Sam Dunaway | News Editor

For those interested in traveling across North America, gaining a different perspective on the world and creating lasting memories, all of this and more can be accomplished through the National Student Exchange program.

The National Student Exchange is an opportunity for Western students to study away at one of the 180 universities also participating in the program. Qualified individuals can spend up to a year at an out-of-state university while paying Western tuition rates and earning credits that count towards degree completion at Western.

In addition to participating universities in the fifty states, United States territories such as Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are also a destination option for students. Study abroad to Canada goes through the National Student Exchange program as well.

Debbie Diehm, National Student Exchange Coordinator, commented on the numerous opportunities available for students, “North America is a big continent,” Diehm remarked. “There are opportunities to go to an urban setting, maybe an NCAA Division I university, a doctoral-granting university or a university that’s smaller than we are, located in Nova Scotia, Canada, and has a very Scottish feel to it … There are so many amazing people and places out there.”

Students must meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the National Student Exchange. This includes at least a 2.5 GPA, good academic standing and having completed at least one academic term before applying for the program.

This program is a low-cost opportunity for students to travel and experience new locations while progressing toward their degree. Students will work with the program coordinator and their academic advisor before departing to determine how the credits acquired during the exchange will meet Western degree requirements.

Stephanie Magee, sophomore art major, is currently attending New Jersey City University as part of the National Student Exchange. “I chose NSE because I wanted to explore the east coast and some possible masters programs,” Magee explained. “My exchange university is about an hour by train to the heart of Manhattan … I’ve met people from all over the world, from Korea to Cypress. If I could put into words how great this program is, I would.”

When asked why this program is important, Diehm replied, “Experiences like National Student Exchange, studying away, give you a perspective of something different. Whether it’s weather, geography or culture … Looking outside of where you grew up and experiencing something different, even for a short period of time immersed in a university setting somewhere, there are skills that you can articulate on a resume that show you have a broader perspective … And that’s another opportunity that Western provides for our students.”

Applications for the 2018-2019 program are due on Feb. 15.

For questions about the National Student Exchange, contact Debbie Diehm at diehmd@wou.edu or visit the information session on Jan. 17 at 3:30 in the Ochoco room of the Werner University Center.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu