A pace that is intense and full <strong>of</strong> energy yet allows for laidback reflection andcontemplation. A place where people immerse themselves in activity yet take the timeto swap stories with complete strangers. A community where strangers soon transforminto friends. If <strong>you</strong> believe <strong>you</strong>r story should be as much about the journey itself as itis about <strong>you</strong>r destination, this is the place for <strong>you</strong>. With an exceptional variety <strong>of</strong> morethan 70 student organizations, a vibrant Greek life and countless leadership and serviceopportunities to choose from, <strong>you</strong>r USC <strong>Upstate</strong> story will be continually inspired bythe new insights, adventures, memories, and friendships <strong>you</strong> discover. And somewherealong the way, <strong>you</strong> will discover <strong>you</strong>rself and <strong>you</strong>r place in the world.They might as well have come from differentplanets. Pre-dental major Devan Bolf was bornand raised in Gaffney, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Carolina</strong>, whilenursing major Abbas Fidahussein is a native <strong>of</strong>Tanzania in East Africa. Abbas first heard aboutUSC <strong>Upstate</strong> from two <strong>of</strong> his cousins who are bothUSC <strong>Upstate</strong> graduates, while Devan, who livesonly thirty miles away, began to consider USC<strong>Upstate</strong> on the advice <strong>of</strong> his high school guidancecounselor. However, like the many unlikelyfriendships struck up across our campus every day,they share enough in common to be close friends.Border crossingCourtesy Nantahala Outdoor Center,Live music, big-ticket concerts, Broadway shows, great food, museums, clubs, art galleries,theatre, white-water rafting, cross-country bicycling, even golfing on some <strong>of</strong> the state’smost beautiful courses… thanks to our location, they are all part <strong>of</strong> the rich palette <strong>of</strong>resources and experiences <strong>you</strong> will use to create <strong>you</strong>r unique USC <strong>Upstate</strong> story. Home toprogressive minds, welcoming communities, and a distinctively international worldview,Spartanburg and Greenville form an ideal backdrop to USC <strong>Upstate</strong>’s activities.From the green heart <strong>of</strong> our campus—thetranquil Susan Jacobs Arboretum thatmeanders across the north quad—tothe 600 trees planted in the last threeyears, to our use <strong>of</strong> recycled paper,everywhere at USC <strong>Upstate</strong>, <strong>you</strong> will findevidence <strong>of</strong> a community committedto being responsible stewards <strong>of</strong> theenvironment.Especially because what they both appreciatemost about USC <strong>Upstate</strong> are the relationships,memories and unexpected adventures that comewith being part <strong>of</strong> this community. Devan is amember <strong>of</strong> the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society,is a tutor at the Academic Support Center, aswell as a member <strong>of</strong> the Team Spartan studentambassadors, while Abbas is a member <strong>of</strong> theInternational Club, the Model UN and the ModelArab League. They both love the Wellness Centeron campus. And their USC <strong>Upstate</strong> stories bothinclude such highlights as burnt popcorn in theresidence halls and pranks on RAs.
“This is a truly amazing community forinternational students. A world-class education.Pr<strong>of</strong>essors who go out <strong>of</strong> their way to help.Excellent facilities. An exceptional school spirit.And a campus where everyone knows everyoneelse. And the Center for International Studiesis like a guiding light to everythingthat USC <strong>Upstate</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers.”Abbas Fidahussein/ Nursing/ TanzaniaInspiring friendships across international borders and cultural boundaries“I wanted a great education. And I wanted to beaway from home but not too far away. But I hadseveral choices. The friendliness <strong>of</strong> the studentsand pr<strong>of</strong>essors I met on my USC <strong>Upstate</strong> visit waswhat really helped me make up my mind. That, andthe impressive housing options for freshmen.”Devan Bolf/ Pre-Dental/ Gaffney, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Carolina</strong>