USAC
Sloane
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GO TO LONDON!!!

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!

What was your funniest moment?
Funniest moment was probably when a friend of mine lost her wallet on the tube in January. She filed a report that it went missing to the TFL agents, and they got back to her in APRIL with everything inside of it still!
Pros
  • Theatre!!!!!
  • Immersion in a big city
  • Living like a local (pubs <3)
What other participants should know
  • Cost
Tyler
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Go to Hiroshima, Japan!

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!

What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest moments from my time abroad was when my friend kept getting attacked by one of the deer on the island!
Pros
  • The food!
  • The price!
  • Hiroshima University had a very big and welcoming study abroad program!
What other participants should know
  • Getting a phone number/opening a bank account
  • The living space was on the smaller end
  • So much to do and not enough time!
Paola
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying in South Korea

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!!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would definitely take more pictures. I tried to enjoy the moment too much and didn’t get enough pictures.
Pros
  • Amazing food
  • So many beauty products!
  • Friendly students
What other participants should know
  • Language barrier (try to learn some Korean before you go!)
Meredith
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

More Than a Semester: My London Experience

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I kept a travel journal every day during my study abroad, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering the experience. Not only is it so much fun to look back on the memories, but it has also become a valuable guide for me—I now have a record of the places I loved most, the restaurants I’d revisit, and the experiences I’d want to do again in the future.
Pros
  • Easy Travel
  • Endless Things To Do
  • Cultural Diversity
What other participants should know
  • High Cost of Living
  • Weather
Madiha
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester in Yeosu!

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!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I’m not extremely familiar with Korean food so when the school cafeteria brought out a whole eel for dinner i felt a little offput but once i tried it, I really liked it!
Pros
  • Language immersion
  • Nature sights
  • The food!
What other participants should know
  • Dorm life was ok
  • Might feel a little lonely because not many foreigners
  • Far away from a lot of the usual sights of Korea.
Kaytlin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study abroad in Verona, Italy!

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!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Buy or rent a bike locally to bike to class. I had a few classmates that got a bike to travel around the city and to class and I wish I would have as well.
Pros
  • Welcoming and inviting
  • Beautiful city center
  • Very walkable
What other participants should know
  • Communication can be difficult
  • Healthcare can be a little tricky to navigate--the support staff are very helpful however
  • If you don't enjoy walking, it is a big walking city. 25 min to class one way, 45 min to the city center
Matthew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Wholistic Experience

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.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I took a windsurfing class which was extremely fun.
Pros
  • New foods
  • New people
  • Lively atmosphere
What other participants should know
  • Super tiring traveling all the time
  • Somewhat difficult classes
  • Too much to do
Leah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable Experience

I’ll never forget my time as an exchange/visiting student at Yonsei in South Korea. I went the semester before I graduated, and the flexibility of the class schedule was perfect for seeing not only Korea but also a few other countries in Asia. I really enjoyed getting to know actual Yonsei students living in Korea full-time a I got the most immersed because I joined a dance team on campus and made friends through practicing and performing with them, which was definitely one of my favorite aspects of the program. So thankful!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Schedule your classes with Mondays and/or Fridays open! more time to explore and travel, you won’t regret it.
Pros
  • flexibility
  • program staff help
  • freedom
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

USAC Alicante

I think USAC was a great program for my study abroad experience! I loved the program and I loved the people who worked for USAC. Everything went so smoothly and I think all of the activities were perfect for our program. I also thought the education was perfect. It was challenging, but I learned so much and I am so grateful for it. The people I met along the way were also great. I did not know anyone going into this, and I feel so lucky that I get to know all of these people outside of Spain! USAC is great.

What was your funniest moment?
Trying different foods and seeing everyones reactions.
Pros
  • Housing
  • Location
  • Education
James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience!

Even though my program only lasted three weeks, I still have deeply fond memories of exploring Plaza de Los Luceros, eating tapas with friends at 100 Montaditos, hiking the mountain trail to el Castillo de Santa Barbara, taking the tram to the UA campus for class, and our group excursions to Guadalest and Valencia. The class I took was very fun and informative, and my classmates and I had a great time working together. The USAC and UA staff were wonderful and supportive throughout the duration of the program. I only wish we could have stayed longer!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take in every moment. Be vigilant about connecting with your group, make plans together, and have as much fun exploring the city as you can. (Bring some extra money for food, too. Alicante is a foodie's paradise.)
Pros
  • Lots to see, great food options, cheap groceries nearby
  • Tram/high speed rail lets you explore a lot of the city/area
  • On the Mediterranean Coast
What other participants should know
  • Can get expensive, have to watch budget
  • Non-semester-long programs can feel short