Program Reviews

I am so happy that I chose to study abroad through USAC Verona! The program was so well planned including group trips, great classes with great professors, and many opportunities to become immersed in Italian culture. Included in our program, we were able to travel to Venice, Padova, and Lake Garda. USAC also provided us with the opportunity to meet students from Verona and become friends with them outside of school. Overall, I would really recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad. It was the best 4 months of my life!

Mari Mar is the best professor I’ve ever had in any subject ever. I made so many great friends with locals and within the program and had such a great time socially, but my biggest takeaway from the program was its contributions to my academic and professional development in the Spanish language. Having the same class every single day not only helped me to quickly adjust to a new schedule and routine, but it also helped me build long-lasting relationships with my classmates and professor. I also got to spend a lot of time with my best friend’s family who live in San Sebastián, which was a great local connection to have and maintain.

I had an amazing time in Madrid, Spain. There, I learned Spanish, met locals, made lifelong friends and traveled all across the country and Europe. My academic advisors and professors were so helpful every step of the way with supporting not only my academic but also my personal journey. I loved my housing situation as I lived in a beautiful apartment in the heart of the city with my very own room and amazing roommates! And all my classes were so fun and helpful in learning Spanish and I even got to take a photography class. I would recommend going to Madrid to anyone considering studying abroad!

Being able to immerse yourself in a huge, historic city is such a rare and unique opportunity that should absolutely be taken. If you can go, you should!!!! Travelling the countryside is so amazing as well. Stonehenge, Bath, Canterbury, Seven Sisters Cliffs, Brighton, Windsor Castle, Burford, are all a day trip and can be done in travel groups (HIGHLY RECOMMEND). Within the city, there are so many museums that are usually free for students, endless shopping opportunities, so many plays to choose from on the West End (big ticket shows like Wicked and Hamilton but also smaller productions like Lavendar, Hyacinth, and Yew and Animal Farm), even if you're not an avid theatre person!

I think that everyone should go to Japan at least once in their life, whether that be for study aboard or just to travel! It's such a different vibe compared to any other place I've ever been to, in the best way possible! Everywhere is just so culturally deep and not to mention the food is amazing as well! Hiroshima University is where I studied during my semester abroad and the culture and community there is nothing like I've ever experienced! Everyone from the other student abroad students and the faculty on campus were some of the coolest and nicest people I've ever met. I also learned so much about culture in general just through my classes! I highly recommend studying abroad in Japan to anyone!

I loved studying abroad in South Korea for one year. The experience is something I would recommend to everyone. South Korea feels so safe, the students are so nice and the food is amazing! I learned a bit of Korean before I left but I really recommend to learn some because it helps so much! All of the Koreans I spoke to were friendly and open to making friends with me. The professors were amazing and the dorm is so convenient to live at. There are a lot of hills so be prepared for that but you’ll get used to it!!

Studying abroad in London was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. What made it so special was not only learning in such a historic and global city but also fully immersing myself in everything London and England had to offer. I made it a goal to try as many local restaurants as possible, from small hidden gems to traditional pubs, and each meal felt like a cultural experience of its own. Exploring the city was an adventure every day—whether it was visiting famous landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace or wandering through markets, street performances, and cozy neighborhoods, I loved discovering the mix of history and modern life that makes London so unique. I also traveled beyond the city to see more of England, which gave me an even deeper appreciation for the country’s culture, diversity, and charm. This semester allowed me to grow both personally and academically while creating unforgettable memories. Living and studying in London taught me how to embrace new experiences, step outside my comfort zone, and truly see the world from a broader perspective, making it an opportunity I will always cherish.

This spring (2025) I spent the summer in Yeosu, South Korea with USAC. I applied to the Gwangju program with Chonnam National University and chose to do a Korean intensive in Yeosu. Yeosu is a small seaside town at the very south of Korea! It was extremely beautiful with the mountains and beaches. I stayed at Chonnam National University Yeosu Campus. The coordinators Choi Eunyong and Ma Gahee were extremely helpful and made activities for the exchange students such as a boat party with the other students! I enjoyed my time in Yeosu and would definitely reccomend this program to anyone who wants to learn Korean since Yeosu isn’t a very English friendly town you NEED to use your language skills and it is insanely immersive!

I cannot begin to say enough good things about the USAC Verona, Italy program. I met lifelong best friends there and I met my forever family. The environment is incredibly inclusive, and it truly feels like home away from home. The housing, at the Residence Al'Adige was a short 25 min walk to the school and situated along the Adige River. There is a nice private gym connected which you can buy a membership to, and I highly recommend. The school, IUSVE, is very nice, and the professors and staff go above and beyond to make you feel included. They are also happy to help with any questions or concerns unrelated to academics as well. The city of Verona is very inviting and welcoming. We became very close with some of the locals and would frequently go to dinner and such with them in the city center. Verona unlike Florence or Rome, is less touristy, so learning Italian was very helpful in communication, but you also get a better cultural aspect immersing yourself in this type of environment. If you are thinking of studying abroad, go to Verona!

My experience abroad was a truly amazing experience. I will never forget all the great teachers and friends I made who were very helpful and fun to be around. Not only is Valencia itself a great, lively, and friendly city, but it is also a great host city that enables traveling around. The public transportation system is very convenient as well, and had easy connections to the airport or train station. Lastly, the UPV was a great school with a beautiful and easy-access campus. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to explore the world and get out of their comfort zone.