As far as studying abroad in Viterbo – would I recommend it to others? Absolutely, especially for those who are living abroad for the first time. Why Viterbo? For one the city – it is the seamless size, easy to get around and has everything you need.

It is a perfect place to learn – or in my case try to learn – Italian. There are nearby natural areas for those who want to get a hike in. Compared to other places, it is inexpensive. In fact, my housing, food, and other expenses were less than my expenses at home. And – this is the big one – the town residents are incredibly warm, patient and kind. The primary reason for studying in Viterbo with USAC, it is the Viterbo USAC itself. The classes available are diverse and provides students a taste of Italy, yet applicable in the U.S. And the instructors and USAC advisors are amazing! Because Viterbo is centrally located USAC takes students on numerous field trips, including Rome, Florence and Southern Italy. But the biggest reason to study abroad in Viterbo are the people with USAC, they have the USAC machine fine-tuned and running smoothly.

Studying abroad in Viterbo was the best thing I have ever done. It is an excellent location for cultural immersion, language acquisition, an authentic Italian experience, lifelong friendships and travel within Italy and throughout the rest of Europe.

I have never felt so safe and welcome--Viterbo will always have a special place in my heart.

Viterbo was everything I didn't know it would be. Studying abroad there exceeded my expectations and brought me to the person I am today. The city, the experience I had and the people I met, they have completely changed my life. Although I mostly

felt independent during my stay, the USAC staff in Viterbo was always ready to go above and beyond for its students. Busy as they may be, they always make room for fun and jokes and never let you down on any information you may need. I had a great experience with the USAC staff, some may say they could have been more helpful in some areas such as living situations with nightmare-roommates, but isn't that all apart of the experience? We all have to learn to adapt at some point. Adapting is what you should be best prepared for when going and living in Viterbo. It's a relatively smaller city, therefore you must be ready to expect different hours of operation for most things, expect a different culture and way of life, but don't expect all Italians to be just beautiful uptight people all the time. The Viterbese and local Italians are wonderful and friendly people. I think I have just as many close friends there as I do in the states. You just have to be willing to make those connections and friendships. The older generation is definitely the generation that stares at you the most, but this is because they know you're foreign by either the way you dress and act. Luckily for me I worked very hard and I learned enough Italian to have a different experience with the older generation, and even the younger. I would speak and listen to most of the cute old ladies sitting on the benches below the awning in Piazza Plebiscito, or the father on the bus on the way to San Martino al Cimino (cute little city by the way, easy to get to by bus and exceedingly smaller than Viterbo. Check out the restaurant there called Da Saverio. it. is. amazing). I even made relationships with the Italian ragazzini that I taught English to. Just reminiscing about these memories is making me feel the need to go back and do it all again. Your study abroad experience will really change your life, no matter where you go. For me, Viterbo will always be another home to me and I am so lucky and happy to have been a part of that program and culture.