Program Reviews

My study abroad was an experience I have thought about every single day since I left. I was in the Gold Coast of Australia and it was amazing. Everything about it fit my lifestyle so well; outdoors, activity, beach, fitness, city, and much more! I was able to travel more than I could have ever imagined and experience cultures and lifestyles that have opened my eyes to really appreciate the little things. I was able to grow as an independent individual while also making life long friends. If you are scared to go alone, just do it! I went alone and can easily say it was the best decision I could’ve made for myself!!

Studying in Galway with USAC was incredible. I met amazing people and professors, and made the best memories of my life. I learned a lot, especially through the field trips which were seriously incredible. There was also tons of free time for solo or group adventures. I went with new friends to an old castle, to Northern Ireland one day, and explored downtown Galway almost daily. I felt safer there than I do in my college town. Not only because of the atmosphere of the city but also because I had resources from USAC and professors I could contact if I needed. The USAC staff is extremely helpful and I would recommend the experience to anybody.

Leaving for my study abroad experience was my first time leaving the United States in general. Understandably I was excited, but also a bit scared. When I first arrived I was tired, homesick, and just overall nervous. However, once I met up with our program directors these feelings were instantly relieved. Instead I was now beside myself with excitement for what each day had to offer. This program supported me and helped me feel safe in my new home, while also allowing me to go out and explore not just Italy, but the world. As someone who is more reserved I was worried I wouldn't live life to the fullest while studying abroad, but it was thanks to the support of the staff and friends I made along the way that I was able to branch out and learn more about who I am. The professors I had were exceptional. The amount I learned in that one semester surpassed any other semester before it. The first hand knowledge of my professors and the first hand experiences they granted me gave me a new passion for my degree. Along with the academics, I found confidence to not only travel to new countries, but to do it on my own, which led me to visit 4 other countries, some with friends and some without. Additionally, because of Viterbo's proximity to Rome, Rome became like a second home to me. The day trips we took to explore less traveled streets gave me a more in depth experience of urban livng in Italy. Study abroad is something I miss every day, and I am already planning a return trip to visit the places I came to love.

Spending a year abroad in Italy was one of the best experiences of my life. Experiencing a different culture, exploring a beautiful country, and making lifelong friends are just a few of the reasons why I fell in love with studying abroad. I highly recommend studying abroad for a year to anyone who is even slightly interested, provided you have the funds and means to do so. As a Child Development major, I was extremely grateful to witness firsthand how children learn using the Reggio Emilia Approach to Learning. The program also required us to take an Italian language class, which allowed us to immerse ourselves even more deeply into the culture. With the freedom to travel on weekends, I was able to visit 25 different cities, 8 different countries, and cross 5 items off my personal bucket list. I wouldn’t change anything about my experience living in Reggio Emilia, Italy, for a year-long program. If I had one piece of advice for anyone planning to study abroad, it would be this: Make every adventure, memory, and experience count.

I had such a great time in Scotland. I was able to meet so many different types of people. I got to learn more about them and what they want to do. But I also had my fair share of solo adventures. It was great exploring the beautiful landscape. I explored the Wallace Monument and the hill it’s in as well as the city and the other places we visited. There was plenty of program opportunities and there is plenty of time to plan separate trip either by yourself or with a group. Scotland has a rich history, everywhere we visited, there was a chance to learn more about the country. The faculty were helpful and great! I loved meeting them and I am trying to keep in contact with them. They were all so informative. One thing to keep in mind though is that for my program, there was no dining hall which can either be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. There were plenty of trips to go shopping, and they have a convenience store on campus. Housing was great and provides a shared kitchen. If you aren’t great with cooking, there’s are soooo many options for premade sandwiches and other foods. To this day, I miss those sandwiches. Overall, it was a great experience, and it really made me want to visit other parts of Europe. One thing to keep in mind is to sleep!!! I overslept my second day there because I overestimated myself the first day when I arrived and spent too much time exploring. Since I went in the summer, it was almost always bright out except the 2 hours it was dark in the early morning. It messed with my sense of time, since I tells myself that I should sleep soon once it gets dark.

Studying abroad in Verona, Italy, was a life-changing experience. From the moment I arrived, Verona became my new home, filled with unforgettable moments and opportunities for growth. Although the living conditions weren't ideal (our apartment was less than impressive, with brown water and noisy neighbors), my study abroad director was incredibly supportive. She listened to our concerns and worked hard to ensure better accommodations for future students. Despite these challenges, I learned so much from the experience.

Academically, Verona and the surrounding areas offered an incredibly hands-on approach to learning. Instead of sitting in a classroom all day, we often traveled to historical sites, museums, and cultural landmarks. It felt like the world itself was our classroom, and I learned more about art, history, and culture than I ever could have from textbooks.

One of the most enriching parts of the semester was traveling across Europe. I visited 13 countries and over 30 cities—from the romantic canals of Venice to the ancient ruins of Rome, from the beaches of Sicily to the beautiful landscapes of Lake Garda. Each trip broadened my perspective and made me realize how diverse and unique each culture is. I also met incredible people from around the world who became lifelong friends. These are friendships I know will last far beyond our time abroad. I’ve already made plans to reunite with some of them in the future, which is something I never imagined when I first arrived in Italy.

The travel opportunities were endless, and every weekend was a new adventure. From bustling cities like London, Brussels, and Munich to quieter, scenic places like Mallorca and Lake Garda, I gained a deep appreciation for the beauty and variety Europe offers. I’ll never forget the time I spent hiking in Palermo or my solo trip to Lake Garda—two of the most picturesque places I’ve ever seen.

Living abroad also opened my eyes to different ways of life. I’ve become more confident, outgoing, and open-minded. It’s amazing how much I grew as a person during this semester. I’ve learned to navigate unfamiliar places, communicate in new ways, and appreciate different cultures and traditions. It has inspired me to think about my future differently and explore the possibility of living abroad after graduation.

Reflecting on my experience, I’m so glad I took the leap. Initially, I was nervous and unsure, but looking back, I realize how much this journey has shaped me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me realize that I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined. I came back with a renewed sense of self-confidence and a clearer sense of what I want to do after college.

If you're considering studying abroad, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go. It’s an experience that will change your life in ways you can’t even predict. Even though I’m back home now, I miss Italy every day. I’ve learned that the world is bigger than I ever thought, and there’s so much more to explore. Studying abroad isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about discovering new parts of yourself. You won’t regret it.

My time in Heredia, Costa Rica is one I will NEVER forget, and I am walking away with a whole new family thousands of miles away. The USAC staff were reliable, caring, and attentive. I never at any point felt that I didn’t have the adequate support to be safe and have an amazing. My host family went above and beyond to make me feel safe, welcome, and loved. My professors were knowledgeable and fantastic. I felt like I experienced all of the best things Costa Rica has to offer—whether that’s city life, fútbol, the ocean, or the rainforest. I was able to experience these on my own time, in course field studies, and trips hosted by USAC! I am eternally grateful for this experience and everyone that made it possible!

South Korea is one of the best cities you could travel to they have so many activities and events that my home country does not have. Yonsei University has an amazing student environment with lots of school spirit and sports games that’s nothing like I’ve ever experienced before. As a Mexican-American I was even able to feel at home because of the amount of Taco places all over Seoul. There is even a Latin American restaurant that incorporates food my mom would cook for me at home. Coming here is a once in a lifetime experience that I’ll remember forever so if you’re even thinking about coming to Seoul, just do it! USAC is here to help you with the process.

Seoul has many many things to offer, so no matter who you are, you will find something!

Here at Yonsei University- the classes are super laid back. With that being said, your final exams will weigh a lot more than what they do in the US ( most being 50%). Along with that, attendance is almost mandatory here.

I would say Seoul is very affordable- as you can get a great meal for less than 11 dollars! Convenient stores are also a good choice! As well as food, a subway trip will cost around 99¢. Have fun in Seoul!

This is a trip I’ll never regret taking.

I highly recommend a course called Roman Art and Architecture. The teacher, Silvia, is an expert in Roman art history. The course includes at least four field trips to historical relics and museums in Verona. Silvia shared many fascinating facts about this historical and romantic city. For instance, Juliet’s balcony is actually a modern addition to an old building from the 1930s—a brilliant idea for promoting tourism.

The program also offers an excellent opportunity for economical travel around Italy by train. Besides visiting major cities like Milan, Venice, and Rome, there are smaller yet charming towns near Verona worth exploring, such as Mantua, Vicenza, and Padua.