Program Reviews

My study abroad experience in Ireland was one filled with lots of adventures, new friends, and learning experiences. While the country may be on the smaller side, there's always something to do or somewhere to go. USAC was incredible in helping students explore Cork's countryside with their built-in day trips and an excellent on-site advisor who knew the ins and outs of the city and surrounding area. My favorite day trip we took from Cork was to Cobh, a neighboring port city with colorful houses and a beautiful Cathedral. From Ireland, I was able to explore so many other countries in Europe, and those were some of the best memories of my life so far. While it may seem scary going to a new country, I found the experiences and lessons I learned were far worth the trials I faced. You'll get to learn about a new country, and while you're at it, you might even learn some things about yourself. Have fun!

This trip was the most life-changing experience of my life. On the day of my departure, all of my flights were cancelled/delayed. I was feeling SO helpless and wanted to back down, but my support system encouraged me to go. I am so glad they did because I had the change to visit Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast; I got to meet lifelong friends; and I had the chance to be fully immersed in Italian culture. If I had chose to back-out of the trip, the learning experiences and beautiful things that I saw would have never happened for me. Everyday I am so thankful I was able to make this trip happen, and I encourage everyone to MAKE. IT. HAPPEN. You can do it!

Staff was supportive, but let us do our own things. I wish I got the chance to talk more with domestic students, but I understand it’s hard in a short term summer program. Professor was nice, but expectations were sometimes confusing but he was willing to clarify. Overall had a good time, but be prepared to do a lot of recreational things solo and build in breaks in your schedule. Highly recommend! Adjustment was a lot, but totally worth it. Try to find a friend to navigate the tube and grocery shopping for a list the first time. Also, check your junk email! I ended up missing some things because I didn’t. You will be 30min.-1hr away from most tourist destinations.

I have always been a quiet student who focuses mainly on academics. I chose to study abroad to have a time where I focused less on academics and more on having a memorable experience. I lived with a host family who were incredible and helped me explore Valencia. I played beach volleyball and went swimming in Montanejos. Valencia is beautiful, and I found a community in Spain. My professors were so supportive. But more importantly, I gained experiences that I would have never done on my own. I was out of my comfort zone, but for the first time I felt capable and free.

Studying abroad in Pau, France was an unforgettable experience! Not only did my French language skills such as comprehension, pronunciation, articulation, and writing improve immensely, but my knowledge of the culture increased exceptionally. Pau is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to increase their language skills and also have an authentic French experience. You have the opportunity to learn in a classroom setting with amazing, dedicated professors, and also immerse yourself in the culture with program-led excursions and activities on campus and downtown. Pau is wonderfully located with some of the most popular French cities close by and the Pyrenees Mountains are only a bus ride away. This was not just an academic experience either as I discovered a lot about myself and grew my independence and problem-solving skills. I was able to travel all over with new people I met to see amazing sights and places and experience more than just one new culture. I met so many wonderful people, students, and locals, who helped create the best experience! I will always remember the memories I made and the people I met. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to study abroad to take it. You will gain a whole new perspective on life and a whole new confidence in yourself academically and personally.

I had an amazing time studying and living in Valencia, I would definitely recommend the trip to anyone who's considering it! Valencia was small enough to still have a safe, calm atmosphere while still giving you the Europe experience (not to mention how much cheaper the city is than the bigger destinations like Madrid or Barcelona). There's plenty to do in Valencia, especially if you take the USAC windsurfing or cooking classes, but it's also so close to so many more destinations (I went to Dragonstone from Game of Thrones on one of my weekends and Barcelona on another). I loved my time in Valencia and with USAC!

This program was truly unique in the way it immersed me as a student in a small town in the south of France. Not only did I get to study at a French university and live with a local family I had many opportunities to travel around France and learn more about Europe in general. The classes significantly improved my French proficiency and extra curricular classes made it possible to make friends. It would not be possible to achieve the same level of immersion without being a citizen of the country and I am truly thankful for the opportunity.

I had such an amazing time in Verona! It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. Verona is the perfect location as it is close to the Swiss Alps as well as just a train or bus ride away from various major cities in Italy. The support of the staff was incredible and I felt very in tune with the culture with their help. They did an amazing job at making us feel welcome. Truly an amazing experience I don’t regret as it broaden my horizons and helped me learn more about myself. Italy is definitely a country I would go back to.

I studied abroad in London through the USAC program for 6 weeks over the summer. I was so excited because USAC advertised the school as in the countryside and scenic and quiet. I didn't realize at the time that its quiet because its over an hour away from the actual part of the city students actually wanted to go. I thought that we would stay at the Met London or any other university in the city. My expectations were crushed when I arrived at the school. It took two bus rides and an even longer train ride to get there. I gave it at a chance at first, and then the school Roehampton put me in a dorm on the opposite side of campus away from everyone in my program (racism maybe?). I finally got moved after acting like a complete Karen. The welcome dinner was absolutely atrocious. I can't believe they would even call that food. Rip off chipotle really. The dorms were prison cells, so small, the heater would not work, gnats, flies, whatever else kinds of bugs crawled through the drain. I found two roaches on my floor, no elevators and had to carry two very heavy suitcases up 3 flights of stairs. No meal plan provided even though we paid over $8,000 for this program, which also did NOT include flight (rip off). The laundry machines barely worked half the time, and always stole your money. Security entered my room once WITHOUT consent while I was sleeping. Someone kept stealing food, and Roehampton did absolutely nothing about it. The education was a joke. The only good thing I can think of that came out this school was the asian man who made me vanilla ice lattes in the morning and always had a nice conversation with at the library cafe, and my advisor Dara who always reached out.

Studying at Maastricht University is a great experience everyone should consider. Maastricht is small and safe, and has a wonderful student atmosphere with an adequate social scene and beautiful architecture. Maastricht is also centrally located, making it easy to travel to all across Europe. The classes are small in size and the professors are knowledgeable and fair. There were not many negatives during my trip. The housing situation leaves room for improvement, but overall, my experience was very positive.