Study Abroad Programs

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.

This program was everything I hoped for and more. Living with a host family while attending immersive language classes made the learning process incredibly natural and effective. Instead of just memorizing words, I was using Mandarin in real conversations every day—at meals, in the markets, even during weekend family trips. The GAC team provided amazing support, and the cultural activities helped me understand China on a deeper level. If you're serious about learning Chinese and want a truly immersive experience, this is it.