A Message from USAC President/CEO, Alyssa Nota

It is wonderful you want to help your student study abroad. I firmly believe international education provides students with independence and real-world experience that’s necessary to help them build a bright future. You play a critical role in helping them during this endeavor as a supportive person in their life. I admire and thank you for this.

Our nonprofit has been sending students abroad for more than 40 years. Throughout the decades, we’ve built strong collaborative relationships with universities, communities, and city officials in our international locations. Our on-site program Resident Directors are dedicated, caring, and efficient staff in our Specialty Programs that ensure students’ safety and personal and academic needs are supported during their study abroad — while helping them immerse in the culture and communities of their new home. This is in addition to the depth of support students receive pre-departure from our U.S.-based team. I’m very proud of the work we do at USAC, and I’m pleased your student can experience the lifelong benefits which study abroad provides.

The pre-departure administrative process to go abroad has many steps, and you may have a lot of questions already. For now, as a good first step, I recommend that you read through our resources for family and supporters. When looking for information about the deadlines to submit visa applications, please know that those dates and other details are set and published by international consulates and government organizations. We know the process can appear excessive and time-consuming. Rest assured, USAC has worked closely with these agencies to send hundreds of students abroad every term. However, please keep in mind that we do not have control over government policies, such as student visa rules or timing, nor the administrative processes of international host universities, such as their application rules. This is all part of the process students undergo to live and study abroad, and ensuring this is successful depends on students meeting deadlines, coordinating with their USAC Program Advisor, and completing all necessary documents. We appreciate your help in encouraging your student to complete all these important and valuable steps — as they are steps leading them to their amazing experience abroad! Additionally, we pride ourselves on the guidance and information our Advising Team provides to students. This helps students understand what they can expect during their time abroad, including the benefits and challenges they may encounter and how they can prepare for their experience — such as navigating a new city, meeting local friends, and learning language and cultural tips along the way.

You can find thousands of positive reviews online that showcase students’ profound and life altering experiences. As this student’s support, you can help them on their journey to being a global citizen.

Sincerely, 

Alyssa Nota, Ph.D.
President/CEO