USAC offers two distinct program models for study abroad experiences, each designed to serve different student needs and preferences. This page outlines the fundamental differences between USAC's Specialty Programs and Partnership Programs, both of which provide opportunities to study in multiple countries while earning academic credit.

Specialty Programs are fully managed by USAC, with dedicated on-site Resident Directors, staff, and faculty employed directly by the organization. These 24 programs operate across 13 countries and are based at host universities where USAC maintains its own office and classroom space. In a Specialty Program, you'll take classes taught mostly in English by USAC faculty (drawn from the host university and local academic community, plus occasional visiting U.S. professors) alongside other USAC students. You'll earn U.S. academic credit through a USAC grade report and transcript. These programs emphasize intensive language study and offer courses in disciplines like economics, political science, and history, with many sites offering specialized concentrations—such as health sciences in Thailand, life sciences in Costa Rica, or art history in Spain. The on-site USAC team handles housing arrangements, field trips, internship placements, volunteer and service-learning opportunities, and provides comprehensive support for travel, advising, and emergencies.

Partnership Programs represent a different model: direct-enrollment agreements where USAC acts as an intermediary between you and the partner university. With 26 programs across 14 countries, these programs place you directly with the host university's international office, which facilitates your experience on-site. You'll earn host university credit and have access to the broader university curriculum, in addition to courses designed for visiting students. Classes are taught mostly in English, and USAC will help convert your host university transcript and grades to U.S. equivalencies. However, Partnership Programs offer less on-site USAC staffing—there are no USAC-employed personnel on-site—so you're expected to take greater responsibility for your academic and social experience.

Both program models share several common features: courses taught primarily in English, immersion opportunities, access to host university clubs and activities, language course offerings, and housing support and assistance. The key difference lies in the level of support and structure: Specialty Programs provide intensive, individualized attention from USAC staff throughout your experience, while Partnership Programs require greater student independence and initiative, though USAC provides pre-departure support including advising, visa instructions, and travel organization.

Whether you prefer the structured support of a Specialty Program or the independence and direct university integration of a Partnership Program, USAC's offerings allow you to customize your study abroad experience to match your academic goals, maturity level, and desired level of hands-on support.