Students participate in the exchange program in order to:

Broaden personal and educational perspectives

Explore and appreciate new cultures

Widen university boundaries

Take courses not offered on the home campus

Learn from different professors

Access courses with different perspectives

Explore new areas of study

Experience personal growth

Live in a different geographic area

Investigate graduate or professional schools

Look for future employment opportunities

Become more independent and resourceful

Acquire life skills

Academic Diversification

NSE is an opportunity for students to study in a different learning environment for an extended period of time taking advantage of educational opportunities that may not be available on their home campuses. New faculty, specialized courses, and new or especially strong subfields within a chosen major can reinforce and foster a deeper commitment to original goals and objectives. They can also provide a different perspective that could assist the student in determining his/her professional directions. Experiencing differences in educational philosophies, academic program offerings, and educational format helps to develop new approaches and attitudes toward higher education.

Cultural Awareness

Students view the exchange as an opportunity to live and study in a different area thereby allowing them to become better acquainted with a new region, its people, and customs while remaining in their degree program. A major impact of the program is the increased awareness and appreciation of both the vast and subtle differences in ideas and value systems that result from the geographic location or the ethnic dominance in a new area. Students begin to understand that from varied geographic settings come vastly differing life styles. Exposure to distinctive ethnic or cultural communities in a new campus or city introduces the student to new learning experiences which help to widen personal and academic horizons.

Personal Growth and Development

Participation in the National Student Exchange is often the student’s first time away from direct daily parental guidance and decision-making. The initial separation from the support of home-town and college friends provides the opportunity for students to discover their own capabilities in making and living with their decisions. At the host campus, students must assume responsibility for their own development. This results in a sense of personal assurance and pride that comes only from coping with new challenges and new associations. Of necessity, the student learns the benefits and the burdens of increased independence and responsibility. Students frequently return from exchange with more self-confidence and independence, greater decision-making skills, better able to take risks, and to more clearly define academic, career, and personal goals.

Travel and Exploration

There is a sense of adventure about travel that appeals to students. While moving to a new campus for up to one year necessitates travel, students usually take advantage of being in a new area of their choice to see and do different things. Beyond travel is the chance to explore career opportunities while on exchange. This seems to be one reason for the participation of many seniors. They may also use the time in a new area to better acquaint themselves with graduate and professional schools of interest. Exchange is a relatively risk-free way to determine if a different region of the country would be a viable possibility for future living.

Parents that host think in parental terms, so to those who are against the idea, they have to think about: do they have the extra space/money/time to properly care for an exchange student? It’s a bit like having an extra kid to take care of. Plus, they think in terms of…What if something happens…they get hurt, in an accident, etc. It’s a HUGE responsibility to be a guardian.

But, it’s worth a shot, not only would it be a great experience for the exchange student, but you too! Think of all you could learn about their culture!!! You did say your cousins take in exchange students. Maybe you could have them talk to your parents about the ups and downs of the program. And if all else fails, why not sign up to be an exchange student yourself??? Good luck!!!!