University Studies Abroad Consortium

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.

Studying abroad with USAC in Alicante was truly the best experience of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by the entire USAC staff. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful, especially the program director, Luis. He genuinely cares about every student, and it shows in the way he goes out of his way to make sure we’re learning, having fun, and making the most of our time abroad. You can tell the staff love what they do—they create such a positive and caring environment. Almost every weekend, we went on trips and tours of the city or nearby towns, which helped me experience so much of Alicante and its beautiful culture. Whether we were visiting museums, exploring castles, or just walking along the beach, every outing felt meaningful. I was able to see and do so much more than I ever expected. I stayed in an apartment during my time there, and it was so cozy and comfortable—it quickly felt like home. Living in the city made me feel like a real Spanish student. I got to shop at the local markets, walk to class, and immerse myself in everyday life in Alicante. Every day felt like a new adventure, whether I was trying new foods, practicing Spanish with locals, or just enjoying the view of the sea. I also learned so much from my teachers and classes. The professors were passionate, approachable, and made the material interesting and relevant. I felt like I was not only learning about the language but also truly understanding the culture and way of life in Spain. If I could do it all over again, I would go back to Alicante in a heartbeat. It’s an experience I’ll never forget, and I’m so grateful for everything USAC made possible.

Studying abroad in Madrid through USAC was a life-changing experience that exceeded all of my expectations. Not only did the program offer classes I needed to complete my minor degree, but it also gave me the chance to immerse myself in what I think is one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally rich countries. The housing accommodations were comfortable, safe, and conveniently located. Any specific requests I had were quickly addressed, which made adjusting to life in Madrid easy. The program coordinator, Sara, was outstanding—knowledgeable, approachable, and deeply committed to making our experience the best it could be. Sara even took the time to personally walk me through the neighborhood that I was living in while in Madrid. Beyond academics, the cultural experience was unforgettable. I explored the many different neighborhoods of Madrid, visited museums, and built lifelong friendships with other students in the program. Every day truly offered something new and meaningful. If you’re considering a USAC program, I can’t recommend choosing a Spanish city enough. It allowed me to expand my horizons culturally and academically. Take the leap because you won’t regret it!