USAC ENGLAND: Reading - Undergraduate Courses

During the Fall 2021 semester, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at the University of Reading in England. Although the journey to get there was long and marked by a year of deferral due to the pandemic, the experience was well worth the wait and ultimately became one of the most enriching chapters of my life. From the moment I began university, I knew I wanted to study abroad. When the time finally arrived, I was beyond excited, ready to embrace the unexpected. I chose England not only because I had family there but also because, from a young age, I envisioned spending an extended period immersed in its culture. After attending a study abroad fair during my freshman year, I gathered brochures from various programs and explored my options. Eventually, I came across USAC, which offered affordable opportunities and access to reputable universities in the UK. Despite there being only four program locations in England, I ultimately chose Reading for its proximity to popular destinations, beautiful green campus, and highly regarded business school, which aligned with my academic goals. Looking back, I couldn’t be happier with my choice. One of the highlights of preparing for the semester was connecting with fellow students ahead of time. A USAC participant reached out before the semester began and organized a group chat for everyone attending the Reading program. Meeting other students virtually before arriving made the housing process smoother and helped me transition more comfortably. One of the most rewarding aspects of studying at Reading was the incredible diversity on campus. I met students from all over the world, which not only enriched my cultural perspective but also made everyday interactions exciting and educational. From trying new foods and getting tips from local students to embracing unique cultural experiences, I made it a point to immerse myself fully. One of my most memorable experiences was a 14-mile hike along the English coastline, organized by the USAC program director. It was both challenging and breathtaking, and I still cherish the sense of accomplishment I felt. Another highlight was sharing cultural traditions with friends - my American peers and I made a classic dessert to share with our British friends, who in turn treated us to a homemade British meal. These exchanges made our friendships even more meaningful. The fast and efficient public transportation system and Reading’s central location made exploring the UK incredibly easy. I visited Oxford, just a 20-minute journey away, where I toured the historic university that inspired the Harry Potter films. A weekend trip to Snowdonia National Park in Wales left me in awe of its beauty; I’ll never forget encountering three rainbows in one day while exploring the park and nearby villages. During Reading Week, we went to Edinburgh, Scotland - a trip filled with so much joy. As the semester came to an end, I found it hard to believe it was over. The experience had exceeded my expectations in every way. I made lifelong friends, explored new places, and embraced every opportunity that came my way. My time at the University of Reading left me more independent, open-minded, and eager for future adventures. Thanks to the USAC community’s continued support, my dream of living abroad didn’t end with my semester in England. Four years later, it’s now my reality. Studying abroad transformed me, giving me skills, perspectives, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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I spent a fall semester abroad and during that time I found everything I had been missing from my life. My accommodations were in dorms with all of the other international students who were visiting England for the first time. I arrived not knowing anybody, but within my first night I had made a dozen lifelong friends. We traveled and explored together and went to all of the university events and outings! I got a chance to solo travel as well, exploring Venice and Barcelona and immersing myself in all different cultures. It was so easy to meet people even outside of my accommodation, as I joined the water polo team and was able to experience something I love in a different setting. Nothing has compared to the time I spent abroad, and I am planning to return after graduation!

I have had such an amazing experience studying in Reading. The town is beautiful, and it gives you perfect insight into British life. USAC was amazing! The program director was always available to provide guidance or support, and the arranged events were great for building a sense of community within the program. I have had such an amazing, insightful, special experience and cannot recommend this program enough!

This semester changed my LIFE. I was able to put down roots across the ocean and meet lifelong friends from all over America, Europe, and even Australia and Canada. The pre-arranged USAC activities as well as time off from school allowed me to travel to Scotland, Denmark, and Italy, among other places, and I had the best time being immersed in other cultures and building my global knowledge and experience.

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My experience abroad was the most enriching, educational, and rewarding time of my life. The places I was able to visit, the history I was able to relive, and the people I was able to experience it with. Those impactful and incredible three months are ones that I will never forget and will be forever blessed by. I 10/10 recommend you take advantage of this time of life and do a study abroad! Make it happen, put in the work, find scholarships, it is so so worth it.

I spent a semester hopping around from city to city and country to country with some of my now best friends. The uni I was at gave us enough leeway to get to travel for long weekends as well as a week off in February and a three week spring break. The classes were very similar to my home university's but the grading system was very different. The first week of the semester they have events called uni-days. It is where all of the students get together on and off campus for really fun activities. And the program I was with did an orientation followed by a day trip the next day which is where I met my travel buddies. We were close enough to London to go in and out whenever we wanted and the town of Reading had a great transportation system.

My study abroad experience changed my life. Before I left my home in Minnesota, I was shy and sheltered. I had never flown or left the country and even when I moved to college my best friend came with me. I had never been on my own. So to be thrown onto a plane flying to another country all alone was terrifying, but it was also the reason for the single greatest experience of my life. The University of Reading was my home for three months. I joined the football (soccer) team, spent countless pounds on coffee, and met some fantastic people who I remain in steady contact with today. Joining football was a good decision on my part. I was nervous at first, but that team supplied me with the best costume parties, dance nights, and football matches I've ever had. When I was not in Reading, my home away from home, I was traveling Europe. This is the part everyone who even considers studying abroad is excited for. I was nervous about traveling alone, but was fortunate enough to make some friends who were from the United States and Australia. We started in France, then went to Ireland, Greece, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. These trips were spread throughout the three months I was in Europe. I must say, while studying abroad is meant to be about studying, traveling the world is so fulfilling as well. I learned an incredible amount of life skills and a lot about myself as well. Some say three months in a foreign country is too long, some say it is too short, but it was the perfect amount of time for me. By the time December rolled around I was homesick for my family and friends. I knew my time in England was finished, but that the many memories I made would last me a lifetime. Now that is not to say I am not dying to go back to Europe, but my time there affected my life in ways I never imagined. I am more outgoing now, and find myself taking chances to travel and explore new things. I absolutely urge anyone who is even slightly interested in studying abroad to take a chance. No matter where you decide to study I promise it will give you a sense of wonder and fulfillment you didn't even know you needed.

I went to the Reading, England program with USAC. It was a great program because it gave me an opportunity to really immerse myself in British culture since it was a partnership program. All my classes were through University of Reading, and I am a Microbiology major. I would highly recommend this program for those majoring in a science. There are so many opportunities and cool classes you can take at Reading Uni. It’s also a beautiful city that is only a half hour train ride from London.