The National Student Exchange is a program that allows UTM students to attend another campus in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or Canada while still paying tuition at UTM.
This program offers students a chance to broaden horizons, explore different cultures within the country, take classes in their major or minor not available at UTM and explore possible graduate schools. Over 30 students representing every college on campus have applied for the programs, and 23 students have participated in the exchange since the program began in 2004.
This year, one Secondary English major is currently spending the academic year studying at the University of Virgin Islands, St. Thomas. Another student is planning to exchange to California State University, Monterey Bay in the spring. There are four students from other campuses at UTM.
“This is the first time we’ve had more people coming in than going out and it’s exciting because I think they’re starting to explore our excellent programs, such as natural resource management, animal science, and psychology,” UTM’s NSE Coordinator Melanie Young said. “I’ve had as many as eight or nine apply and as few as three.”
In the past, UTM students have attended campuses from Alaska to Massachusetts. Another opportunity NSE offers is an RA exchange. A student who is an RA at UTM can apply and be hires as an RA at another participating university.
“I had a student do an RA exchange to Washington State. It was a terrific experience for her because she learned to stand on her own two feet and it was not easy. If you have never been away from home, this is a great opportunity to venture out, stand on your own two feet and have an excellent experience that enhances your resumé,” Young said.
UTM is a Plan B university. Plan B means that the home university, UTM, handles the financial aid and tuition. Books, meal plans and room and board are paid directly to the host university.
“I will be the first to tell you, I was absolutely terrified. I had no idea what made me want to go to a new city, literally a thousand miles away from everything I’ve grown up knowing, without any of my friends or family. I told a lot of people I went to the west for Spanish influence but, honestly, I just wanted to get away. In a way, I tested myself. I wanted to see if I could do it. I can now look back at it and say ‘I did that! I did that on my own!’ Maybe it’s a pride thing, I don’t know. But I think I went that far because I was scared. I’ve always told myself that even if something scares me, I’m going to at least try. I signed up for it on a whim and it was the best decision I’ve made.” said Anna Tankersley about her experience.
More information about the program will available in workshops to be held the first week of December. Dates and times will be emailed to students and listed on the UTM NSE Facebook page, www.facebook.com/UTM.NSE. Student can direct any questions to Melanie Young at nse@utm.edu or visit her office in 258 Clement Hall, Student Success Center.
I will be hold workshops the first week of December…so watch for the announcements! And watch your email!