USAC Italy: Reggio Emilia-Education, Communication & Health

I've had an incredible time studying abroad in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Every day I find myself in a new adventure, meeting new people, and immersing myself in the culture here. USAC has done an incredible job at making me feel safe, supported, and comfortable. Academically, I feel scaffolded to learn new information about the community and the Reggio Emilia approach, combining the perfect mix of theoretical and practical study. Socially, this community has been an amazing place, filled with weekly events, concerts, and just a welcoming town feeling in general. This has definitely been an experience of a lifetime.

The best part about Reggio Emilia is it is not super crowded with tourists. It’s a small city full of life where you can meet Italian locals and truly immerse yourself in the culture. I loved being able walk and get gelato whenever I wanted, then explored using easy access to bus transportation to the mall and movie theater and then to the train station too. The local cuisine is also phenomenal, erbazzone is devine and each Wednesday during the summer the piazza’s are full of energy with dancing, concerts and so much more. The planned field trips were amazing from trying balsamic vinegar to even exploring a castle there is something for everyone. The support from the program directors is excellent, they were always there for all my questions and made the program feel like home.

Studying abroad in Reggio Emilia, Italy was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. Through this program, I met so many amazing people and explored many beautiful places that allowed me to fully immerse myself in the rich Italian culture in this area. Our program directors were so incredibly helpful, making us feel welcomed and supported throughout the entire experience. Study abroad will always be one of my favorite memories in college and an amazing experience I will always treasure and look back on.

I decided to study abroad one day when I felt stuck in my college town. I was looking for something new and decided to look into it. That’s when I realized Italy would be a great fresh new start making new friends experiencing new culture trying new food and so on. I got the chance to redo the way I think and experience life and for that I’m forever grateful.

I have been abroad multiple times, but this time was obviously different. Living in a small town is what I loved because every single morning, you would see most of the same people, walk the same path, and see different things. What was special was that in Reggio Emilia, not a lot of locals spoke english, so you had to try to speak Italian. Once you saw them every day, they would know your order, and try to speak english to you and they loved seeing you. It was a great experience.

The Reggio Emilia program through USAC was such an amazing experience! The program advisors, were so helpful and were willing to help with anything. The professors were super knowledgeable and the workload was manageable. During this time I met so many amazing people and made life long connections!

While going abroad seemed very daunting the staff at USAC made my trip so smooth. I knew I could reach out to anyone at anytime and they would do their best to help me out. Everyone was super welcoming and provided friendly faces in a foreign country. I would do that semester over 100 times because of how amazing it was

My time in Reggio Emilia was genuinely the best. The apartment living forced me to really immerse myself in the language and culture. The friends I gained made the experience for me. We still talk because we just got that close through the program. The tight-knit structure of USAC was really everything I wanted and more.

I hold this study abroad experience in Reggio Emilia so so so close to my heart. I loved the town, fantastic food, friendly people, the program has really good staff. I loved meeting everyone in my program and around the town. I had the opportunity to travel a lot around Italy, you can do some great day trips from Reggio Emilia as well. 10/10 definitely recommend

I hold this study abroad experience in Reggio Emilia so so so close to my heart. I loved the town, fantastic food, friendly people, the program has really good staff. I loved meeting everyone in my program and around the town. I had the opportunity to travel a lot around Italy, you can do some great day trips from Reggio Emilia as well. 10/10 definitely recommend

I studied in Reggio Emilia in Spring 2024. As a Child Education and Italian Studies double major, this program was extremely relevant to my studies. Besides the academics, the Reggio Emilia community was amazing, I made friends for life during my time abroad. Simona and Elena, the program directors, are super kind and helpful, they really cared about us and made me feel at home. This program was an experience of a lifetime, I traveled solo, as well as with friends, and became more confident in myself and in my capability to be independent! My American friends all lived together in apartments, while I lived with Italian students to strengthen my Italian speaking skills. I am still in touch with everyone I made connections with in Reggio Emilia, and I even have plans to see some of them this year! I highly recommend this program, I miss it everyday!

Studying abroad can sound very intimidating and a little bit scary, but if you're even considering it, DO IT!! I definitely had my doubts before choosing to study abroad; how would I afford it, where would I go, would I make friends, how would I navigate a whole new country alone?! But, I chose to do it and it was even better than I imagined! I lived in Reggio Emilia which is a smaller city in Italy and I think that was a great choice for me. It was a spot where not as many tourists went so it felt a little bit like home, as I am from a smaller town. But, I was still close to the bigger cities and I traveled there on the weekends. Studying abroad has changed how my outlook on life. I take time to enjoy life more and live a slower life. I am more focused on taking care of myself and spending time with the people I love rather than letting school and work consume me. Living in Italy was a big change for me because they were much more laid back and more focused on enjoying life and being your family and friends. I physically felt my stress levels decrease when I was there, even though I was still taking classes. I found the time to do schoolwork and go to class and still have plenty of time to hangout with my friends and travel. The experience has made me more confident, open-minded, and appreciative of the little things in life. So, like I said before, if you are thinking about studying abroad, just do it!! You won't regret it!

I had a great and humbling experience living in Italy for 5 months. I gained lifelong friends and a different perspective on life. The only negative aspect was not getting more informed about the rent situation. A lack of information was provided for everyone in my program which led to a negative financial position. Overall, I did not let that stop me from having a positive experience traveling the world, meeting new people, and having incredible food.

I was always interested in studying abroad and the life-changing experiences it would offer but wow, truly one of the most transformative experiences. Before my departure, I was hoping to immerse myself in a new culture, eat amazing pizza, and connect with people across the country but my time abroad brought me so much more. Going abroad, I learned how to navigate daily tasks and transportation, live in a foreign country, self-advocate, embrace the discomfort, and appreciate all the things I had waiting for me back home. Was it all easy and a breeze? No. It was hard to acclimate and learn the norms; however, I am so grateful for all of it because it has changed who I am today. Getting to travel and see a whole new world gave me a deeper appreciation for different cultures and the norms that come along with them. My time was full of laughs, amazement, and an eagerness to see more! The slight discomfort for a wide range of new skills and experiences is not even a question. Your time abroad can not be fit into a college course, they are valuable lived experiences that set you apart. Go abroad, go do it!

Spending a year abroad in Italy was one of the best experiences of my life. Experiencing a different culture, exploring a beautiful country, and making lifelong friends are just a few of the reasons why I fell in love with studying abroad. I highly recommend studying abroad for a year to anyone who is even slightly interested, provided you have the funds and means to do so. As a Child Development major, I was extremely grateful to witness firsthand how children learn using the Reggio Emilia Approach to Learning. The program also required us to take an Italian language class, which allowed us to immerse ourselves even more deeply into the culture. With the freedom to travel on weekends, I was able to visit 25 different cities, 8 different countries, and cross 5 items off my personal bucket list. I wouldn’t change anything about my experience living in Reggio Emilia, Italy, for a year-long program. If I had one piece of advice for anyone planning to study abroad, it would be this: Make every adventure, memory, and experience count.

I have always wanted to explore a new country/culture and I knew studying abroad is one way to immerse myself. At first, I was hesitant about going abroad due to the cost, going to an unfamiliar place without friends and family, and the possibility of being "alone." However, making the decision to go abroad was the best things I could have done for myself. I was able to interact with the culture and people from Italy. USAC provided me with all of the necessary things to survive in this new county. I made bonds with the people in our program through orientation and the activities organized. With these new friendships, we were able to explore different regions of Italy and even other countries in Europe! If you are feeling nervous or scared, just know this is normal, but pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is the only way you will create memorable memories. I do not regret this one bit, matter of fact, I wish I could go back and experience it once more. Savor your time there, everything will go by so so quickly!!!

I spent five weeks in Reggio Emilia and loved every second! I fell in love with the city and the local community. I took Italian cooking, international education approaches, and intercultural communication. The professors were great, and I learned a lot. I loved the group trips, including a cheese factory tour, a balsamic vinegar cellar, and trip to Rimini and Bologna. The onsite program advisors were great and really cared about us! I loved traveling on the weekends, it was truly an adventure! I got to experience the authentic Italian lifestyle in Reggio as well as experience some of the bigger and more touristy areas on the weekends, I already want to go back!!

I truly could not imagine a better study abroad experience. From the moment I met my program advisors, Elena and Simona, I felt so welcomed and so safe into any situation. My program was so great at giving us all the possible tools we would possibly need for navigating life in Reggio Emilia and international travel. There were so many special experiences planned for us, such as visiting the parmesan cheese factory, the Ferrari museum, or touring cities such as Bologna and Modena. Communication regarding school and living situations was very clear and there were so many staff members on board to help us with the experience. Aside from the USAC program itself: it was an amazing and eye opening experience. I met so many new friends, got to travel internationally and experience wonderful new countries and cities, I expanded my perspective on our world, and most of all I miss having a cappuccino and Nutella croissants every single day!

When deciding where to study abroad, I never thought that living locally would be the best route to go. I can now say it was amazing! My friends and I quickly became familiar with the area, allowing us to feel like residents. We spent mornings at local coffeeshops and weekends at the markets or taking day trips to places like Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast! Because of this trip, I have grew tremendously, feeling more confident in my capabilities and deepening my understanding of the world around me.

Studying abroad in Reggio Emilia, Italy truly opened my eyes to an endless amount of potential opportunities and completely succeeded in bringing me out of my comfort zone. By the time of my departure, I was extremely impressed with what I was able to accomplish and endure. During my time in Reggio Emilia, I was able to create lifelong friendships with people from my university, people from other American universities, and people from the university in Reggio Emilia. I’ve created bonds and lived experiences with these individuals that I will never be able to recreate. We were able to lean on each other, and our amazing advisors (Simona and Elena) through cancelled trains, homesicknesses, navigating pharmacies when we needed medications, and unexpected allergic reactions. Additionally, the academic aspect while studying abroad helped me gain a new perspective from professors who have studied outside of the United States. My professor, Marilisa Malizia, did an amazing job at challenging us to view topics from a global perspective while also taking us on many field trips to gain firsthand experiences.

I studied abroad in Reggio Emilia in the summer of 2023 for both sessions one and two. It was an incredible experience and I am so glad that I did it through USAC. The staff were so friendly and helpful and made sure that you got to know the people that were studying with you. The professors were super friendly and helpful as well, I learned so much when I was studying health in Reggio Emilia. The culture of the town was incredible and eye opening for me, and I can't even explain how amazing the food was!! I would recommend this program to anyone that has the option to do it!

I could not have asked for a better study abroad experience. My program director made me feel so at home, and I loved the charming city of Reggio Emilia. Reggio's culture, food, and atmosphere are incredibly welcoming, and USAC did an excellent job of bringing our study-abroad cohort closer through planned activities, excursions, and trips. I am so thankful for the lifelong friendships and wonderful memories of this beautiful city. I also loved my professors and the learning experiences we had. Not many other programs will take you on field trips to see what you are learning in real-time. Also, the location of Reggio Emilia makes it incredibly easy to travel to all of the bigger cities in Italy and to get the whole Italian experience. I loved every second of my study abroad in Reggio Emilia!

When I was abroad, I took the most amazing classes from local Italian professors. I experienced Italian culture in my classes by taking Italian Cuisine and Elementary Italian. In Italian cuisine, we learned to make so many dishes, including some that are native to the region, at a local hostel with an amazing teacher who was so warm and welcoming. We visited the Parmigiano Reggiano site, the Ferrari factory, and the lovely city of Verona as part of the program. I got to take classes about Multicultural Education, Comparative Education, and Models of Teaching, all while working in a Reggio Emilia style classroom. The leaders of this program were so incredibly helpful. Whenever I needed anything, I knew exactly who to reach out to. They helped me with everything, from grocery shopping, to receiving mail, to going to the doctor. This was such an amazing experience and I'm so grateful.

Deciding to go Abroad was an easy and exciting decision, of course as the time got closer I became more nervous for my new adventure. Once I fully arrived meeting new people and my amazing advisors became helpful. I spent the next few months making close friends with local peers, exploring Europe on my own, trying new foods, and really loving my experience. This opportunity has not only been an amazing life experience but an amazing academic one, I discovered what I wanted to do in my next few years academically. This has really helped me grow independently and realize what I am capable of and realize there is a big world out there and I want to go see it!

Being able to live that experience in Reggio Emilia has left a great impression on me. The people, the city, the food, the life, all this created a unique atmosphere. Reggio Emilia, besides having an INCREDIBLE parmiggano cheese and a delicious ERBAZZONE, accompanies me every morning with a cappuccino. Reggio is a medium-sized city where you immediately feel at home, you feel part of Italy and you immediately know its streets and feel that it can be a home. Besides, the course I took there taught me a lot and has opened up opportunities for me abroad as well. I am very grateful, if you have the opportunity, don't hesitate! Reggio, I miss you <3

From start to finish this was the best experience of my life. Not only did I learn about the Italian culture, received further insight on my degree choice, but I got to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Reggio Emilia is a hidden gem! It gives a smaller-town feel, which completely embraces you in the culture. The language barrier was a bit difficult at first, but the people in the town are so friendly and are there to help you! Reggio is also one of the cheaper programs that USAC offers, so if money is a trouble, it wouldn't be a bad idea to look here! Traveling is also so easy due to the high-speed train station in the town, & there are so many beautiful places to visit that are just a short train ride away. The classes I took were both educational and fun, and some even offer field-trips outside of class. Best of all was the relationships I made while studying abroad. The friendships I made will truly last me a lifetime, and our program advisors became our "Italian moms" while we were over there. My time in Reggio is a time I will never forget!

Going to Reggio Emilia was one of the best experiences of my life. I met people from all over the US and got to experience so many new things. I learned how to be more independent while there as I did not have anyone I knew around. I was only there a short time, but I loved it so much that I want to move to Europe when I graduate.

I traveled to Reggio-Emilia, Italy in the summer of 2023. Before going, I was worried about making friends, the language barrier, and all of the differences. However, staying in Reggio truly made my experience better than anything I could've ever imagined. The people I met were all so amazing and kind; I can truly say that I have made some lifelong friends. The location was gorgeous, and my favorite part about it was how authentic my experience really felt! Since I was placed in such a small town, everyone there spoke Italian, which made it feel like I was really immersing myself into the culture! I'm so happy I was able to pick a place that wasn't too touristy; that's for traveling on the weekends! Speaking of, I got to go to SO MANY places on the weekends both in northern and southern Italy! Anything you can imagine, it's possible! This program is so great, and I would tell anyone interested to just go for it despite any hesitations you have. I was able to not only learn about the culture, the language, the educational approaches, but most importantly, I learned more about myself than I have in my entire life. I'm so grateful for the experience and wish I could go back!

I studied abroad in Reggio Emilia, Italy last summer (2022). I decided to live in a homestay with a family of 3, in which I learned so much Italian and was completely immersed in a new culture. I made the best group of friends (in which we reunited this year in the United States and plan to reunite once every year with hopes of returning to Reggio Emilia one day). I was able to explore Italy, such as Rome, Pisa, Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice, Rimini, and a handful of other places! I got to try so many authentic Italian dishes, as well as increase my knowledge of Italian. I also took three courses while abroad and the cooking class was definitely my favorite! I would not trade this experience for the world, and I wish that I could relive it!

I have never been more happy of a decision that I made for myself. Studying abroad was so life changing for me in so many ways. I got to meet and travel around Europe with other students from all over the US. I got to further my education for wanting to become a teacher by taking classes that had different perspectives on approaches to education and teaching! I got to eat the most amazing food and try so many new experiences i normal way would not do in the US. Most importantly, I got to do this experience for myself and learn and grow in a whole new way while being immersed in the Italian culture! Reggio Emilia will forever be a second home to me and will always have a special place in my heart!

As much as I hate to admit it, I was very nervous about going abroad. I didn't know anyone in my program. and the most Italian I knew was Ciao. That quickly changed, I'm at the age of 20 where you make a lot of big decisions, but this was by far the best one I've ever made. I made so many friends from all over the United States and the continent of Europe and had life-changing experiences I will never forget. I will never forget everything from paragliding in Switzerland to a boat cruise in Croatia, scootering around Rome, and many other memories. I could not ask for a better program. The directors of my program Simona and Sofia were so helpful with my experience abroad, it would have not been nearly as enjoyable or easy without them. They helped me navigate bus stations, gave great advice about here I was saying, and even helped me communicate with doctors when I was sick. They were my family away from home. Reggio Emilia was a great city to study in because I felt like I was a part of the community. I had my local coffee shop I went to in the mornings to get my coffee to start the day. I joined a gym and learned to box with the local Italians. USAC allowed me to volunteer at a local high school and teach kids American Culture while they taught me Italian Culture. I also helped run an English Speaking club for students. We also did a lot of fun activities in groups with our program, my favorite was going to the Ferrari Factory. My classes were really enjoyable, and I learned a lot in them, they were useful for both my experience abroad and also taught me skills that I will apply further in my career. I learned Italian from my class, and still continue it on Duolingo. I even met my girlfriend here. I really recommend this program to anyone who wants to go abroad. It is in a great location, having a speed train station in Reggio Emilia, and Bologna airport being less than a half-hour train ride away. My only complaint about the program is I had to eventually go home.

My time spent as a student in Reggio Emilia, Italy will be cherished for as long as I live. I have no doubt in my mind that the quality of my education, on-site support system, living accommodations, cultural excursions, and interactions with other students/locals has changed me as a person. I got to see different perspectives of my future career through enriching courses during the day, have the best food and friendship over meals, and explore bucket-list cities on the weekends. I felt so cherished by the program hosting me, supporting me with anything I needed - and I mean ANYTHING. The only negative thing about my experience is that it couldn't last forever! Take any chance you can get to study abroad. You'll never be the same in the very best way!

As I was there, time flew past and it almost felt like the whole thing was a dream. Every day I was able to learn something new, meet new people, and see an exciting new world. The program provided assistance in any problems that came up and they provided support. The people in the program felt like family and they responded to my needs with love and patience. I am more than lucky to have had an opportunity to participate in this program.

Reggio Emilia was the perfect location to study abroad. All students could find a place to blend in, whether outgoing or introverted. As a member of the LGBTQ community, this city welcomed me with open arms. Reggio Emilia is engulfed with culture, innovation, and good vibes all around. The location of the city made it easy to travel all across Italy. Reggio Emilia is one of the most cost-friendly USAC programs which allowed me to not stress about money. The professors and USAC employees care about their job and are very passionate. I came into this experience nervous, but the truth is, leaving is harder than arriving. I would recommend this city to anyone who enjoys culture, food, and small-town vibes with easy access to big cities.

I had the most amazing 6 months in Italy. I had always dreamed about visiting Italy and the USAC program was able to make my dreams come true. Not only did I finally live my dream of visiting Italy, but I spent 6 whole months living in a quaint Italian city. I met the most amazing people, from other USAC students who were abroad to the USAC teachers and advisors. It was the most ideal experience I could have imagined for myself when going abroad. I am grateful that I decided to pursue my dream of studying abroad and I am glad that I chose USAC to help me make that happen. I miss it everyday, and am already longing to go back to Italy, and specifically visit the city I lived in.

This chance to study abroad was my first time leaving the states. I am one to want all my information before I leave and I was provided step by step what I needed. I did need help applying and I was heavily supported from friends and family. I loved being able to travel and meet new friends who, to this day, we still keep in contact. It was an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.

Reggio Emilia is a small Italian town but I wouldn’t ever change the city I went to. I loved the city because it was small, I was able to be fully immerse. It sometimes is hard to say I loved it because nobody spoke a lot of English there but that is why loved it since everywhere I went I had to practice my Italian. As far as academics, there was a wide variety of class choices from psych to culture. The accent of some professors interfered with my learning but that is expected. Overall, I would 10/10 recommend everyone to go on this program. The coordinators are extremely helpful!

I had a very fun time while studying abroad. I struggled with some of the staff because some things were poorly executed. I made great friends and had a great time traveling around, these friends truly made this experience incredible.

I had the best time and most life changing experience studying abroad. I loved the location of Reggio Emilia because it was a northern, authentic, Italian town that allowed me to really immerse myself in the culture! I learned and experienced so much. It gave me a new perspective and outlook on life that I have taken back with me to America. I already want to go back. It truly opened my eyes to the world.

I miss Reggio Emilia every single day. I was worried about studying in a smaller city before arriving. I am so glad I did! Studying in Reggio allowed me to have a true Italian living experiences with almost no tourist. The city is charming, filled with cute shops, restaurants and coffee shops. The USAC staff did an amazing job at making everyone feel comfortable in their new home. All my questions were answered quickly! The hospitality I felt was 10/10! My classes were challenging and teachers were caring. I met my best friend in this program and am so thankful for that. On the last day of my program, I was so sad and wished I had signed up for a year abroad. HIGHLY RECOMMEND STUDYING IN REGGIO :)

Ciao a tutti! Are you an education student dreaming of traveling the world? Good news - there’s a place out there that allows you to do both. Located in Northern Italy is a town not familiar to most. Authentic Italian conversation floods its cobblestone streets, as scents from the afternoons Apertivo’s fill the air. This little town is known for creating the country’s flag, and better known for their Early Childhood Education method - The Reggio Approach. The study abroad program through USAC in Reggio Emilia, Italy will give any college education student what they’re hoping for & then some. And if you’re anything like me, this program will be life-changing for you, too. Before going to college I knew I wanted to study abroad. I wasn’t sure where I would go or when I would be able to, but I knew I was going to make it happen. I also knew that I was meant to be a teacher. Because of this, it was important for me to find a program that offered education courses while still giving me the chance to travel often. Luckily, USAC Reggio Emilia was introduced to me by a classmate and the anticipation set in from there. During my Spring 2019 semester in Europe, I took advantage of the many educational opportunities that were offered. The professors in Reggio Emilia fostered a learning environment that welcomed foreign students in with open arms. Class assignments were manageable (even if some had to be completed on the way home from a long-weekend in Ireland…), and the espresso vending machines were always a nice start to the school days! Along with capable professors, the USAC directors (Hi Simona and Giulia!!) planned various field trips and gatherings that allowed our group to get to know one another outside of the classroom as well. This resulted in some of the best memories and fast friendships that started forming almost immediately. This program also offered several volunteering opportunities and internships for those that wanted to further their studies on a field experience level. As an Elementary Major with a Kindergarten Endorsement, I was eager to learn about the infamous Reggio Approach in hopes that I could take some of what I would learn back to my own classroom someday. So, I applied to volunteer at the Preschool in town and spent a few hours every week observing and learning alongside the Italian teachers. This experience opened my eyes to Italy's school system as a whole - and it was amazing to see the Reggio Approach in practice by the educators that know it best. For those unfamiliar with this teaching method, it values student-centered learning and emphasizes real-life experiences rather than fixed curriculums. The Reggio Approach gives students the chance to take responsibility in their own learning, all while infusing creativity into their daily academics. And while there are pros and cons to all teaching styles, this method seemed to create the most welcoming environment for all those that entered it - no matter if you were fluent in Italian or not. Ha! Above all else, Reggio Emilia is a home away from home. It is a quiet place to come back to after a long weekend away in a big city. Its’ cafes give you a place to converse with new friends, study for class, or plan your next adventure. And the city center has just enough selection so that you can see and get to know the locals on a regular basis. This atmosphere creates a small-town feel that gives newcomers a sense of belonging in such a short amount of time. Although I have to admit, I was a little hesitant when I first considered this city as a place to study abroad. I had always imagined I would live in a well-known, Americanized city that would make my time abroad a little more convenient. As we all know, though, the best things in life never come easy. I am so glad I went for the unknown. Living in Reggio forced me out of my comfort zone and connected me to a foreign place that now has such a big piece of my heart. This pretty city holds stories that would be much different if I would have chosen a brighter dot on the map, and ultimately helped me realize that the hidden gems are more often the ones worth finding. Reggio Emilia is my home away from home. And it can be yours, too. Live a life outside of your comfort zone and walk the cobblestone streets for yourself - it might just be the best decision ever. Abigail VanBergen USAC Reggio Emilia, Italy Spring 2019

Studying abroad in Reggio Emilia has been one of the biggest highlights of my life thus far. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to choose a program in Italy, and Reggio couldn't have been more perfect for what I was looking for. The size is ideal-not too huge, but it doesn't feel like a tiny little town either. My apartment was located directly in the city center which was so cool. I was walking distance from fun stores as well as countless coffee bars and restaurants. My apartment was located directly above the cutest coffee shop. The employees were quick to recognize us and always were so kind when we attempted to order in our elementary level Italian. Italy as a whole is known for it's amazing cuisine, but Reggio and the surrounding region is truly in my opinion the food capital of Italy. School and the train station was only a very short walk away from all of the USAC apartments in the city. Reggio is also located in an ideal spot to be travel around the rest of Europe. It is a quick train ride away from the Bologna airport which always had the best deals on flights. It is also just a quick train ride away from most other parts of Italy and it's bordering countries. As if the local community, housing, and food weren't enough, the USAC staff and especially the program director, are the absolute BEST. They always went so above and beyond to help us in any way possible (even outside of their office hours) and to make us feel comfortable in our home away from home. They made me feel like I had someone to go at any time at all, even if it was just to talk. All of my professors were very kind and understanding, and the Italian cuisine teacher is one of the greatest humans I have ever met. Taking a cooking class in Italy taught by the most loving lady, is a memory that I will forever hold dear to my heart. Reggio is world renowned for it's teaching approach, and the USAC staff set me up so that I would be able to volunteer and observe in one of the cities local preschools. They also provided several really fun field trips that revolved around amazing food and even cars. For one of my class field trips, we went to a local retirement home in Reggio to spend time with some of the residents, and see how their operations differ than retirements here in the States. For another, we spent a class period learning how to make homemade pasta and making two types that Reggio is famous for. I was presented with the best opportunities that focused around things I was actually interested in. I cannot say enough good things about Reggio Emilia. I am confident that I got an authentic Italian experience during these 4 months. It's a unique experience to be able to get to know locals by name and they recognize you. I felt so safe during my time there, and I am already counting down the days until I can return to this little piece of heaven on earth. Choosing Reggio Emilia was one of the best things that I have ever done! I made Italian friends there that I still keep in close contact with, and I also met the greatest group of friends that I now have back in the states. So grateful for this experience!

Studying abroad in Reggio Emilia was the greatest decision I ever made. I chose this city for the education approach that is famous from here. While a small city, I think Reggio Emilia is perfect as everything is within walking distance, the food is absolutely to die for (the best in Italy I think!), the weather is very nice (fall semester- hot when I arrived, temperate most of the time, and cold by the time I left) , and there is just such a homey feel. The city itself is quite charming, there are some great theaters to catch an opera or show, great (and free) museums, architecture, history, tons of cafes, bars, restaurants, and gelaterias, and cute piazzas and parks to hang out in. The location is also nice for traveling, Bologna is 40 minutes away, Milan, Venice, and Florence are all about 2 hours train ride in various directions. Take a high speed train and be in Rome or the south of Italy in just a few hours. I think the part that really made this trip exceptional though, were the people. The USAC staff in Reggio Emilia are all very kind and dedicated to making sure you have the best experience! There are also tons of field trips to really unique cities or places in the area. There are many opportunities to get involved in the community. With a small town vibe, you will likely get to know people from around the city. I also stayed with a host family which was 100% worth it. The hospitality of this city is truly unmatched. I felt so immersed, welcomed, and loved in Reggio Emilia. A piece of my heart will always live in this beautiful city.

Studying in Italy has been the highlight of both my academic career and my life! I wish I could have studied abroad even longer, but I'm grateful I was able to go for a semester. Reggio Emilia has become my second home and I intend to make regular visits there to reunite with old friends, as well as to share it with my friends and family from the U.S. My Italian language improved immensely, I made both American and European friends for life, I was able to knock out some credits for my degree and I got to travel Europe and experience an incredible amount of growth in only 7 months! I am a passionate advocate for study abroad and USAC is one of the best programs to go through because they really prepare you for the experience and their programs are well-rounded.

Studying abroad in Reggio Emilia is by far one of the best decisions I made during my undergraduate career. The reason I chose this city in particular is two-fold. One, is I am Italian so I wanted to know more about my cultural background. Two, I had a friend that had studied in this same city two years prior. USAC locates itself in smaller, less touristy cities. Reggio Emilia, likely being the smallest of the ones in Italy, is a great city to really immerse yourself in the Italian culture. Life will slow down and socialization will become a life focus. This is really the beauty of Italy. The people of this city are all welcoming, especially the people who are closer to college age. You get to know everyone and really create a bond with people that will last forever. Reggio Emilia is in the northern area of Italy, and close to Bologna which is the big city nearby. It is easy to travel from Reggio to other Italian cities and countries. Having the ability to walk 15 minutes max to hop on the train and go anywhere is a great feeling. It allows you to live the traveling lifestyle that study abroad is designed to have. The experiences that you have, the friends that you will make (inside the program and outside), the language you will become accustomed to, the culture you will live by, the delights from the food and gelato that you will eat, and the home that you will never want to leave will be found in Reggio Emilia. I give this program and this city my highest recommendation as a destination for study abroad.

Reggio Emilia was an amazing city and an experience I will never forget! I felt so at home and the staff was very welcoming to us. The city had little tourists, so it was authentic and felt very real. When I traveled to more popular cities in Italy, I felt like it wasn't the same. Reggio Emilia was my home and I can't wait to return one day. Not to mention..the GELATO and PIZZA!! Pure heaven :)

Reggio Emilia is a small town, but it's filled with love. What's good about studying abroad in a small town is that you really get to know the area that you are living in. You're also surrounded with locals, so if you want to learn more about the culture and practice the language, this is the place that you want to be. The coordinators for this program are the best! They're super nice and they will assist you with anything that you need. You'll have a fantastic time if you choose this program.

My semester in Reggio Emilia, Italy, was the best of my life. I made amazing friends from across America and the world. I had the chance to travel the country every weekend. I learned more outside the classroom than in it, although the class experiences were great (although it was a little hard to get used to the Italian learning style). 10/10 would recommend this program to ANYONE.

I had such an amazing time in Italy! Everyone is so nice and attentive! I miss Reggio so much. I highly suggest for anyone to go and take this opportunity to learn yet to find oneself. I really did enjoy the culture and the food. People in Reggio are so nice and you get to learn a lot about the Italian culture.

I attended a summer session in 2015 and absolutely loved it. Reggio Emilia is the perfect size, large enough that there are always new streets, restaurants, etc. to explore, but small enough that it's hard to get lost. All the classes involved a fun/informative field trip. The program allowed for a payment plan, which was very helpful for me. In our first few days we received a tour of town and they took us on our first train ride to walk us through the system. It was not highly immersive for me, because I lived in an apartment that exclusively hosted USAC students, but that made it easy to bond with the other exchange students. Overall, I loved my experience.

I was a part of the first Reggio Emilia full semester program. It was life changing and amazing, but it was apparent that we were the first. I did not care for my apartment, nor location, as it was just by the train station and it didn't feel safe. I also had an incident with one of my adviser where I didn't get the help I needed. I loved Reggio.. appreciated how small it was, and I really felt like I was immersed. However, I wish I could have gotten a bigger city experience.

Studying in Reggio-Emilia was the best decision I could have made for myself and for my education. The apartment I stayed in was the perfect location, conveniently located to the city center as well as to my classes. Reggio is a smaller town with beautiful piazzas where you will get an authentic Italian experience. The friends I made through the program, as well as the Italian friends, are friends that I will have for a lifetime. The atmosphere of Reggio is very social. I can't tell you how many times the locals walked up to us just to talk (they love to help you practice your Italian too!) What made my experience what it was, was how wonderful the staff was! From the moment I arrived at the hotel that first night, I was greeted with excitement. This excitement for my visit never waivered throughout the entirety of my program. They were always there if I needed help, making sure I got the most out of my experience. They made me feel welcome from the moment I met them. Reggio is a place I hold dear to my heart and am looking forward to the day I can return.

This was a once in a lifetime experience for me! My study abroad with USAC in Reggio Emilia, Italy was amazing. This was truly an authentic city & well organized program. The staff is great, very supportive, accommodating, and helpful. I really enjoyed the classes and the built in field trips allowed me to explore many new places I would have never known about. I loved my apartment located in the beautiful city center, it was affordable & because of the perfect location I met tons of locals & really felt at home. Thank you USAC Reggio program & staff!