Program Reviews

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.

I had an amazing summer in Viterbo. Viterbo is a great location. Transportation was nearby so travel was very easy to do. The classes were nice and small. I felt like the learning environment was perfect. The professors were friendly and helpful. The USAC staff quickly addressed and issues or worries students had. I met some amazing people and made life long friends. I was able to see things I’ve only read about, history came to life. Spending the summer in Viterbo was an incredible experience I’ll never forget.

At first I was extremely hesitant about studying abroad because of my anxieties, but I decided that it would be a good experience to live in a different country where I was able to receive an abundance of support from my program. It was single-handedly the best decision I have ever made. I had so much fun making lifelong friendships, exploring a new city, learning about Thai culture, and so much more! By the end I was so sad to leave because of how acclimated I was to living in Thailand. I now feel confident in my future plans of living abroad and have gained many skills in navigating new experiences. I highly recommend studying abroad to anyone who is able to!

Had an incredible time making life long memories and friends. I came to this program just looking for a chance to see the world and study abroad. However through it I developed a love for the area, people, and the culture. The decision to study abroad and delay my graduation was one of the best decisions I think I’ve ever made. I got to explore the world around me and see more places and cultures than I would have ever been able to. The experiences I had and stories I can share now have forever changed my life and shaped my future goals. Can not wait to go back!

I loved studying abroad in Brighton! Brighton is a great place to live and study, and the community is very friendly. There is so much to do and see in this beachside town! I met so many wonderful people, and had great experiences that I will never forget! Studying abroad allows you to explore a new culture and community. I was able to travel to many different countries, and went into London a lot as its not too long of a train ride from Brighton. The staff at the University of Brighton was very kind and were always willing to help. Based on my experience, I would definitely recommend studying abroad in Brighton!

Estuve en Montevideo, Uruguay cursando dos asignaturas en el intercambio de verano. Un mes fue muy poco tiempo para la experiencia porque se me pasó demasiado rápido. La casa (y la casera), lxs compañerxs y docentes y demás personas que conocí eran muy buenos y me ayudaron en todo lo que necesité. En cuanto al curso, era realmente interesante porque aprendí sobre la situación de las personas LGBT+ y mujeres importantes de UY y latinoamérica. Las horas lectivas estaban bien repartidas entre la clase y visitas a centros/personas de interés.
La vida en Montevideo está muy bien, es tranquila, segura e interesante.

It wasn't until I arrived in Nagasaki that I learned about its rich and significant history. Though at first it may seem like a small town with not much to do, if you have an open mind and willingness to explore, you'll always find something new to do here.

It was in Nagasaki where I gained a complete sense of independence and freedom that I had not experienced back in America, even as an out-of-state student. Being in a whole different country I had never visited prior to this study abroad trip equipped me with a fresh lens to look at the world with and motivation to get out of my comfort zone.

Upon succeeding in immersing myself in a new culture, I was able to discover more about myself than I ever have. Before these four months, I didn't have a strong sense of self identity and confidence in myself. However, throughout this semester abroad I found beautiful friends who I had the privilege to share my study abroad experience with. I could completely be myself around these people and given our living situation (small school, one dormitory building), we naturally grew closer from seeing each other every day from morning until nighttime.

There is so much more I gained from this experience, but that would take years to tell so this is all I will be sharing for this prompt!