Being in school doesn’t always present the best time to travel – at least that is the misconception among many students. In reality, being a student is one of the best times to venture out and learn about yourself and the world.

With a program known as the National Student Exchange, students can travel to other universities while still working towards their degree at ETSU, but the benefits don’t end there.

The NSE is an undergraduate exchange program with participating schools all across North America, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Students get to go to another university, live on campus and study there for up to two semesters. An ETSU student could study at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Stony Brook University in New York or Bishop’s University in Quebec just to name a few examples.

Ashley Truman is an ETSU student who participated in the program and is currently studying at the University of Alaska in Anchorage.

“I did the National Student Exchange to experience a different part of the country that I have never seen before,” said Ashley Truman in an e-mail. “I have never been outside of Johnson City for more than two weeks out of my life, and I thought it would be a life changing experience, and I strongly believe that it helps a person grow.”

Melanie Norris is an ETSU student who also had interest in the program and is currently studying at Fort Lewis University in Durango, Colo.

“My experience with NSE so far has been nothing short of incredible,” said Melanie Norris in an e-mail. “I looked into the program and saw how easy and affordable it was and figured it would be dumb to not do it.”

Many students long for the chance to travel and see the world, but concerns with money and graduating by a certain date keep the idea at bay. Not only do scholarships and Financial Aid at ETSU work towards the program, but the NSE offers two payment plans to accommodate the financial needs of students.

With “Plan A,” you pay the in-state tuition and fees of the hosting campus.

With “Plan B,” you continue to pay your normal tuition and fees to your home university. Should you choose to live on campus at your host university, you pay the cost of room and a meal plan to that university.

Each student has their own coordinator who helps them throughout their stay.

All classes are pre-approved and most of them transfer back to ETSU to work towards the student’s degree.

Kelly Hill, ETSU Study Abroad adviser, said most students take two or three classes that apply to their major, one class for their minor, and one class that is only offered in that region just for the experience.

“Whenever you go to job interviews after you finish school, a lot of employers ask about a drastic change in your life and how you handled it,” Hill said.

“This program is a great experience for that and it lets students see other cultures. It really helps them grow personally. They gain self-confidence and get to take different classes. It just offers so much.”

While the thought of traveling a great distance might scare some students, the program has received great feedback. If you were to ask Truman or Norris if they think other students should look into the NSE, the answer is the same.

“NSE is great for ANYONE because you can learn so much about yourself,” Truman said. “You never know what’s out there until you experience it yourself.”

“It’s not a scary experience. It’s liberating, exhilarating, and door-opening and you will find a whole new part of yourself you never would have tapped into otherwise,” Norris said. “The toughest part about this whole process will be packing up and coming back to Tennessee. I really feel like I’ve found a second home out here.”

Student interested in the NSE should stop by the Office of International Programs and Services at in Yoakley Hall or e-mail Hill at hillkl@mail.etsu.edu.

The ETSU Study Abroad Fair will be held Nov. 4 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor of the Culp Center.

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