‘Tis the season to be thankful! To give us the warm and fuzzy feelings that comes with Thanksgiving, we rounded up some of our favorite alumni testimonials to highlight a few of the top reasons USAC students are thankful for study abroad.
Personal Growth
I am much more capable than I thought I was. Coming over here, I was so nervous about my ability to even make it to Scotland, and the university. I was scared I wouldn’t figure out public transportation, I wouldn’t make any friends, I wouldn’t pass my classes, or I wouldn’t stay the entire semester because I would be to homesick or something. As excited as I was for this adventure, I was twice as terrified. But having been here for three months and seeing how much I’ve learned, adapted, and grown as a person, the largest thing I have learned about myself is how capable I am, and that’s something I hope I never forget about myself after this whole experience is over. – Jamie, USAC Stirling, Scotland
Cultural Immersion
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity and support to study abroad in Alicante, Spain. This experience had been so much more meaningful to me than I had anticipated. I had done some traveling with my family before, but actually living in a different country and assimilating to the culture and ways of doing things has definitely had a greater effect on me. To immerse more in the culture, I started tutoring kids in English twice a week. I also have an Intercambio, that I meet up with to talk in Spanish and in English. I have gotten a lot more confident and enthusiastic about speaking Spanish since I have been here. I have noticed my progression of becoming more independent since being abroad. During my time abroad, I met so many open-minded, special individuals that I couldn’t imagine life without. If I could give one piece of advice to a prospective study abroad student, it would be to be present in where you are in the world and enjoy every moment of it! Living and studying in a different country is such an extraordinary journey that is unique for everyone. – Allyson, USAC Alicante, Spain
Gaining a New Perspective
I valued my time studying abroad in New Zealand as it gave me the opportunity to experience scientific education in another country. I not only got to learn about the science of New Zealand’s ecosystems and environments but also gained a new perspective on how different countries approach environmental issues with different scientific applications. As a STEM student, I find it incredibly valuable to not only experience a foreign approach of science but to see how and why different approaches are needed around the globe. – Sarah, USAC Palmerston North, New Zealand
Staff Support
This program, from the time I applied to the day I departed, was entirely supportive and eager to help. On the first and last days, and every day in between, the staff made sure I was immersed in the culture. They would coordinate everything possible for us to get an authentic experience in the Czech Republic, from intimate dinners where we learned to cook Czech cuisine, to countryside hikes and castle tours. My experience here was complete because of the effort and consideration the staff put in to make my stay worthwhile. Not to mention the proximity to other countries, where you can truly take advantage of living in Europe. Prague itself is an incredible place, and it opened my eyes to a new world filled with new friends and incomparable experiences. I highly recommend this program and this country! – Chris, USAC Prague, Czech Republic
