USAC Reviews

Maastricht was a great place to study, good location and lots of things to do around the city plus easy to get to multiple large airports for travel on weekends. Classes were challenging but not impossible. Very international environment, just in my corridor in the guesthouse I lived with 2 Canadians, 1 Spainiard, 1 Brazilian, 1 Belgian, 1 Austrian, and a Colombian. Maastricht has a lot of good nightlife as well, we never struggled to find something to do.

I had always wanted to go to New Zealand since I was little. Finally having the chance to go there through studying abroad made me super excited, but of course I had my fears because it would be my first time traveling alone without my family or anyone I knew. Stepping off the plane into New Zealand fall-like winter after leaving America's summer was an awakening in itself. I had arrived and was excited to see in person why New Zealand interested me. The first thing that drew me in to this country was its greenery and views. The mountains, skies, grass, and vibrant environment became a quick comfort to admire in this beautiful country. Second, I really appreciated the classes I took that not only allowed me to connect with native people, but also learn more about the country. I recommend taking a Maori course because you get to learn the language and history, which opens your eyes to how New Zealand is shaped the way it is and remains so refined. Compared to America I definitely see kiwis (what New Zealanders are called) as more trusting, supportive, and engaging. Many tend to leave their doors unlocked, I've connected and gotten to know people in a Domino's, grocery store, and hostel even when I knew I'd probably never see them again. Thirdly, New Zealand allowed me to do scary and beautiful adventures. It is a small country, but holds a lot of thrill seeking attractions and many places to hike (kiwis call hiking tramping). Sadly, I did not go to nearly as many places as I wish I did, but enjoyed the places I did venture to. For my study abroad I was in Palmerston North and I traveled to Wellington, Rotorua, and parts of the South Island, ending in Queenstown during university breaks or a weekend. I hiked two glaciers, went kayaking with seals, saw a seal colony, saw a glow worm cave, saw a waterfall, made it to the pancake rocks, saw a powhiri (New Zealand welcome ceremony), and camped out near a beach to awake to a mesmerizing sunrise. I love how New Zealand is very in tune with the nature that resides around them. The fourth thing I would have to say about New Zealand is that its peacefulness is what captured me. It is a country that always makes you want to stop and admire and relax. I now look for that beauty and calmness everywhere I go, even if it's just within my home state. I think New Zealand helped me see myself as more independent. Saving money to travel, eat, go out with friends, do laundry, and buy gifts and souvenirs was hard for me, but post-program I have definitely gotten better at budgeting. My experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me appreciate who I am, what I am capable of, and this gorgeous country. I want to save money to go back to New Zealand and bring my family and friends. I think everyone should at least see New Zealand once because its atmosphere leaves you feeling reawakened.

Living in Thailand can be hard on those who struggle to get out of their comfort zone, push themselves to new heights, or can't handle spicy food. However, for those who are able to challenge their beliefs of the west and put themselves out there to experience new cultures and grow as an individual Thailand is an amazing place full of beautiful landscapes, amazing people, and lovely food. Chiang Mai is located in the North of Thailand, it is beautiful and surrounded by mountains in the valley. You can go into the jungle or go to the night markets which are teaming with food and people. The city itself feels alive with how much is going on and how much can be done. I would recommend getting a scooter or some sort of transport because it really allows you to experience the city and immerse yourself. Do things with Thai students, get to know Thai people, eat Thai food, embrace the local culture, and Thailand will only show you beauty.

Going to Chile was the best decision I've made as far as my education goes! First of all, there are so many options as far as where you can travel. You can go to the north to the Atacama desert (which is the driest, most arid place on earth and great for stargazing), Patagonia (which is basically where they take all computer background photos because it is so stunning), you can see many active volcanoes (even hike them if you want!), ski, hike, go to the beach, take wine tours, the list goes on and on. The greatest part about studying abroad in Chile is that you really feel like you get to know the country as a whole. You still have the option to travel to places like Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, etc. but you really could spend a year in Chile and not feel like you've seen everything yet. Santiago is beautiful, there are lots of places to hike, coffee shops to visit, and parks to enjoy. The houses of Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral center, and museums dedicated to the memorial of those lost during the dictatorship are all absolutely worth the trip! I would definitely consider the Santiago, Chile program if you want to go to Latin America!

Choosing to study in Viterbo, Italy was by far one of the best decisions I have ever made. The city is beautiful, historic, and authentic. I wanted to experience Italy in a smaller site so I could immerse myself in the culture without being distracted by tourism. Viterbo offers just that. Countless cafes and restaurants to try with fresh and mouth-watering food, pastries, and coffee. And I think I ate gelato every day! On top of that, the locals were extremely welcoming and wanted to learn just as much about us as we did them. We'd take turns teaching each other different phrases and talking about our respective experiences and viewpoints. The night life was always something you wanted to be a part of, whether it was chatting up the local bartenders as they made you a one of a kind drink or exploring the cobblestone streets during cultural festivals and celebrations. Viterbo was its own little world but also represented a part of the Italian experience in a small scale that I appreciated more than anything. I studied abroad to expand my global perspective and become more familiar and exposed to others' cultures and experiences. The professors and instructors at La Università degli Studi della Tuscia and the USAC program staff did an amazing job with connecting us to Viterbo and Italy in and outside of the classroom. Italian language courses taught us enough to get around and exposed us to different ways of thinking and the language's history. The Italian cuisine course not only gave us the opportunity to make and eat delicious traditional dishes, but it also gave us insight to the Italian experience that you can't get from reading books or blog posts or cookbooks. The field study and the excursions to other parts of Italy showed us the other aspects and cultures of Italy we may have been missing in Viterbo and enhanced our traveling skills outside of a city that took 20 minutes to walk across. The apartments you live in potentially expose you to a very different living style than you are used to. But even without AC, I loved leaving my windows and door open so I could hear the sounds of Viterbo and feel the breeze. And living without a dryer and other utilities that other Italians don't have gave me a chance to put myself in the shoes of others and try new things. If you're looking for a more close knit town with amazing food and gelato, welcoming people, and a program built for your success and experience, USAC Viterbo is the way to go!

My experience in Madrid, Spain was truly amazing. I miss it still and it’s been almost 3 years. I miss the culture, the metros and my host family. I really got close to them and they not only helped me navigate the huge city but they also helped with school work and treated me like one of their own. I loved traveling the county because everything was so close! It was all so beautiful I have countless memories with new and old friends. While I loved not driving and taking the metro, I didn’t feel safe all the time—mostly because of thieves (pickpocketing). But my host family and teachers did teach us a few tips and tricks to prevent that from happening. Going to Madrid was not only a fun experience in my life but a much needed one. Growing up in a small town I thought this was it, I’m comfortable here that’s it. I didn’t believe I can live on my own let alone in another country. But I did it. Not alone though. I had help from the USAC program that walked me through step by step and I had an amazing teacher in Madrid that made it all worth it. I’m a native Spanish speaker but my classes in Madrid are the hardest A’s I’ve ever worked for. He really made us learn the material and apply it to every day life and not just learn it for the test. I miss my life in Madrid, but I love my memories. I’d love to make more if I got the chance to go overseas again.

My life was completely changed by this program. I fell madly in love with Italy; the people, the food, the culture, the art, the architecture, the landscape, absolutely everything.
I studied here in Spring 2015 and returned for Summer 2016. Before going I spoke zero Italian and admittedly didn't know too much about the country and it's culture. Since my USAC program, I now speak conversational Italian and have tried to become somewhat of an expert on the country.
The staff was amazing, the Italian teachers are amazing, the city is beautiful and so safe (walking home alone at night was never scary).
Because of it's proximity to Rome, you can easily fly anywhere in Europe or you can just take a train from Viterbo to anywhere in Italy.
I made great friends from Italy and abroad that I still keep in touch with regularly even three years later.
The passion for life I found in Viterbo drove me to pursue my own passion for photography. I changed my major and have since graduated and I am working as a photographer. I have also been actively trying to find a way to permanently move to Italy because of experience studying there with USAC.
I could go on for hours (and often do) about studying in Viterbo and how important it is to study abroad in college and I have successfully pursuaded students to do the same.
As a Sicilian friend once told me: Always say yes to everything, because you never know what crazy adventures you'll go on and how you will grow. Study abroad.

Becca and Mary were simply incredible. So supportive and all of the field trips they made were great! Especially the Paris field trip. Brighton itself is a very fun and bustling city that comes alive when the weather warms up (i.e. Brighton Fringe Fest) Plenty to do and plenty to see. All in all would highly recommend, if you want to explore. Easy access via train to London, and of course short flights to anywhere in Europe.

USAC Puntarenas is a great program for students looking to improve their Spanish and have a better understanding of Latin American culture. The city itself is rather small and number of english speaking locals is... limited. The USAC staff (both on-site and back home) go above and beyond to ensure students are happy and safe. The housing at this location is primarily home-stay, which most students prefer. The USAC building has an on-site gym, pool, games, pool/ping pong tables and more. Couldn't be more grateful for the support of my teachers and staff while abroad.

My experience in Prague was nothing short of life changing. Studying abroad was by far the best decision I ever made, and my time in Prague was the most exciting, rewarding, terrifying, expansive, fun, happy, challenging, and life-affirming period of my life. It has instilled a love of travel within me; it will forever be a huge part of my life.
USAC was truly wonderful. I have no complaints--the staff is helpful, caring, friendly, and fun, I always felt safe and taken care of, our living arrangements were superb, classes were interesting and specific to the region, and traveling outside the country was treated as a priority--we were given Fridays off to make room for weekend trips across the greater Czech Republic and Europe.
Weekend activities were always offered; this gave us great opportunities to bond with our classmates and experience things we never would have without the help of the faculty.
I recommend USAC to anyone looking to study abroad; I truly can not recommend it more highly.