The National Student Exchange program offers participants the unique opportunity to study at another university with locations in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. This semester or year-long experience will be billed to Michigan Tech, and applicable scholarships are still viable.
Students involved with the program expand their horizons in several ways. Some choose to go for a different academic experience or concentration. Other universities offer region-specific classes, like marine biology on the coastlines or cultural studies. Students can experience their degree from a new angle with new instructors. This can be used to fulfill major or minor requirements, including technical and humanities electives. Language immersion programs in Spanish and French are offered, as well as locations in historically Black and other minority-serving universities.
Students will also experience living in a new environment. Whether it is a metropolitan campus or a rural area with different natural features, students will be exposed to that region’s color and community. This can also be used to attend a university before committing to graduate school, or see an area for future employment opportunities. There is a possibility to get away from the harsh Houghton winters for something milder or even tropical. Alternatively, campuses in Nova Scotia and Alaska offer winter experiences separate from Tech.
Participants can live either on or off campus, depending on their preference. Although students pay Tech’s tuition, course and enrollment fees may have to be paid to the other university. Students will also have to arrange their own transportation.
Casey Nelson, the Manager of Study Away and Abroad Experiences, studied abroad when he was a student at Michigan Tech. As someone who had never left the Midwest, the experience reframed the college experience and his own expectations. “It wasn’t until after I left for four months and came back where I was looking for something more. That’s when I really started getting involved on campus and within the community.”
The NSE website lists all participating universities. Students can directly compare institutions and search by location (state, province, or US territory). They can also see the specialty programs and unique opportunities at each university.
NSE’s Priority Placement Expo has passed, but many universities are still accepting applications. Students interested in comparing their options can visit the NSE website or schedule an appointment with Casey Nelson.
