Program Reviews

I studied abroad in Alicante, Spain during the Spring 2023 semester and it was an unbelievable experience. I made so many great friends and met amazing people during my time abroad. The directors at USAC Alicante, as well as the professors enhanced my experience in so many ways. Luís, Verónica, and Marta all took the time and effort to make every student comfortable in what can be a very nerve-wracking, but of course exciting, transition. My friends and I traveled to many different countries while in Spain, such as Morocco, London, Budapest, Italy, and Germany. We also went to the island of Ibiza and other places in Spain frequently. I also was able to volunteer through the Service Learning course that they offer and work with children and faculty in the community. It was truly an experience that changed my life and I will always be grateful for this opportunity.

I had always harbored a lot of anxiety about studying abroad, so my family was shocked when I decided to apply to this program. I'm so endlessly grateful that I did, as my fears melted away a couple days after I arrived. I got my own room and bathroom at Stirling University, which, as someone who has always shared a bathroom, felt very fancy. My suitemates and I cooked and ate dinner together every night, which was a new experience for me as at my college, I usually rely on the dining halls. The other people in my program were from across the country and even a few were from Australia! I took a Scottish History class that I adored. Learning about Scottish history and then getting to see the places it occurred made me feel so alive and inspired. It was so fascinating to get to stand in the room where David Rizzo was murdered in Hollyrook house. Mary Queen of Scots life story has always felt so fantastical and dramatic that it was surreal to walk in her shoes in some of the places she lived.
In my English class, we discussed the definition of science fiction, the history of the genre, and themes of colonialism, gender, queerness, patriarchy and utopia. One of the most memorable of the works we read was The Wasp Factory, by Scottish author Iain Banks. The book tackles questions about gender and sexuality, but is very dark, repressive and dystopian. One weekend during my time in Scotland, my suitemates and I traveled to Edinburgh for a Pride celebration. As I marched in the Pride parade, I thought of The Wasp Factory which came out in 1984, and reflected on how the nation's ideas about sexuality have evolved to become more accepting since then. The parade was a living example of the freedom LGBTQ+ individuals in Scotland now have to celebrate their identities with support from the general public. Holding my bisexual flag high in the air, I could feel the joy of Scotland’s queer community reverberating around me. It was a long walk through the city but I never felt tired. Instead I felt fueled by the energy of my beautiful community and incredibly proud of the progress that has been made in LGBTQ+ equality.
Through this experience, I gained a lot more self-confidence. I was able to thrive in a new country where I didn't have my friends and family to rely on. I was able to face difficult issues like getting caught in the rain in Glasgow and getting a migraine in Aviemore. I was exposed to so many new experiences, like swimming in a loch, and met so many new people. Learning about Scottish history and getting to see the places it occurred made me feel so alive and inspired. My teachers were full of stories and advice, and campus itself was picturesque.

My experience in Lyon, France was incredible. I am a French major, and this program allowed for me to improve my skills and enhance the richness of my speaking. I was able to practice daily, and I used my knowledge everywhere. The classroom was helpful, but I learned most of my knowledge by travelling around and meeting new people. I volunteered and practiced through that outlet as well. The food was incredible, and the people were hospitable. Overall, I had an incredible time, and I couldn't recommend this program more!

Studying abroad in Spain had been a dream of mine since my first Spanish class, eight years ago. The experience was everything I could have wanted and more. I distinctly remember the day I left for my flight to Madrid—all alone!— my brain was overflowing with every emotion from sheer terror to overwhelming excitement. Now, I smile and laugh thinking about that version of me because she truly did not know all of the adventures, memories, laughs, good food, cultural experiences, festivals (Hogueras) and friends that became family that were awaiting her!

Alicante has so much to offer: good food, amazing beaches, vivacious night life, and authentic cultural immersion. A typical week day in Alicante consisted of morning Spanish classes at the beautiful Universidad de Alicante, daily "comida" with my host family (all in Spanish!), sailing class on the Mediterranean, sunset at Playa San Juan or Postiguet, followed by nightly tapas and hangouts with friends. Every day was filled with a new adventure whether that was learning new Spanish phrases or vocabulary as we sailed along the coast of Alicante, trying a new 'comida tipica" de Alicante, or simply spending time with my host family.

My time in Alicante will forever be one of my favorite seasons of life! If you are on the fence---just say yes!!

I absolutely adored my time abroad with USAC! I studied abroad in Fall 2022 in Pau, France where I took French language classes to improve my French. I embraced a new passion for the French language through the devotion of my international classmates and French teachers. In addition, I immersed myself in the French culture by taking various opportunities offered by the program to interact with the community. I excelled in meeting new people, learning new ideas, and seeing new cultures. My experience abroad has made me confident enough to move to France permanently!

Most of the classes that I took at Chonnam were geared toward International Students so they were not exceedingly difficult which was great. Even taking six courses, I didn't feel overwhelmed by classes. The best part of studying at Chonnam though was the Buddy program. The university assigns Korean students to International students and my buddies are now my best friends. We spent a lot of time together studying which was fun. I know studying doesn't sound like fun but with the right people in the proper environment, I made memories that my friends and I will laugh about when we are old! I made friends from all around the world. There is an old adage, "you get what you put in," I feel like that is super true for studying abroad. The more you put yourself into the program, the culture, and the people you are surrounded by, the more memories, friends, and experiences you will get by the end of the program. None of us wanted to go back to our home countries. If we could all have stayed in Korea, just frozen the time... We would have been there forever.

Studying abroad in Bilbao, Spain was an incredible and transformative experience that I will cherish forever. From the moment I arrived in this vibrant city, I was immersed in a world of culture, learning, and adventure.

The coursework at my host university was both challenging and enriching. I had the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, from Spanish literature to local history, which deepened my understanding of the country's rich heritage. The teachers were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their subjects, making every class engaging and enjoyable.

Living with a host family was a highlight of my time in Bilbao. They welcomed me with open arms, introducing me to their customs and traditions. This immersion in daily life allowed me to practice my Spanish and form lasting connections with locals.

Field trips were a regular part of our curriculum, and they were nothing short of amazing. Exploring the Guggenheim Museum, hiking in the Basque countryside, and savoring pintxos in charming old town Bilbao were some of the many unforgettable experiences.

Traveling around Spain and Europe was a breeze from Bilbao, thanks to its excellent transportation connections. I visited beautiful cities like San Sebastian, Barcelona, and Paris, each offering a unique cultural experience.

The food in Bilbao was a culinary delight. From the mouthwatering paella to the fresh seafood and delectable churros, I couldn't get enough of the local cuisine. The people of Bilbao were warm and welcoming, always eager to share their culture and traditions with me.

The Basque culture is incredibly unique, with its own language, music, and festivals. I had the privilege of participating in local celebrations, such as the Aste Nagusia, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the region's identity.

In summary, my study abroad experience in Bilbao was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with academic growth, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories. I would highly recommend this destination to anyone seeking a transformative and enriching experience abroad.

In fall 2022, I studied abroad in London with USAC. It was a life-changing experience. I explored iconic landmarks, made lasting friendships, and traveled to exciting places in Europe. The academic opportunities were rewarding, and the program's field trips added depth to my journey. Most importantly, the people I met enriched my experience. I'm grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend the USAC program in London. It was a window into a different way of life, and I'll cherish it forever.

My experience in Valencia, Spain was the best in my life to this point. Since returning I don't think I have stopped talking about it. I spent my days going to class, exploring the city, and soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches. It was truly a dream. One of my favorite memories was getting to experience San Juan. This is a festival on the beach to bring in summer and a new beginning. During this event, I met so many new people and got so much closer with the people in my program as we danced around the fires and sang our hearts out while participating in the ritual of jumping over the fire seven times, burning your 7 wishes, then jumping in the ocean 7 times. This truly was the experience of a lifetime.

Going to Thailand through USAC is one of the things I'll never regret! I love how close I was able to get to the Thai students there, and how they helped me immerse myself in Thai culture. In addition to the add-on trips like the elephant tour and field tribe study, the Chiang Mai staff helped us organize weekend trips to Bangkok and Chiang Rai. I was able to see the mountains, beaches and cities! I also loved how I was able to meet other students in the U.S., not only do I have friends in Thailand but all around the U.S. as well!