"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 Wichita State University.

Bohl, one of 19 WSU 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.

“This experience has really solidified my love for adventure,” 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.

“I’ve always wanted to visit the south,” Bohl says. “Now, 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 WSU.”

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 WSU tuition to attend other colleges. Any financial aid they are receiving will continue to be applied, along with most scholarships.

“The process of applying for NSE was very smooth,” says Bohl. “It was a bit time consuming since I researched several different schools to find the best fit, but it was so worth it.”

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.

“There are certainly some impressive locations that the students got accepted into,” 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 “dummy course” 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.

WSU student participation in NSE has doubled from last year, and Gandu would like to see the program continue to grow.

“I definitely recommend NSE to anyone who likes adventure, traveling and meeting people,” Bohl says. “If there’s a state you’ve always dreamed of living in, NSE can make it possible while helping you continue your education.”