! You will not regret it :) !
Pros
The food is so affordable and so organic and delicious in the markets
The restaurants are amazing. The ethnic food is so delicious
The administration had a binder of activities you can do with prices and locations and transportation. INCREDIBLY useful, don’t be shy to stop by their office!
Cons
I wish our study abroad group had more planned dinners and activities to bond besides other travels. Although the side trips were great people were still cliquey. We just wished we had a little better assistance with group bonding
It was hot, but just put on sunscreen and you’re good to go :))