USAC Reviews

I decided to do the yearlong program in València, Spain. I was a bit hesitant at first. But once I started getting into a routine with school and other events it really was an amazing time! The support that the on-site advisors offer is second to none. Sara, Sylvia and Adhara, they were always there to help whenever we needed it. No matter the time of day, and always happy to see you. Exploring the city of Valencia is also one of the most rewarding things to do. Taking tours to learn about they history of the city is fantastic. Especially if you become a tour guide for friends or family that are visiting you! With the university being so close to the beach, it is almost required that you go after class! Especially in the summer time, beginning of the fall semester and the end of the spring one. València is the third biggest city in Spain. But is still offers that small town sort of vibe. I never felt unsafe or at risk no matter the time of day. It is also a great hub for traveling to other counties if that suits you. I for one took advantage of that. A total of 12 counties under my belt, but still ready to see more!

I absolutely loved my time abroad in San Sebastián! My apartment (assigned by the program) had a beach view, delicious food was everywhere, and I learned so much about the Basque culture, which I never imagined happening before coming to Spain! If you join this program, be sure to sign up for a language partner. Not only did this help me improve my Spanish, but I now have a friend for life (I've been back to visit him twice since my program ended).

The best part about San Sebastián is that there is beauty everywhere you look. It's surrounded by lush greenery and there are plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking or surfing.

The USAC employees are also super helpful. I had no issue getting the classes I wanted, there were tons of recommendations for things to do in town, and I could tell that everyone there was really passionate about what they do.

I've been back to visit San Sebastián twice now and I can't imagine going to Europe without making a trip to my home away from home.

India is not for everyone. This is not the place to have the poster child European study abroad trip, however, if you want to have a once in a lifetime experience India is more than capable of providing it. It is a country full of warm people and even warmer food. Every day was a new adventure with challenges to be met and surprises around every corner. It is truly the land of unity and diversity. Every state has its own language, dress, food, and geography. There is always a festival to be celebrated and hundreds of people to celebrate with. India will grow you in ways that a Western study abroad trip can't. India will change you.
The program is unique because it offers students the chance to study from Indian professors without the pressure of conforming to the Indian classroom. The campus is beautiful full of birds, flowering trees, and aunties in Sarees. With several trips built in USAC ensures you will see different parts of India. I stayed in the dorms and the curfew was difficult but not impossible to adapt to, and having my own space was crucial to my sanity. Smriti Chhabra is the program director and I cannot sing her praises enough. She is both friend and mom. She was always there for me, teaching me how to get the most out of my India experience and helping me navigate some of the more difficult parts. I would highly recommend this program to any American wanting a safe way to spend some quality time in a country and culture so opposite to our own.

P.s Uber now offers rickshaw rides without the bartering, but once you learn how to haggle with an autorickshaw driver you will have an invaluable life skill. It's an empowering experience.

Everything about this program was wonderful. There was some disorganization at times, but nothing disruptive, and as we quickly realized that was due to our enthusistic program director’s quirks rather than any sort of unpreparedness, it became a part of the experience. We all became quite close to the program director, who really mothered is throughout the trip. I felt completely secure in talking to her about any problems I might have had. The living situation was actually surprisingly nice, we all had private rooms that were larger than any dorm room I’d had in the states, with a cleaning crew that came through daily, like a hotel. The campus was in one of the nicest parts of the city, and I felt completely safe there, even walking to the store in the middle of the night. The trip also featured a number of fun and fascinating day trips. I took Theater in London and British Literature, and both classes were fascinating. Not only did I learn a lot, but the Literature class often took place outside, at the locations the novels we were reading featured. Definitely the coolest classes of my entire college career. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone.

I consider studying abroad in Viterbo the best choice I could have made to fulfill the wanderlust of my adventurous soul. Besides, all the typical things that make Italy one of the best and most beautiful places in the world, Viterbo is unique in its own admirable way. I was drawn to this small medieval town because of everything that it had to offer. Not only does the city have an intricate and interesting history, but there was also always something to do; there was a constant calm buzz within the city. Whether it was seeing the magnificent transportation of the Macchina di Santa Rosa, or drinking some fresh vino from wine pouring out of a fountain, or enjoying the lively nights at bars and restaurants with friends, there was always something going on.

What made my experience so amazing was the locals, my wonderful host mom, finding small hidden corners, visiting the charming and romantic small towns around the region, and of course, the food. I fell completely in love with everything there – the people, the experiences, the moments, and even an Italian boy... Maybe you’ll also be able to live out your Lizzie Mcguire dream of riding on the back of an Italian boy’s vespa, just like I did.

I have been back to Viterbo four times since I studied there and that within itself shows just how much this trip has impacted my life. It has inspired me to travel more and has impacted my future aspirations. USAC’s motto is learning without borders and I feel I had embodied that completely (and continue to do so) because my experience has transformed the way I perceive myself and the world. I will always feel at home in Viterbo.

Some tips:

My number one recommendation is to connect with the locals because it helps you to understand the culture more and also gives you an opportunity to speak and practice the language. Along with that, make an effort: Italians love Americans, they will love talking to you! They are very friendly and welcoming. One of the things I loved about Viterbo was the close knit community. Everyone in town knew each other or would recognize you if they saw you out and about and would happily greet you.

Also, stay connected with friends and family from home. Communication is super important and everyone has loved ones back home thinking about them. I know my mom was always worried for my safety and wanting to know if I was o.k., a simple text saying ‘I’m alive’ was all she needed to feel at ease.

My biggest advice I have is to take each breath as new and stay present. Being abroad is hard – you’re doing things on your own and living in a completely different environment than you’re used to. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to enjoy events, outings, and interactions in the present moment. I had many friends that would be sad to be missing out in things back home and sometimes I had to tell them to snap out of it! I would tell them, remember what you wanted what you currently have? Try to remain present.

I did enjoy the opportunities that were available to me such as my involvement as a blog writer for two posts for my program, as well as the local I met through USAC’s group activity of bowling. She was super nice in not only helping as my tutor for my academic classes but she reached out to me to explore the city together getting a bite to eat, spontaneously catching an outside art exhibit on our way to going to a museum. There are such a range of artistic and cultural activities to do here from all the museums, the El Rastro Market, the different plazas, restaurants, el cine, the jazz clubs, parks, and the bowling center inside the metro! Even though my Service Learning Course requires a lot of outside hours from class time and a higher grasp of the language it was a nice way to give back and learn how the city responds in their initiatives of social justice and I made a new friend from Argentina. So my program’s go to bar to eat for really cheap and have a big glass of sangria was El Tigre for only 5 euros. It also always seemed like they had rebajas: sales going on in their stores so anyone interested in European Fashion can get some good finds especially in Sol. I really think my Spanish improved from where I started with but definitely should have followed what my entrance exam said to do track 2 Spanish instead of 3 I reallly struggled with my grades until midway I decided to transition to 2. But favorite part overall was learning about myself of taking initiative in learning about a new city being away from home becoming a bit more independent, courageous, and curious about the world around me.

Spending a semester in Heredia, Costa Rica with USAC was one of the best decisions I have ever made! From the first day that I landed at the airport to the day that I left, USAC staff and my host family made me feel safe, welcome, and cared for on a personal level. The country itself welcomed me as I explored beaches, waterfalls, jungles and volcanoes. I made lifelong friends and a lifetime of memories. I am so thankful to USAC staff for guiding me, teaching me, and ensuring that I enjoyed my stay. I am also immensely thankful for my host family who made the best comida and gave me a home away from home. I would not trade my time in Costa Rica for anything, and I hope to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle again very soon.

Making the opportunity to study abroad with USAC may have been the all time best decision I made during my college career. Alicante is a wonderful city, from the scenery to the rich culture there was never a dull moment during my time there. The locals are friendly when you take the time to learn about their culture and go out of your way to learn the language and speak with them. There were so many places near by to explore along the Mediterranean Sea and living like a Spaniard could not have been a cooler experience. The USAC staff were wonderful and always there to help, they would never judge your circumstance and no problem was big enough for them to help you through. I learned so much about the language and culture in my four months living there you would have thought I had studied for years back home! I also met people in my program that are now some of my closest friends, we all shared the desire to get out of our comfort zone and immerse ourselves in Spanish culture together. My only regret is I wish I had the opportunity to study over there for a full year. I would recommend anyone thinking about studying abroad to do it, there's a great deal of opportunity for financial help to do so if you research. And I fully recommend looking into Alicante because at the end of my experience I feel as though it will always be a home away from home for me!

San Seb was such a gorgeous city to live in while learning spanish. I couldn't gush about this city or this program more. My host parents were extremely kind and so patient while I was in the early stages of my learning. The teachers spoke mainly in spanish with students but also knew english if things became too much of a struggle. Being from Iowa, I never thought I would surf but taking the surfing class gave me a new confidence (plus the teachers were so cute).

I highly recommend living in San Sebastian during your study abroad experience. I still miss pintxo pote and kalimotxos <3

I participated in Summer Session 1 of USAC's Viterbo Program. I took 7 credits, 4 in Intensive Italian Language and 3 in Italian Hill Town Architecture. The language course was amazing, the professor was so sweet and I learned so much in the short 6 weeks I was there. The academic class was in Italian with a translator, the professor was very intelligent and taught the subject at a national university in Rome.
The apartment was fully equipped with bedding, pots, pan, furniture and all that. The only thing you would need to bring or buy would be a shower towel. The ceiling of my apartment was really high, the room was extremely spacious.