At University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), we believe global education expands perspectives, elevates opportunity, and empowers students to navigate the world with confidence and purpose.
For nearly 45 years, we’ve witnessed the lasting impact of international education. Through transformative study abroad journeys, students broaden their worldview, deepen their understanding of others, and return home more confident, curious, and engaged as global citizens.
Volcán Barva offers visitors the chance to find the greater view, both physically and metaphorically. The peak rises over 9,500 feet and offers incredible views to the east and west — on the east, Laguna de Barva, a lake situated in what was once the volcanic crater, and on the west, three hills called The Three Marys.
The view from the peak creates a sense of clarity as one looks down upon nature while simultaneously revealing the path one has taken. For USAC, legacy spans beyond the heritage we leave behind. Rather, it encompasses and embraces diversity in every way possible: in careers, personal identities, religions, and academics.
Elevate USAC — a yearlong advocacy and fundraising initiative — focuses on the lifelong value and growing global importance of international education and study abroad. Together, we are expanding access to transformative learning experiences and helping elevate the future of global education for the next generation of students.
Emma Dostal, a USAC Lyon, France alumna, shares about academics abroad, from the courses she took, cultural immersion she experienced, and her daily class schedule.
It started with a wish. A dream.
I want to climb that mountain. Meet those people. See that place.
I want to be that person — the one who tried and failed, tripped and fell, but got back up. The one who took the necessary steps toward victory.
Study abroad students are living, breathing examples of that kind of person. Their victories become a part of their identity, something they can share and inspire others with for the rest of their life.
Many students face additional pressures and limitations to studying abroad — first-generation students, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This month we're highlighting those students who have overcome immense challenges and came out victorious, the students who can and will influence generations to come. When you believe in yourself and achieve your goals, you create a legacy for others to follow.
Despite the abundant returns and lifelong value of study abroad, most students face financial limitations and the affordability of funding their education. That’s why we launched the Elevate USAC campaign, to create awareness and advocacy for the students who need financial assistance the most, through bold storytelling of study abroad alumni and elevate students in every way we can.
When students return from study abroad, they regularly cite the sentiment that “study abroad was life changing.” Just as every student has a unique story, their experiences with study abroad leave a unique legacy — whether that be a drastic change in career, moving abroad post-graduation, or even finding a life partner abroad. Legacies like these inspire everyone around them to do better, do more, and expand their horizons, and USAC is honored to be right there alongside students every step of the way.
For Walker and Jeanine, studying abroad in London, England was a chance to embrace their identity and discover who they were — and who they wanted to become. While studying abroad as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community can present unique challenges, there’s no need to hide.
For Jeanine, study abroad was the perfect opportunity to reset and examine all aspects of her identity... and then embrace her colors. For Walker, London was a chance to rewrite himself. When he stepped into a queer bookstore, everything seemed to fall into place, and he gained a deeper understanding that there was no reason to hide his identity.
Walker and Jeanine shared their stories with USAC Resident Director Dr. Jeremy Doughty and chatted about how they studied abroad with pride — everything from life in London to finding queer communities abroad.
We want to hear from you!
We’d love to learn about the moments that changed and inspired you, how your experience broadened your worldview, and the ways your journey continues to influence your life today.
Share your story with us and inspire future generations of students and help us champion the life-changing impact of international education.
Alhia H. is leaving behind a life-changing legacy: a scholarship which promotes international education for women of color. Harris founded Diverse International Women of Color (DIWC) to inspire, encourage and promote opportunities for women of color to travel abroad, broaden their horizons, and expand their knowledge of self.
Studying abroad changed the trajectory of Joy Donnelly’s life, and now she shares her passion for international education and advocacy through her nonprofit organization, Joy Worldwide Inc. Joy Worldwide provides scholarships for underrepresented students, and in 2025, USAC partnered with the organization to match its scholarships for students participating in USAC programs up to $500.
For student Mary Napolean, studying abroad in London was the perfect place to step outside her comfort zone. Mary was a recipient of the Joy Worldwide scholarship as well as a USAC match, and the funding allowed her to maximize her experience abroad, engage fully with diverse perspectives, and return home prepared to apply globally informed solutions to the communities I serve.
Tia’s study abroad experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand, went beyond just learning a new culture, practicing a foreign language, or getting academic credit.
Tia found deep comfort, connection, and belonging with her Hmong heritage, and discovered belonging in Thai society — something she’d craved in the U.S. her whole life. Tia even had the chance to connect with a relative who shared with her the ways in which the Hmong people are part of a transnational indigenous struggle.
USAC programs offer unique and engaging coursework that deepens students’ understanding of the world, society, and themselves. From examining unique perspectives on activism, gender, and women’s issues in Latin America, to the intersection of art, writing, and gender in Europe, or courses on transnational feminism and sexuality studies in Asia, students will return home from study abroad equipped to elevate and support all communities.
In Montevideo, Uruguay, women’s activism issues are brought to the forefront through enriching, interactive courses like Contemporary Women’s Activism and Latin America Women’s Voices. Inside the classroom, students dive into the topics of gender, activism, feminism, and women’s movements. Outside the classroom, students join events and activities around the city highlighting everything they’ve learned.
Across the globe in Bengaluru, India, Maggie, now a University of Idaho alumna, saw firsthand through an internship how women are making a difference. Maggie’s experience in Bengaluru opened her eyes to the issues that women face in the country and gave her the opportunity to advocate for abuse victims. “Not all women in India are oppressed, but some are,” Maggie shared. “Not all women see their treatment as oppression, but some do. Women's relationship with society is very complex.”
USAC’s long-standing commitment to global communities, meaningful academics, and immersive cultural experiences is being featured on “All Access with Andy Garcia.”
The nationally aired public broadcast segment highlights USAC’s mission to inspire international learning and global citizenship through affordable, culturally authentic academic experiences.
Airing on PBS and additional networks — including Fox Business and the Travel Channel — through January 2027, the program showcases innovative stories with social impact across education, travel, technology, and health. Featuring Alyssa Nota, USAC President and CEO; Dan Durbin, Visiting Professor; and Colin Proctor, USAC Torino alumnus and donor, the segment demonstrates how investment in study abroad creates lasting academic impact and transforms students’ lives long after the experience ends.
USAC is excited to announce the launch of two new scholarships, with awards ranging from $750 to $5,000.
Through these scholarships, USAC is supporting students who need financial assistance the most, opening the door to life-changing study abroad experiences for even more students.
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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