USAC
Allison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Perfect Location, Perfect People, and the best time

USAC and University of Brighton did such an incredible job making sure we all felt prepared and ready to go on an adventure of a lifetime. I absolutely loved the amount of trips we had within being there. I was able to learn so much about the culture and about me while studying in Brighton England. Not only that but I was also able to grow and be more accepting of myself. I was also able to beat a ton of things that I was struggling with mentally. Not only did USAC and UoB make us comfortable but they made sure we felt at home the second we landed the plane. I think everyone should go on an experience such as this because one can learn, grow and meet the people that they will continue to call family for the rest of ones life.

Pros
  • The culture was perfect
  • The education was fun as well as helpful
  • Such an incredible and beautiful place also easy to travel around
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Cultural Experience

My time in San Sebastián was exactly what I needed to feel confident enough with my language skills to begin student teaching. I lived with an amazing host family and grew so much in my language confidence. I had amazing cultural experiences (like visiting Basque ciderhouses, farmhouses, museums, and art installations) that I now use as references in my Spanish classroom! I am so thankful that I got the experience of living abroad with a host family, and it definitely prepared me to be a better language teacher!

Pros
  • Amazing location with beautiful beach and local hiking
  • Foodie Scene = 10/10
  • Experience both Spanish and Basque culture
What other participants should know
  • Very academically challenging program
  • No international airport in the city
  • Can be very rainy
Calla
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

So Thankful for my Experience

Getting to travel to Thailand was a dream come true for me as someone who had always wanted to travel abroad. I had such a wonderful experience with all of the USAC staff who made sure I was taken care of and ready to succeed at every step of the way. The USAC staff also organized so many informative, cultural, and fun activities for us such as traditional rickshaw rides through the historic part of the city, hikes through beautiful cloud forests and to mountain villages. We also had opportunities to volunteer such as with the National Park rangers to make firebreak to protect the forests from fire. Not to mention the countless beautiful temples we were able to visit. The diverse range of foods to be found also meant that we could try a delicious new meal every day, and it was so affordable! I highly recommend participating in a USAC study abroad program for anyone looking for an accessible and well-supported way to visit and experience life in another country. And please go visit Chiang Mai, Thailand if you have the chance!

Pros
  • A lot of support from staff
  • Several well-organized optional tours provided
  • Excellent food!
What other participants should know
  • Challenges with broken air conditioner, water shut offs at residence, also the beds were VERY hard.
  • Classes felt rather unorganized (I was doing the impromptu Chinese studies program during the pandemic)
  • We were often in quarantine due to any chance of Covid exposure. Local students were also doing all remote classes.
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a life time opportunity!

I absolutely loved my experience abroad and USAC exceeded all of my expectations! Living with a host family was such a fun and unique experience that immersed me in the culture and helped me quickly improve my Spanish skills. I met some of the most wonderful people I have ever met and I got to travel all over Spain and other regions within Europe. My professors along with the other USAC administrators were extremely helpful and made studying abroad a seamless process. I have recommended studying abroad to all of my friends, it was a life-changing experience!

Pros
  • builing confidence
  • making friends
  • exploring
What other participants should know
  • homesickness
  • if you are a picky eater
  • if you like routine
Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cultural Immersion

Studying in Alicante was the best choice I've made for my college career. I loved the city environment, especially coming from a university in a more rural area, it was a much welcome change. I thought that Alicante was the perfect city to study in; it still had the urban feel, but wasn't too large and overwhelming and everything was walkable from my apartment, except for the university which I was able to take the tram or bus to. My program director Luis did a great job of showing us the area and he explained many aspects of local culture that I wouldn't have otherwise known. Everyone in Alicante was extremely welcoming and encouraged me to practice my Spanish speaking skills, which I feel greatly improved during my time there. I couldn't recommend studying in Alicante more for an authentic, local Spanish experience.

Pros
  • Beach access
  • Clean, inexpensive housing
  • Great professors
Lindsey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

You Will Love It!!!

I studied abroad for a summer in San Sebastián, Spain and I absolutely loved it! The reason I loved it is because the staff was so helpful, positive, and supportive. Also, I met some of the best people through this program and we still are in contact today! I learned so many skills that made me a better more confident person and I would recommend studying abroad to all of my friends and family. I developed better communication skills, I’m now more open-minded, and I appreciate other cultures even more now! If you like to have fun and live by the beach, this is the place for you!!!

Pros
  • good surfing
  • Hiking
  • Supportive staff
What other participants should know
  • busy city during the summer
  • Can be hot weather
  • No air conditioning in some apartments
Samiyah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

So amazing I decided to do it again!!

USAC was really amazing. I was nervous about going to another country by myself but with the help of USAC it was so much easier. Everything was prepared for me and all the information i needed to know i could email USAC about and get an answer the same day.The check ins over zoom from the USAC team while abroad are also really great and made me feel more safe and comfortable while abroad. In the middle of my program one of the USAC advisors came to visit the university I was at while abroad and we got to eat dinner together! I really loved getting to meet her. I loved the program so much I decided to do another with USAC!

Pros
  • Check ins while abroad to make you feel safe
  • Group flight! Save money and can reschedule easily
Paulina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Beautiful Chiang Mai

I studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand for the Chinese Studies program. I was originally planning on participating in USAC's program in China, but since that program ended up being canceled this year, USAC suggested this program to me instead. This program was the perfect alternative. Not only was I able to continue studying Mandarin, I also learned a lot about Thai culture, which I previously knew little about, and made several lasting friendships. I had an incredible time there and am so thankful for this experience. I would return in a heartbeat.

Isela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My New Home Away From Home

This program was the perfect mix of rigor, culture, and fun. I enjoyed every part from going to class, to going on our cultural field trips, to getting to know my new peers. If you are looking for a program that going to change your view on the world and expand your knowledge of other cultures this is the program for you. As a Korean Media lover this was the perfect program to feel integrated into this world. This program is also perfect for those that prefer a more rural experience but that still want to experience a city life experience.

Pros
  • Food
  • Landscape
  • Language Experience
What other participants should know
  • Short Program
  • Not a lot of direct help from Kookmin.
  • Student Resources on Campus
Garrett
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Experience in Torino

I studied abroad in Torino for a summer session, and overall I had a great experience. First, the community you build while you are there is amazing. For most of the students there, myself included, it was our first time going abroad, and because of this we were experiencing all these new things together. Eventually, we started to trust each other and rely on each other, and this community was something that I appreciated greatly. Second, the resident director, as well as my professors, were very helpful. The resident director was always available and willing to help with anything, and my professors encouraged me to learn as much as possible. Lastly, Torino is in a great location, as it is close to Milan, Lake Como, and the French Riviera. Overall, I had a great experience in Torino and would highly recommend it!