At University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), we believe global academics engage and connect students — with their communities at home and abroad, cultures new and old, and the people they meet along their journeys.
International education opens the door to deeper engagement and connection as students immerse in their host culture abroad.
Situated in the eastern Highlands of Scotland, the Cairngorms mountain range is part of the largest national park in the United Kingdom. Rising over 4,000 feet at the summit, the journey to the top presents both challenges and rewards — a journey that mirrors the challenges and rewards of global education.
Whether hiking, biking, swimming, or stargazing, the Cairngorms offers the chance to focus and engage with nature and oneself, away from distractions, in much the same way that students connect more deeply with themselves and their host culture while studying abroad.
Elevate USAC — a yearlong advocacy and fundraising initiative that focuses on the value and connection that engaging, immersive study abroad experiences provide. Together, we are elevating student stories and expanding access to authentic global education for all.
Joining an Ultimate Frisbee game in Korea led Celeste to finding community and camaraderie abroad.
The love of Ultimate Frisbee transcends international borders, as Celeste found during her study abroad in Gwangju, Korea. An avid Ultimate Frisbee player in her hometown in Ohio, Celeste knew she wanted to connect with players who shared her love of the game when she went abroad. What she didn’t expect was to find a community so strong that she’d end up writing more than 50 goodbye notes when her study abroad came to its end.
Despite the language barrier, Celeste quickly found her place in Korea’s Ultimate Frisbee community. She joined local pick-up games, competed with both her host institution’s club team and a local team that won the Korea Ultimate National Club Championships, and she even practiced with the Korean women’s national team. But ultimately—see what we did there—what she found was more than a place to play. She found a family and an authentic sense of community. As Celeste explains, it’s not just that she plays Ultimate Frisbee, "It’s about the fact that I have a worldwide community of people I know I can feel at home with, wherever I go.”
Alumni - want to connect?
What’s better than recalling all your favorite study abroad memories? Sharing them with other alumni! Whether you’re looking to reminisce about your study abroad experience, check out career opportunities, or become a USAC advocate for future students, we have the alumni resources you need.
Students who study abroad gain much more than classes on their transcript. They regularly cite the life-changing benefits, whether that’s increased confidence, language skills, or open doors for new career opportunities.
Sometimes, the soft skills attained through immersive learning opportunities like study abroad can be difficult for students to quantify, which is why we created the acronym A.B.R.O.A.D. This mnemonic tool aids in highlighting the ways study abroad creates engagement — before, during, and after the experience.
Adaptable. Students who study abroad are adaptable within every community they find themselves in, whether abroad, at home, or online.
Bright. They think critically and connect deeply with academics.
Ready. Because of their study abroad experience, they are ready to engage with the world.
Open-minded. Study abroad teaches students to keep an open mind as they connect with their peers, professors, and beyond.
Analytical. They navigate issues with ease, analyzing each situation to find a solution.
Determined. Students who study abroad are determined to achieve their goals and follow through, no matter the challenge.
Learning idioms in a new language can be a fun way to connect with locals and practice the language. Zack decided to do so in not just one but three languages during his study abroad. By learning idioms in Spanish, French, and German, he gained lifelong memories, engaged with locals across multiple countries, and found deep connection across cultures.
By learning local idioms, Zack showed that he cared enough to make the effort—opening the door to new friendships, genuine human connection, and unforgettable memories.
Learn about USAC’s academic standards, Partnership and Specialty program models, standard and honors course options, and transcript and grade report outcomes.
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