USAC Reviews

As a Political Science and International Affairs double major, I knew that I wanted to study abroad in a place that has a rich culture, has the ability to enhance my current understanding of politics and society, and could give me a hands-on learning experience. On top of that, as a requirement for my International Affairs major, I had to learn a language for my planned country of study. Italy’s preserved history, roots in the foundations of government and politics, and intricate cultural facets made it the obvious choice for me.
Six semesters of Italian language, countless hours planning my academic schedule ahead, and many visits to the Global Education Center shifted my focus away from the traditional Rome or Florence experience to a program that could give me the language practice and intimate cultural experience that I wanted. The affordability, proximity to Rome, and program size ultimately made me choose Viterbo, Italy. As a first-generation student with little travel experience, I was intimidated of the study abroad process. However, after visiting an info session, being in contact with the GEC advisors through appointments and emails, and going through the step-by-step UNH Approved Program checklist, I can say that the process was so much easier than I had anticipated. Additionally, the accessibility to education abroad scholarships through UNH and USAC made that semester the most inexpensive one during my time in college.
I loved my time abroad because Viterbo gave me the most authentic Italian experience that I could have asked for. Viterbo is a medieval city, lined with cobblestone, with history in every single nook and cranny. One of the classes I took for a Humanities Discovery, Medieval Italian History, entailed walking around the city and taking field trips to nearby places and then having a discussion about the stories behind what we observed. The contemporary Italian lifestyle combined with an ancient landscape was so unique to itself. Additionally, the central location of Viterbo allowed me to travel to cities and towns throughout three different regions in Italy, as well as six other countries outside of Italy. Before this semester, I had never been to Europe and had only been on a plane a handful of times. After this semester, I have become more confident, independent, and am now finding ways to incorporate more travel into my personal life and career path.
My advice to any student considering an international study is: do not be afraid to travel off the beaten path! Try and identify what you would like to achieve from your study abroad experience and be open to options that are different compared to what you’ve heard people do. For me, it was mastering a language and having an authentic cultural experience. If you have your heart set on something, great- pursue it! But if you are on the fence and are open to something different, there are countless, unexpected possibilities waiting to be sought.

Studying in Chiang Mai for the first summer session was my first study abroad eperience ever. I absolutely adored the scenery and the community near the dorms we stayed. My favotire part of our little neighborhood was Mommy Thailand's smoothie shop. Her smoothies were the size of my head, and only cost 60 baht(less than a dollar)!! She also gave me a really good haircut and helped me practice my Thai speaking. At school, it was amazing to just be stdents and go aorund campus in our uniforms just like the thai students. I do wish we had more interaction with the local students though, because we lived and did activites mostly with the American students. All of the field trips were exciting and eye opening. I took the maximum amount of credits I could, with Buddhism, Thai Language, Thai Cooking, and the hill Tribe Field Study course. In the field study one, we got to lvie in villages with the local tribes and get immersed into their culture. I absolutley lovd being out in nature and hiking as wekk, even though I did not go on the hiking excursion "class". I got super lucky with my roommate, and she and I are best friends now. All the people I studied with were exceptionally nice and we all were open to new things and it was great to be thrown into new circumstances with them all. I learned so much about myself as an independant person, and about how I want to be globally involved. In my school at home, we focus on global community, but it was a whole different world when I got to interact with a culture so different form mine. For anyone worried about going somewhere so different from western society, I would sayembrace it! It's not very often you get a chance to completely change your perspective and become more aware. Plus, thai people still like the same things we do and there is lenty of modern culture that everyone can relate to. The main difference is that standards for sanitationt here are not as high as in the US, but i never got sick or had any issues because of that! I definitely have started saving up money to go back to Thailand as soon as possible. I hope you have fun there too!!

Studying in Prague with USAC was absolutely one of the best decisions of my life. The courses were excellent, super interesting and also fun, we went on so many field trips, and the program itself is too so affordable. Would 100% recommend, Prague is a beautiful city, your support staff are amazing and kind people, and the overall experience is one you'll cherish your whole life. The program gives you so many activities and opportunties to really experience czech culture without spending any additional money, it's a really great program.

I thought my host mom was kidding when she told me to pack an umbrella. Needless to say, within the first week I had to buy one (and it's still at my host family's house!).
Lüneburg is a beautiful with the loveliest people. USAC wasn't originally my first choice, but I'm so glad the other program didn't work out. As an advanced learner, the program was still able to challenge me and provide me with full support. There were several opportunities to travel with the program and independently. My host family was an absolute dream. If I had one suggestion above any other--stay with a family. I wish I had been able to stay for a full year. I've almost completed graduate school, and I'm trying to find any way back!

Traveling abroad in Alicante, Spain was an amazing experience that enabled me to learn more about Spanish culture, music, food, language, history, etc. With excursions to Madrid, the Valley of the Fallen, Valencia and Tabarca Islands, I was able to acquire a great knowledge and understanding of Spain and all it had to offer. Additionally, I gained so much personal growth and memories during my trip. I will never forget the people and the fun we shared together in Spain. I would greatly recommend this program for anyone looking for exquisite cuisine, scenic beaches, lively festivals, rich culture and the experience of a lifetime!

When first arriving in Floripa, I felt immediate welcoming by the program director and my host family. If there were any problems or questions that I came across, someone was always willing to help. The classes were interesting and it was awesome to have class with the Brazilian students. After class there was a wide range of things to do, go on a hike, surf, hangout at the beach, or try a new food place. Everything was easily accessible by public transportation. The Brazilians are very friendly and want to hangout and take the students out dancing, university parties, or new places to see the sunset. You get the full cultural immersion without feeling lost.

Not everyone is made to spend a couple months in India, but if you are even considering this program, you're probably going to thrive there. For some it may be daunting to be so far away in a place that is typically misunderstood, but if you're curious and willing to be open to new experiences, you should go. I don't think there is a place that will welcome you so openly and graciously, while also challenging your beliefs and expectations.

I would also like to note that I only rated academics a 5/10 because the question asked how challenging they were. There were not many challenging assignments in terms of time commitment or rigor, rather the professors brought the information to you in appealing ways, wanting it to add to your experience and not take away from it. They made it relevant to your experiences and pre-existing knowledge. Professors in this programs want to get to know you and help you grow.

Lovely, caring professors. Attentive program staff that are super accommodating, helpful in the event of emergencies, help get you settled and feel welcome without babying you too much. The people of India were nothing but kind. Although there is a lot of noise and life in India can feel and sound chaotic, its organized, beautiful chaos.

I did a lot of traveling with my friends in the program, all of whom were amazing people. Valencia is a fantastic location and the on-site staff (3 employees of USAC) were amazing as well. They do a good job making you feel safe but giving you enough freedom to do you. I really matured as a citizen of the world in this program. USAC is also just about the most affordable abroad program I found anywhere. Everything about my time abroad was incredible and I am definitely recommending USAC to anyone who wants to study abroad.

I studied abroad for two semesters, and they were some of the most challenging yet rewarding months of my life. A need for adventure and travel ignited inside of me and has been on fire ever since. Because of study abroad, I am confident in my Spanish, I have an appreciation and interest in different cultures, I push myself out of my comfort zone and I even met the love of my life. I used to be a 10-year plan kind of person, but now I am ok with the unknown, and am eager to take on the next adventure that comes to me. This is an experience unlike any other, and I think everyone should jump on the opportunity to study abroad.

I wish my time in Costa Rica could have been longer. I loved getting to know my host family and learning to speak Spanish more fluently with them (I accidentally told my host mom that my brothers died from cat allergies instead of that they are deathly allergic to cats). My professor made course work fun and applicable to everything I was doing while in Heredia. During my three weeks, I felt that I became part of the community in Heredia. I knew the city and walked it’s streets as someone who lived there (even though I got lost many times). The markets were filled with experiences - new food, fruits, spices, souvenirs, art, and more. I learned to dance several typical Spanish dances and practiced them at bars and dance events around the city. I was able to travel with friends and my USAC group to different areas of the country on the weekend to explore the culture and biodiversity. This experience for me improved my Spanish tenfold, introduced me to beautiful locations and wonderful people, introduced me to new culture that made me also reflect on my own, developed a community for me of friends and mentors who supported my growth and I am still in contact with today! I love Heredia, Costa Rica - my home of 3 weeks.