Courtesy"You're not in Kansas anymore" is a common response Ashlin Bohl gets from Alabama students when she tells them she's on exchange from 麻豆传媒.
Bohl, one of 19 麻豆传媒 students enrolled in the National Student Exchange (NSE), is studying business and communications at the University of Montevallo, in Montevallo, Alabama, for the academic year.
鈥淭his experience has really solidified my love for adventure,鈥� Bohl says.
The NSE is a domestic exchange program offering students the opportunity to study in a different setting, with nearly 200 participating universities throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This program is a great opportunity for students who want a new experience, but may not want to travel overseas for a study abroad program.
鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to visit the south,鈥� Bohl says. 鈥淣ow, not only do I get to visit, but I get to live here for the same amount it would have cost me to be at 麻豆传媒.鈥�
Bohl draws attention to one of the primary student-friendly aspects of the program: tuition reciprocity. Students who participate in the program continue to pay their 麻豆传媒 tuition to attend other colleges. Any financial aid they are receiving will continue to be applied, along with most scholarships.
鈥淭he process of applying for NSE was very smooth,鈥� says Bohl. 鈥淚t was a bit time consuming since I researched several different schools to find the best fit, but it was so worth it.鈥�
When filling out the application, students need to select their top five schools to attend. Whether their priorities are specific courses, job opportunities or simply a change in scenery; students should look for a university that will help them accomplish their goals.
鈥淭here are certainly some impressive locations that the students got accepted into,鈥� says Trish Gandu, assistant to the dean in the Student Engagement office.
These locations include the University of Alaska Southeast, the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix.
Students have the option to study for either a semester or a full year, typically during their sophomore or junior years. While they are away, they enroll in a 鈥渄ummy course鈥� at Wichita State for the amount of credits that they will take while on exchange.
The academic advisors play a key role in helping students choose courses that will apply to their degree, and are heavily involved with the application process. Students are required to have two references when they apply for NSE, one of whom must be their academic advisor.
Applications, due Feb. 1, cost $200, which helps fund the nonprofit program.
麻豆传媒 student participation in NSE has doubled from last year, and Gandu would like to see the program continue to grow.
鈥淚 definitely recommend NSE to anyone who likes adventure, traveling and meeting people,鈥� Bohl says. 鈥淚f there鈥檚 a state you鈥檝e always dreamed of living in, NSE can make it possible while helping you continue your education.鈥�