USAC

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester in Maastricht

I spent my Spring 2024 semester in Maastricht, Netherlands. I picked Maastricht because of its European charm and outstanding Public Health program. My experience exceeded all of my expectations. The support I had at the university was superb. Maastricht is beautiful and bike-able and completely safe, it immediately felt like home. The community of friends and professors I met made my experience, and I still talk to many of them. Maastricht is in the heart of Europe, so traveling by train or plane was very accessible. The memories and things I learned will stay with me forever and I’m so thankful for the once-in-lifetime experience of studying abroad in Maastricht.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Presentation for my history class. Studied a lot!!
Pros
  • Beautiful city
  • Great academics
  • Biking!!
Cons
  • Smaller city
Default avatar
Ardenne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Griffith University- gold coast!!

I absolutely adored my semester on the gold coast. Living in the student apartments was definitely the way to go, I met so many people my age, and hey throw LOTS of fun events. There is a tram that takes you so many places around the city, I definitely didn't feel like I needed a car. The night life is so fun. The best part was how easily I made friends and felt like I meshed in with the local students. I went during the end of February, and the weather was hot, but it was the perfect time to go in my opinion because it started to cool down in about April/May.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Reach out to people on the program, USAC gives you a list of names. I made so many of my closest friends from DMing them before we even landed in Aussie.
Pros
  • Nightlife/social scene
  • lots of advice from usac
Default avatar
Riley
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Worth It!

This was my first time traveling anywhere alone, so I was pretty nervous at first. This only intensified, not in Korea, but in my home airport as they had somehow lost my bag. However, this all went away as soon as I arrived in Korea. The first thing I noticed was how kind everyone was, including the airport workers who tried their best to help me with the bag problem through the language barrier.

This was a common theme throughout the trip, as Korea was by far the most positive and respectful place I’ve been a tourist in.

This fact, along with the great selection of restaurants, the beautiful street markets and parks to walk around in, the intriguing and very well organized classes, and the friend groups you will make along the way makes South Korea, and specifically Yonsei University, worth the travels and more.

Also, if you were wondering, I did get my bag back.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make sure to learn the transportation systems early. They aren’t the hardest to get the hang of, however, learning them early helps you get to places so much faster, and opens up a lot more time to explore.
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • Traveler Friendly
  • Great Professors/classes
Cons
  • Very rainy (in summer)
Default avatar
Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer in Italian medieval-walled city with a host family

My homestay with a lovely mature woman in a beautiful building about a 10-minute walk from most of my classes was idyllic.

I had my own room, use of a private bathroom, access to laundry and internet. All of the common areas of the apartment were available for use.

My morning coffee was enjoyed in a cozy kitchen illuminated by a sparkling welcome from the morning sun with a view of the garden rich with colorful flowers, fruit trees and song birds.
The instructors and staff were helpful and extremely competent. They really care about all the students and want everyone to have a great experience. Field trips were well-planned and organized. The Italian Cuisine class was an amazing opportunity to dive into Italian culture and take a soak!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Traveling on my own to Sicily for a week-end and making all my own arrangements was a bit stressful. I overcame this by asking a lot of questions, researching, and planning.
Pros
  • Adventure
  • Learning
  • Making new friends
Cons
  • Needed more of an academic challenge with the language course
  • Although everyone got along, the students formed little cliques
  • I wanted to take drawing & painting but it was cancelled
Default avatar
Evan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Very awesome

Studying abroad is the best because you get to experience multiple cultures while having a spot to go back to. You also get to be immersed into the culture and you can meet new people across the country you live in. The experience is unforgettable and you meet so many people that you will know for a while after. This experience is an unforgettable experience and you can explore the other countries and areas near by. Trust me as some one who isn’t out going, it is an awesome experience and you should definitely try to explore what the world has to offer

Pros
  • Food
  • Travels
  • Sights
Cons
  • No ice
Default avatar
Devon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

If given the chance, everyone needs to study abroad!

Going into studying abroad, I was overwhelmed and unsure if I had made the right decision. I was told by all of my peers that this was going to be the best experience of my life, however, naturally, in the back of my mind, I thought, “What if it’s not?” Throughout this experience, I learned so much about myself, was surrounded by the most supportive and loving group of people, and traveled to places I would have never dreamed of. That summer was such a pivotal moment throughout my college career, and I am forever grateful I was able to experience something as transformative as studying abroad!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Say yes to everything!
Default avatar
Baylie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Would highly recommend!

I loved my time in studying abroad in Cork through USAC. I felt super supported throughout the months leading up to my semester there and while I was there as well. There were planned excursions every month that allowed me to see new places without having to spend time planning. The program also made it super easy to meet people and I made so many great friends during my time in Ireland. I would highly recommend studying abroad in Cork through USAC to anyone who wants to have support without a big price tag!

Default avatar
Douha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Experience!

No experience can compare to my time studying abroad in Maastricht. I made life-long friends whose paths I would've never crossed without this experience. I learned a lot during our program field trips and immersed myself in new cultures during my free travel time. The USAC staff was invaluable and made us all feel safe and welcomed during our time in the Netherlands. One of my favorite experiences was Maastricht's Carnaval celebrations. I had never known this festival existed before my studies here and it gave me unforgettable memories that made me appreciate the diversity in every culture. I love looking back at memories and can't wait to make another trip back to Maastricht!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Nothing! If anything, I wish I could extend my stay! My time flew by and I can't wait to return.
Pros
  • The city felt extremely safe and was filled with many international students.
  • I love how walkable the city was and how reliable the public transportation was.
  • The student housing was such a fun experience as you got to become close with everyone in your hall and your friends are only a few steps or floors away!
Default avatar
Kaitlyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime opportunity abroad

Studying abroad was one of the best choices I ever made! It was my first time traveling abroad alone, and I do not regret a single second of it. I made so many new friends and tried so many new things. I also earned academic credit for my classes abroad. Those are moments that I will cherish forever. I still keep in contact with everyone I met during my journey. This opportunity truly widened my horizons and understanding of the world. No matter what program you choose, please go!! I promise it'll be worth it!

Default avatar
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

USAC Study Abroad in Viterbo

The program’s community is incredibly welcoming and supportive. I lived with a family and I felt like I was saying goodbye to my family when I came home. This program is what you make of it, but I always felt safe and supported as a student and as an individual traveling abroad. I did not know anyone else when I signed up, and I gained so much from the chance to meet new people. It encouraged more personal growth for me. I am so grateful for USAC Viterbo for providing this opportunity! Thank you USAC Viterbo for an amazing semester!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Let the program come to you then decide what you want to make of it. I would recommend arriving and getting settled then balance weekend trips with exploring the city, because the little interactions are super special.