Viterbo was the perfect fit for me. I would have been unhappy just being a tourist in the bigger cities like Rome and Florence, but here in Viterbo I feel like I got the richest, fullest Italian experience possible.

 

USAC student in Viterbo, Italy

About USAC

About USAC

USAC students participating on a field trip in San Ramon, Costa Rica.

USAC is a non-profit organization made up of 33 U.S. member universities that has provided quality, affordable study abroad programs for almost 30 years; USAC currently offers programs in 24 countries at 39 program sites. USAC students come from both universities in the consortium, as well as from over 700 universities nationwide. USAC Central Office and Member University staff work closely with our on-site Resident Directors and Program Coordinators to ensure that students receive personalized care and attention. USAC alumni give our programs a 93% recommendation rate.

Our mission is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, experiences and attitudes to prepare them for the global society of the 21st century. We believe study abroad is the most effective way to accomplish these goals.

 

USAC Highlights

  • University credit
  • Intensive language classes at many levels, including Basque, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Twi
  • No prior language requirement
  • Internships
  • Summer, winter, semester and yearlong programs
  • Field studies courses
  • Wide range of classes taught in English: art, art history, anthropology, biology, business, communication, cuisine, dance, ecology, economics, education, engineering, health sciences, history, literature, music, tourism, political, sciences plus many more.
  • Small class sizes
  • Outstanding foreign and U.S. university faculty
  • Classes and facilities located on-campus at local universities
  • Scholarships
  • Included field trips
  • Optional tours
  • Housing options with local university students, homestays or apartments
  • Conversation partners
  • Cultural and sporting activities

Awards and Recognitions

  • USAC program Viterbo, Italy receives “Award of Recognition” from the Mayor of Viterbo for contributions to the city and surrounding community (2011).
  • USAC organizes NAFSA: the Association of International Educators, Region XII Conference (2010)
  • The US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs awarded USAC a Certificate of Designation as a Passport Acceptance Facility (2010)
  • USAC receives recognition from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute for its social, cultural and economic impact on the country (2007).
  • “Excellence in Global Trade” certificate of commendation from the Nevada World Trade Council (NEWTRAC) and US Senator Harry Reid (2007).
  • “2007 Excellence in International Business” from the Nevada World Trade Council (NEWTRAC).
  • University of Nevada Thornton Peace Prize (2005) – For providing students with the opportunity to “grow in understanding of the world in general and of another culture in depth.”
  • Nevada State Senate Concurrent Resolution #34 (2001) - Honoring the University Studies Abroad Consortium within the University and Community College System of Nevada for providing “college students with the skills, knowledge and worldly experience to participate successfully in the world of the future.”
  • Regional Service Award from NAFSA: the Association of International Educators, Region XII (1999).
  • Proclamation from the Mayor’s Office of Reno, NV (1999) – Honoring USAC through Director Carmelo Urza for contributing to the internationalization of the community.
  • Tambor de Oro (Gold Drum) award (1995) – Honoring USAC through Director Carmelo Urza for its contributions to the dissemination of and contribution to Basque culture.