GoAbroad

Alumni Interview with Erin Wilson

Here's what it's like to go on an University Studies Abroad Consortium program!

Erin Wilson

Erin Wilson

Participated in 2014Study Abroad | Italy

Erin is from South Carolina, born and raised near the beach. She went to Clemson University and has a bachelor’s in animal and veterinary science. Erin hopes to apply her love of travel, education, and her AVS degree to perhaps teach abroad one day.

Share this interview









Sunset in Torino, Italy

Torino sunset from my favorite hike in the city

What attracted you to study abroad?

I have always had a love of travel, and I decided after my sophomore year that I wanted to study abroad to have a cultural experience!

Why did you choose USAC?

Honestly, I initially chose USAC because they are one of the least expensive study abroad providers out there. I had no clue where I wanted to go or what I would study (I had a bit of freedom with my course schedule, due to being ahead in my curriculum). When I met with my adviser at school I told her that I wanted a program that was similar to my in-state tuition; she immediately directed me towards USAC.

What was your favorite part about Torino?

There are multiple favorite parts. Torino is great because it is centrally located in the continent of Europe, making it very easy to travel to other countries (especially by train, my favorite). It also has very few foreigners living in the city, so it's possible to really learn Italian, meet locals, and experience the culture of Italy. Lastly, Torino is one of the greenest cities in Italy. There is a beautiful park with sidewalks next to the Po River that runs all the way from downtown to the school. Parco Valentino was one of my favorite places to go!

What made your program unique?

This program is unique because it provides students with the option to live in the fourth largest city in Italy, but still learn about and experience the authentic culture of Italy.

How supportive were the local staff throughout your program?

The USAC staff was AMAZING. They were consistently there for us if we needed their help with anything (they helped me decipher between the different types of milk at the store!). All four of the on site staff are very knowledgeable and fluent in multiple languages, which often helped with students' travel needs.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I wish I had stayed a full year, instead of a semester.

What was a normal day like for you in Torino?

A normal day...we will use Friday as an example. Option 1: Wake up, eat, go to class, go home, go for a run or walk in the park, meet up with friends for a museum visit or stroll around the downtown shops, dinner or cook at home, head out to a local pub, maybe go dancing at a discoteca, eat a kebab, go home and sleep! Option 2: Wake up, eat, go to class, go home and grab bags, head to the train station/bus stop/airport, and leave to another country for the weekend! Have the time of my life, then return home to Torino!

I loved traveling outside of Torino, but my favorite part outside of the day-to-day schedule was simply making Torino my home. Learning the bus routes, visiting local bars (coffee shops) and gelato shops, meeting friends downtown, seeing what Torino had to offer!









Snowboarding in Bardonecchia, Italy

Boarding with friends in Bardonecchia (the ski resort that hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics) - it's just a train ride away from Torino!

What did you enjoy doing on your free time most?

Travelling! Being able to jump on a train and go visit another city in Italy, or even a new country.

What type of accommodation did you choose to have in Torino? What did you like about it? 

I chose to live near the school. Torino has three options: downtown, midtown, and by the school. I was in a shared apartment with two other girls and absolutely loved both of them. We still hang out when we can! I chose to live by the school because it would be a three minute walk to class each day, somewhere I knew I would be going almost every day. I loved it and hated it.

Waking up and going to class was SO simple and perfect, but when we wanted to go out to a museum, pub, or disco on the weekends we had to bus or take the metro downtown, usually a 30 minute commute. However, once we figured out the metro schedule (doesn't stay open ALL night) and the night bus schedule, we figured it out! If you enjoy an easy commute to somewhere you have to go every day, live in midtown or by the school. If you don't mind a commute and plan to go out a TON, then live downtown!

Now that you're home, how has studying abroad impacted your life?

More than I can even express. I have changed my career path, so I would say quite drastically. I have used my study abroad experience to help myself land jobs and internships, and it grew my confidence like crazy. I don't get as stressed about minute details or when things don't go exactly as planned. I scored an internship in my study abroad office at school as a USAC student adviser, and I even landed an internship with USAC following that! I'm so excited about pursuing my new passion of travel, international education, and study abroad work; I hope to teach English abroad as well.

Provided By:

University Studies Abroad Consortium
University Studies Abroad Consortium
8.96
1473 Reviews
Learn More

Program:

USAC Italy: Torino - Intl. Business, Politics & Architecture

Recent Interviews

Olivia Robillard

Olivia Robillard

Participated in 2024

Alumni

I have always wanted to travel, and the opportunity to travel while in school was fascinating to me! I am someone who has enjoyed school, and I knew I wanted to go to college.

Show Full Interview
Will Chamblee

Will Chamblee

Participated in 2019

Alumni

I was inspired to study abroad at Maastricht University in the Netherlands by my desire to experience a new culture, gain a global perspective, and challenge myself academically. The university's international reputation, innovative teaching methods, and vibrant city life made it an ideal choice.

Show Full Interview
Kinley Anderson

Kinley Anderson

Participated in 2024

Alumni

I have always had a love for travel. My desire to see the world beyond the states led me to study abroad. My mom also studied abroad in her college days which further inspired me to take that step toward this experience. I knew that studying abroad would be one of the best ways for me to immerse ...

Show Full Interview

Recommended Programs

Woman sitting on stairs with plant-decorated house
9.3191 reviews
USAC Spain: Alicante - European & Mediterranean Studies
University Studies Abroad Consortium

University Studies Abroad Consortium

The USAC program is based at the University of Alicante, which has a student population of 30,000 and offers two diverse academic areas: Intensiv...

A joyful group of people leaping in front of a majestic ancient temple
9.177 reviews
USAC Thailand: Chiang Mai-Southeast Asian Economic Studies
University Studies Abroad Consortium

University Studies Abroad Consortium

Chiang Mai is fondly referred to as the “Rose of the North” for its beautiful and relaxing atmosphere amidst friendly smiles, temples, and flower...

Three people on a rock by the ocean.
9.2874 reviews
USAC Spain: San Sebastián - Spanish Language & Psychology
University Studies Abroad Consortium

University Studies Abroad Consortium

The San Sebastian program opens an academic window on the Spanish and Basque people, introducing you to the rich diversity of Spain and offering ...