Awards and affiliations

National awards and recognitions

Selected as a Top Rated Study Abroad Organization by GoAbroad.com based on student feedback in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

USAC awarded GoOverseas Community Choice award as one of the Overall Top Study Abroad Providers in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, and 2018.

USAC named the recipient of the Best Practices Award in International Education for Student Affairs Global Partnership by NASPA’s International Education Knowledge Community in 2022.

USAC awarded “Outstanding International Education Initiative” by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development (CGDSD) in recognition of USAC’s innovative Global Perspectives career and culture workshops and its Academic Guest Lecture series. (2020)

USAC organizes NAFSA: the Association of International Educators, Region XII Conference (2010).
Regional Service Award from NAFSA: the Association of International Educators, Region XII (1999).

GoAbroad Innovative Marketing Award finalist badge

USAC named a finalist in the 2026 GoAbroad.com Innovation Awards for Innovative Marketing Campaign.

USAC co-hosts a Forum on Education Abroad workshop: Crafting Emergency Action Plans and Protocols (2015).
USAC program Viterbo, Italy receives “Award of Recognition” from the Mayor of Viterbo for contributions to the city and surrounding community (2011).
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs awarded USAC a Certificate of Designation as a Passport Acceptance Facility (2010-2014).
USAC receives recognition from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute for its social, cultural and economic impact on the country (2007).

Local awards

American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Reno, Nevada: Silver ADDY Award (2012).
Nevada World Trade Council (NEWTRAC) and U.S. Senator Harry Reid: “Excellence in Global Trade” certificate of commendation (2007).
Nevada World Trade Council (NEWTRAC): ”Excellence in International Business“ (2007).
Nevada State Senate Concurrent Resolution #38 (2005): Expressing support for USAC's international education and foreign exchange student programs
University of Nevada Thornton Peace Prize (2005): For providing students with the opportunity to “grow in understanding of the world in general and of another culture in depth.”
Nevada State Senate Concurrent Resolution #34 (2001): Honoring the University Studies Abroad Consortium within the University and Community College System of Nevada for providing “college students with the skills, knowledge and worldly experience to participate successfully in the world of the future.”
Proclamation from the Mayor’s Office of Reno, NV (1999): Honoring USAC through Director Carmelo Urza for contributing to the internationalization of the community.
Tambor de Oro (Gold Drum) award (1995): Honoring USAC through Director Carmelo Urza for its contributions to the dissemination of and contribution to Basque culture.