USAC

Program Reviews

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Keelie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Verona Summer Term II 2023

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!

Pros
  • tours with administrators and within classes
  • ability to travel on weekends
  • being immersed in the beautiful culture that Verona has to offer
Cons
  • student living was a 40 minute walk to class
  • didn't know the class schedule until arriving into Verona
  • not able to use educational financial aid for this specific program
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Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Decision I've Made

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.

Pros
  • Relatively affordable
  • New friendships
  • Unique experiences
Cons
  • Exchange rate wasn't the best
  • Some maintenance issues with accommodation
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Brianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Such a fun Experience!

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.

Pros
  • You get to interact with people you never would if you stayed home.
  • You get to indulge in many different cultures.
  • You will always be amazed by the beautiful views anywhere you go.
Cons
  • You will get home sick.
  • Time zones can be difficult to get used to if you aren't there for a period of time.
  • You spend too much money.
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Ashlee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best choice I have ever made!

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!

Pros
  • Amazing field trips
  • Top tier classes and education
  • Fascinating culture
Cons
  • Expensive
  • No kitchen
  • Housing
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Savanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Spanish Experience

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.

Pros
  • Next to the beach
  • Easy city access
  • great walking
Cons
  • long bus rides
  • did not meet lots of locals
  • language barrier
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Taylor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I absolutely loved my time in Reggio Emilia

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!

Pros
  • Lifelong friends
  • Ease of Travel
  • Kind locals
Cons
  • Language Barrier
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Ivy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ready to go back

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.

Pros
  • The locals are very kind
  • Thailand has big cities, mountains, and the islands
  • Chiang Mai has a great variety of Thai food as well as other cultural foods
Cons
  • Air pollution
  • Crossing streets
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Sonya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Program

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.

Pros
  • Great food
  • Easy travel
  • Amazing art
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Audrey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand!

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!

Pros
  • Acceptance and friendliness of the local Thai people
  • Amazing food options for cheaper prices than the U.S.
  • Beautiful Buddhist temples and nature landscapes
Cons
  • Very hot and humid and pours rain in the wet season
  • There was no kitchen in my dorm facility so I could never cook my own meals
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Sierra
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Place, People, and Memories

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!

Pros
  • Easy Travel
  • Good Weather
  • Great Food
Cons
  • Limited class selection
  • Bad air quality
  • Can be very touristy