USAC Reviews

Brighton, very quickly became my second home. The people are friendly and lively, and you will not regret your time here especially if you take the scary step of your comfort zone and join a society! I've made some of the best friends here and I wouldn't change it for the world. The city is so fun (though a bit far from the Falmer campus if you decide to stay in campus halls!) and there is always something happening. From gigs, to fairs, to ice skating in the winter, and beach parties. If you love a bit of thrift shopping, getting some vinyls, and coffee shops then the number one hipster place in the world, Brighton, is the place for you! It's an accepting place where no matter who you are you'll find people who'll love you for being you. The classes themselves are quite different, and very independent, but you will learn a lot from them. It teaches you to be more responsible for your work. The teachers are really hands on and open with help, and the study abroad advisors on campus, Becca, Mary, and Zoe are so helpful and will definitely make sure you get everything you need out of this experience. I will always recommend this program and this city to everyone I meet, because the memories, the people, and the town will always be with me. I would never trade my time here for anything in the world.

Having wanted to go to Italy for literally years, I couldn't have been more excited about going to study in small-town Viterbo, deep in the Lazio region. This is without even knowing what the town looked like, what USAC was or that I was going to be the only Kiwi in the middle of a gang of USA students and Italians.
I didn't think I'd forget what my own accent sounded like in just four months, or become addicted to gelato, or live-in with two great (if bogan) Italians, but I did know I was in for the time of my life.
Right from the start, the team on the ground in Italy were there to help, going above and beyond to give us travelling tips as well as orientation and general knowledge about Italian life.
Academically, studying in a university which used to be a monastery was a huge highlight, as was taking classes in Italian - both challenging but immensely rewarding, as it ignited a passion for learning the language, which I continue to study to this day.
My group of fellow students was another highlight - I made so many lifelong friends in a short period of time and they were all so much fun to travel with.
In short, I couldn't recommend this program more. Study in Viterbo, it will change your life!

I was in Costa Rica, and it was the best month of my whole life.
I experienced the goodness of people, the beauty of unspoiled nature, new delicious foods but most of all i discover a better way to see the world.
I have made unique experiences living them as a protagonist!!!
I lived that one month as a whole beautiful and full of emotion life.

I love USAC for giving me this amazing gift!
PURA VIDA to everyone!

This was my first time flying out of the United States and travelling to Europe. I took four semesters of Spanish in college and wanted to embrace what I have learned and practice my Spanish abroad, so without a doubt, I choose to study in Madrid. I was blessed to meet so many outgoing and travel-bug friends from across the US and natives in Madrid. I became friends with my intercambio, became best friends with someone who lives across the country as me, and experienced things I never thought I would be able to do. I would definitely recommend the USAC Madrid program for the summer because along with interesting courses, the program sets up really fun field trips in surrounding towns near Madrid.

This program is phenomenal. Carlitos, Steven, Natalie, and the other staff members at the USAC office or at UNA (the host university) are amazing. They are so well organized, plan a plethora of trips and activities, and are genuinely caring people. They help out a ton with academic and visa stuff so you barely have to worry about annoying transcript or visa paperwork. The teachers are charismatic and incredibly personable. The campus here is gorgeous as well. The atmosphere of Heredia is lively (there are tons of college aged people) and the city is relatively clean and safe compared to most of Central America. I had such a transformative experience interacting with my host family, engaging in the community, learning and improving my Spanish, as well as gaining livelong friends and allies. Ten out of ten would recommend this program. I will be returning soon!

Ton of fun. Loved being there. Spanish classes were a bit easy, but the science classes were top notch. If you go bring a small backpack, rain jacket and umbrella, stylish clubbing clothes, good headphones, and a outdoor speaker will make you very popular. Jaco is a tourist trap but it can be very fun.

If you want to go to Costa Rica for the nature, Heredia is right next to San Jose and it is very urban.
From 6am to 9pm you are safe. Anytime afterwords keep an eye out, I had a box of wine stolen from me and 3 knives pulled, And then one night at 2am 2 men tried to mug me. Keep your wits and stay in groups at night.

San Sebastian, Spain is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It has two different coves, one for relaxing and the other for surfing. The hiking is to die for and the surrounding towns are something you will never forget. The city is not too big but big enough to find new adventures everyday. I missed the cuisine the most. San Sebastian has the top michelin star restaurant and the best food at local bars called pintchos.

Studying abroad in Gold Coast, Australia was the absolute greatest experience of my life. Before my time abroad I had never really traveled before. I had only seen the ocean once, and I had never even been on a plane. I was extremely nervous to travel alone and be so far, for so long. But, you learn very quickly that so many others are in the same position as you, and you are all just excited to make new friends and embark on this incredible journey. Experiencing life in another country is a wonderful opportunity. I’ve learned and grown so much as a person. I went on incredible adventures. My favorite being scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef. I remember thinking before I left that the hardest part of studying abroad was going to be leaving my family for 4 months. I soon learned that the hardest part of my journey was leaving my new home away from home and all the amazing people I met along the way. I think my biggest tip would be to always be yourself, and don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.

Staying in Stellenbosch was a really big culture shock to me, but it was the most beautiful place I've seen so far. Surrounded by mountains, wineries, and some of the nicest people put me in awe all semester. I went with my roommate and we were able to travel down to the garden route (which I recommend fully), travel to Muizenberg for surfing (favorite trip), and hang out at wineries in the company of our new friends or even sit in our flat in Academia and talk for hours with friends (my favorite times). I loved meeting everyone from around the world considering Stellenbosch is a very big school that accepts a lot of study abroad students and exchange students. Afterwards, I realized that I WILL be going back to South Africa someday and that I will travel more to explore the world. Being 8,500 miles away from home made me realize how big the world is and how much of it I haven't seen. Stellenbosch changed my perspective on life and how I should spend it. Always use the buddy system and beware of beggars who talk fast to try and confuse you to give them money! Other than that, have a lekker time in ZA!

Norway is a country that is consistently beautiful. It is rich in history, culture and art. Norway offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Studying in Oslo was such a rewarding experience because I felt like I lived in the movie Frozen. Everything is stunning! Studying in Norway was great because the University of Oslo was accessible and they offered so many valuable courses. Even if you don't live close to the school, it is a ten minute subway ride to the main campus. As someone thinking about becoming a lawyer, I even had the chance to study law which was helpful.

Norway has so much to offer, but everything can be expensive. I would bring as many clothes as you can because shopping in Norway is going to cost you! Fortunately, with socialized healthcare, if you get sick it is affordable. I once had to get a prescription that cost $400 in the United States and I only paid $5! If you have never left America, Norway is a really great place to choose. You always feel safe and everything is incredibly clean. I don't recommend trying it, but you could definitely eat off the subway floor.

The cuisine in Norway is vastly different from America. Try Moose and reindeer if you can. Maybe stay away from the brown cheese they are all so fond of. In Norway take the time to see the Northern lights, watch Norwegian skiing and try to stay for their National Holiday May 17. Thursdays in Oslo are free museum pass day, so take advantage of the opportunity to see The Scream for free or run to Vigeland and see the angry baby statue.

Since eating out is so expensive, going to restaurants is not going to be a weekly event. However cooking is so much fun in Oslo. My flatmates went dumpster diving and brought back a pound of lobster (Grocery stores are strict about throwing out food the second it "expires"). You get creative and you learn how to become an excellent chef. The Norwegians also love coffee. You will never not be able to find an excellent cup of caffeine.

I will never forget going to Tromso. I fed Reindeer, witnessed the Northern lights and witnessed mother nature at her best. Anyone that studies in Oslo should go there! I would encourage renting a car and driving to Stockholm. You won't regret it. Make sure to take a Fjord tour!

I am going back to Norway after graduation because the country is such an integral part of who I am. I feel like I was able to grow as a person in this Scandinavian World... I even did my thesis on Norway! Most people pick other European Countries to visit and I think for anyone who calls themselves an adventurer, Norway is the place to pick!