Italy: Viterbo - Intensive Italian Language, History, and the Arts

After an unfortunate event in Napoli for the weekend we had to head back to Viterbo earlier than expected. We decided to take a certain train out, realizing we got back too later to make our connecting train. We decided that, in order to make the right connection we had to get on a different train. We didn't have to right ticket and were taking a gamble. We got off in a town called Orte and realized that there was no train connecting but a bus, that was about to leave in 3 minutes. We sprinted to the stop and realized that we wouldn't make it. Thankfully the bus broke down giving us plenty of time for the new one to arrive. The new bus was about half way to Viterbo when it started spewing black smoke. The driver didn't stop, and kept plucking along, we ended up with a line of angry drivers behind us. At one point the driver stopped and hit some things near the engine and started driving again. We finally made it back at almost 11:00pm. And the 6 of us got pizza and wine to celebrate our crazy, eventful day.

Italy is charming- it is a slower pace of life, the people are friendly, and the cobble stone streets make perfect Instagram pictures. I expected to travel Europe, but Italy left too much to see in 4 short months- though I left the country a few times, I just wanted to explore Italy. I could tell you about all the famous landmarks in Italy and what they looked like in person- Leaning Tower of Pisa really does lean, and nothing compares to the hillside towns of Cinque Terre.
Though the landmarks are stunning and the history unfathomable, Viterbo is all about culture. The food, the architecture, and the people are unmatched in Viterbo. If you want Italian Culture, go to Viterbo. Also, if you want the best gelato ever, go to Viterbo.

Viterbo might be a small city with few clubs, but it is full of delicious restaurants, friendly locals, and great shops. It is close to Rome and therefore easy to travel to and from, so you can cost effectively see all of Europe. The USAC staff was very friendly and helpful, but let us have a huge amount of independence. I made the friends of a lifetime in Viterbo and I would go back in a heartbeat.

This was the best decision I've ever made. First and foremost, Viterbo itself is such a great place. We were close enough to the big cities that it was easy for us to travel, yet we were far enough away that we weren't surrounded by tourists and over-priced coffee. It's a traditional Italian town, with everything you'd expect...family owned cafes and pizza restaurants, little markets where you can buy local breads, cheeses, wines, and meats, piazzas with buzzing crowds, historic and beautiful scenery, and welcoming Italians. Viterbo is an absolutely wonderful place. And, as far as the program itself, it's FIVE stars easily. I can't imagine a better staff than the small and tight-knit team that worked with us. There were about 40 students in our program and we had 4 advisors on site that were so dedicated and worked hard to ensure that we had the best experience possible (not to mention all of our teachers that were there for us too). We became our own little family. Overall, I would DEFINITELY recommend Viterbo to anyone who is interested. I became so close with other students in my program, as well as with the locals around town. It was truly an authentic Italian experience that changed my life.

I studied 4 years ago in Viterbo. The town is beautiful and charming and I always felt incredibly safe. The staff is helpful to find you volunteer opportunities or anything that suits your interests. The optional tours are a must! I felt like I got to see almost everything I wanted. The classes are heavily art or international relations based, but I took the opportunity to get in touch with my artistic side. The food will change your life.

Studying abroad in Viterbo was the best decision I could have ever made. If you are someone who is looking for the traditional Italian experience, this is the place for you. Everything about it is so authentically Italian that, at times you think it's cheesy, but then you realize that you are actually in Italy and not some American resort desperately trying to be Italian. Everything about this place like the cobble stone streets, the flower boxes on every window, the fact that hardly anyone speaks English, the outdoor market, the medieval cathedrals around every corner, the incredibly generous and welcoming locals, the USAC staff, the beautiful fountains, the always entertaining nightlife, the wine guy, the food, the hot springs and the bright red poppies that grow like weeds make it the most magical place you could ever dream of calling home for a semester. Yes, Rome and Florence are wonderful, but don't sell yourself short- if you want to live in an authentic Italian city that is relatively untouched by westernization- choose Viterbo.

I loved being able to immerse myself in a smaller community and get to know the locals. While studying in Rome or Florence would have been fun I would have been one of many Americans. The best part about Viterbo was that the only Americans in the city were our classmates. No part of the city was Americanized and I felt extremely safe within the comforting walls of the city. If you're looking for an authentic study abroad experience in Italy, go to Viterbo!!!!!!

My summer abroad experience in Viterbo italy, summer session 1, 2013 was the most amazing experience of my life. The program was just structured enough to keep us busy but gave us enough free time to experience the Italian culture and travel elsewhere. The classes would challenge our american culture and way of thinking, they would teach us Italian ways, culture and history. The program leaders were so helpful and friendly. They would go out of their way to make sure we feel comfortable. I felt very safe and connected to the usac community.

Viterbo was a perfect pick for me! It gives you a chance to truly emerse yourself into the small town Italy culture and lifestyle, and only a short train ride to Rome. Viterbo is a smaller town and makes you really connect to the people and culture. It's abosolutely beautiful. Viterbo has the perfect amount of disconnect and connectionedness to the rest of the world.

USAC Program brought us on many day trips through the different classes they offered. My personal favorite experience was the south of Italy trip. We stayed in an amazing hotel with a breath taking view of the Mediterranean sea. We had freedom to explore and also have planned tours to enrich our time spent there.

I appreciate everything usac did for me and the experiences I gained through them. I strongly recommend this program!!