As a Peer Advisor with the TU Study Abroad Office, I have had the privilege of working closely with a variety of passionate, excited students eager to begin their search for a study abroad program. This year, however, has been unprecedented in terms of study abroad program availability and student participation. As many of us have experienced first-hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly left a resounding impact on our academic, professional, and personal lives. In response to these drastic changes, the TU Study Abroad Office has made significant strides in collaborating, developing, and promoting a new program category now made available to all students: Domestic Study Away. These types of programs offer students accessible opportunities to engage in the similar life-changing experiences that traditional international study abroad offers.
The National Student Exchange (NSE) program is an opportunity for undergraduate students to experience collegiate study at a variety of member colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The NSE program is comprised of a comprehensive network of over 170 universities, all of which offer students unique insights into new and astonishing cultural, geographical, academic, and social experiences. In such turbulent times, the NSE offers our Tigers the long-awaited opportunity to pursue their interests, goals, and dreams in a new academic setting.
Whenever I discuss the NSE program with students, they are always teeming with questions! In fact, you may have a few questions bouncing around in your head as well. Not to worry! For your convenience, I have comprised a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) that I receive from students about the NSE. Check it out below:
Tiger FAQs: The National Student Exchange (NSE)
Where could I go on the NSE? Placement with the NSE offers Tigers a variety of host institutions to choose from throughout the United States, its’ territories (i.e., Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, etc.) and Canadian provinces.
How do I choose the right program? It all really comes down to your goals and interests. The trick is finding a host institution that effectively promotes your academic, professional, and personal interests! Be sure to conduct background research on potential host institutions using the NSE website and campus resources like our TU NSE Coordinator Katie Villamar to find the perfect program for you! She can be reached at nse@towson.edu.
How much does NSE cost? The NSE is renowned for being an accessible AND affordable study away experience for all students. While on the NSE, you will pay tuition through Towson University. It is also important to note that financial aid and scholarships can be utilized during your study away experience!
As we safely take our first steps toward this ‘new normal’, I would highly encourage you to explore the plethora of domestic study away programs like the National Student Exchange (NSE) offered through our TU Study Abroad Office. Who knows… this could be the program that you have been waiting for! Why wait?
You can learn more about this opportunity during an upcoming information session. Register at one of the links provided below. Note actual registration page has session times in CST.
Wednesday, April 28 from 11am-12pm (EST)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcode6srDMvE9HO8c93EDzltMj6VmGbDX2d
Friday, May 7 from 2-3pm (EST)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkduuhqT0qGdDD8EN_0o31RHjFWepkx5Pk
Thursday, May 20 from 1-2pm (EST)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrcuuupj0rH9OhIa4Lt7nav03yzi1niJQg
Monday, May 31 from 4:30-5:30pm (EST)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAof-6vqzMsGteePKS-4xetCRNSuuKKWqa7
This post was written by TU student Maddie Trainor.