This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Verona, Italy for ten unforgettable weeks. Studying abroad was something I had always dreamed of, but I never truly believed I could accomplish it—until I did. My time in Italy was nothing short of magical. Despite the inevitable ups and downs, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Living and learning in Europe opened my eyes to so many cultures, traditions, and cuisines. One of the most rewarding parts of my experience was practicing my Italian with locals and being met with such warmth and hospitality in return. Verona itself was the perfect setting—a city that offers the best of both worlds. It’s rich with authentic Italian culture while constantly surprising you with something new and unique every day.

One of the most special parts of my journey was the connections I built along the way. Studying abroad allowed me to meet incredible new friends from around the world, people who shared in my adventures and made every moment more meaningful. Even more unexpectedly, it gave me the chance to reconnect with family. While in Europe, I reunited with my cousin Dina after not seeing each other for ten years. I never imagined our paths would cross in Italy, but that reunion made my experience all the more memorable and deeply special.

Throughout my time abroad, I held onto a quote that became my personal mantra:

“Be scared and do it anyway.”

Stepping so far outside my comfort zone wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. Change is the only constant in life and this experience taught me how healthy and empowering it can be. I faced challenges and unexpected obstacles, but in the end I emerged stronger, more confident, and more resilient.

Studying abroad challenged me in the best possible way. It showed me that if I could navigate a new country, adapt to a different culture, learn another language, and thrive in unfamiliar environments, then I can take on anything.

Verona taught me more than lessons about the world. It taught me to lead with strength, to navigate the unknown with confidence, and to embrace the beauty of discovering new places. In the end, the best souvenirs are your lived experiences that you carry and share with the people you love.

So if you ever have the chance: go study abroad and travel! Life is far too short not to see the world.

My experience with the USAC 2024 Study Abroad program in Verona, Italy, was truly unforgettable. Studying in Verona gave me the perfect balance of academic learning, cultural exploration, and personal growth. The city itself is Amazing; there are fresh markets and delicious ristorantes all over the city. Beyond Verona, I had the opportunity to travel throughout Italy, discovering the beauty of places like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Each destination offered its own unique flavor, and of course, the food everywhere was nothing short of amazing. You can also go to Austria by train, which I highly recommend.

I would highly recommend the USAC Verona, Italy program to anyone considering a study abroad experience. It’s not just about studying in a new place; it’s about immersing yourself in Italian culture, experiencing unforgettable adventures, and creating lasting memories with friends who feel like family.

I am so happy that I chose to study abroad through USAC Verona! The program was so well planned including group trips, great classes with great professors, and many opportunities to become immersed in Italian culture. Included in our program, we were able to travel to Venice, Padova, and Lake Garda. USAC also provided us with the opportunity to meet students from Verona and become friends with them outside of school. Overall, I would really recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad. It was the best 4 months of my life!

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!

I absolutely LOVED my time in Verona! I met some of my best friend and had so many amazing experiences. Being in this city was perfect because we were in a great location to be able to travel all around Europe easily. I also love how Verona felt like the perfect middle sized city where you could immerse yourself in the culture, meet all kinds of people, and always have something new to see. The academics were a great mix of challenging, engaging, and rewarding and I feel so lucky to have had this amazing experience!

Going in I did not know anyone and it was my senior year last semester. I was hesitant as this was my first time out of the country and it would be by myself. But before the program started I felt informed and supported to start my journey. I appreciated most how communicative USAC was. I never felt lost and it helped boost my confidence. The program professors were fun and the projects were engaging and fun to do. I never felt like it was busy work and every assignment I completed contributed to what I wanted to do in my career once I was done. Verona was the perfect spot and the USAC program made the experience all the more memorable. I traveled a lot on my own to 12 other countries and experienced things I would never have gotten to if I stayed at my home university. Bi hope everyone gets the chance to go through a USAC program and I cannot recommend them more. Without them, I don’t think I would have had as positive of an experience.

Studying abroad was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. Living and learning in a new country challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt to different cultures, and gain a new perspective on the world. I not only grew academically, but also personally-building confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships along the way.

One of the best parts of the program was the opportunity to immerse myself in daily life abroad, from attending classes with local professors to exploring new cities and traditions. Every experience, big or small, helped me see the value of global connections and reminded me how important it is to be open-minded and adaptable.

I highly encourage anyone considering study abroad to take the leap. It’s an investment in yourself and your future that goes far beyond academics. The lessons I learned and the memories I made will stay with me long after graduation.

Studying abroad in Verona was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Living in northern Italy gave me the chance to step outside my comfort zone, embrace a new culture, travel, and grow both personally and academically. From daily cappuccinos in the piazza to exploring the Arena and nearby cities, every moment felt meaningful. I became more adaptable, independent, and globally aware, while building friendships and memories that turned Verona into a second home I’ll always carry with me.