Hear from Shocker NSE students
See what Wichita State students have to say about their NSE experiences.
Major: Modern and Classical Languages
School: University of South Carolina - Columbia
Semester(s) participated in exchange: Fall 2021 and Spring 2022
What was your favorite memory while on exchange? Watching the Women's basketball team win the national championship and celebrating with my friends!
What did you learn / gain from going on exchange? I was able to intern over the summer within the Archaeology community and get my foot in the door for working professionally in that field of work.
Major: Social Work
School: Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts
Semester(s) participated in exchange: Spring 2019
Why did you want to go on exchange?
I wanted to experience a network outside of Kansas.
What did you learn / gain from going on exchange?
I have a better understanding of diversity, connections with other students in the
USA & International student, and studying/working in a different setting.
Major: Mass Communication and Film
School: Prairie View A&M University in Texas
Semester(s) participated in exchange: Fall 2018 and Spring 2019
Why did you want to go on exchange?
To get away and explore while still continuing my education!
What did you learn / gain from going on exchange?
I learned a lot about myself! I love to adventure and try new things. I learned my
strong suits and places I lack along with gaining independence and growing character.
My favorite thing about this wonderful opportunity was being able to try a different
setting, something I’ve never seen or have been used to. The outcome of my experience
was phenomenal! I recommend everyone to take risk and give NSE a chance!
Major: Marketing
Minor: Communications
School: University of Montevallo in Alabama
Semester(s) participated in exchange: Fall 2015
Why did you want to go on exchange?
I've always been fascinated by the culture of the south. NSE provided an opportunity
for me to experience it first hand while continuing my education.
What did you learn / gain from going on exchange?
I went to a place I'd never been before. A place where I didn't know a single person.
There are amazing people everywhere, and I gained some amazing lifelong friendships.
Anything additional to add?
I love traveling, adventure and meeting new people. NSE has given me the opportunity
to do all three. It has been such an exciting experience.
Major: Marketing
Minor: Communications
School: University of New Mexico
Semester(s) participated in exchange: Fall 2015 and Spring 2016
Why did you want to go on exchange?
I had never lived out of the state of Kansas before. I wanted to know what it was
like to live in a completely different area of the country (the Southwest) at a school
almost double the size of WSU.
What did you learn / gain from going on exchange?
I learned how to ski and I gained lots of friends from all over the country and world.
I planned my first road trip and hiking 10 miles every weekend was a pretty regular
occurrence.
Anything additional to add?
If there is any part of you that wants to try NSE, do it. You will never regret the
choice to grow and you will never be the same person again.
Major: Nursing
Major: Biology
NSE Semester(s): Spring 2019
NSE School: University of Montana
Why did you want to go on exchange?
I wanted to go on exchange to experience a new environment and take new and exciting
classes related to my major. I loved the forestry courses.
What did you learn/gain from going on exchange?
I gained a lot of fun memories and friendships from this experience. I also learned
to be much more independent.
Anything additional to add?
I have never seen mountains before this trip. I loved hiking but the elevation took
a long time to get used to. National student exchange was a wonderful adventure!
Major: Human Resource Management
School: California State University, San Bernardino
Semester(s) participated in exchange: Spring 2015
Why did you want to go on exchange?
I wanted to experience a city other than the one I had lived in for 20 years.
What did you learn / gain from going on exchange?
I learned how to take care of myself and be more independent.
Anything additional to add?
Even if you're not very outgoing, try to get out of your comfort zone. Otherwise,
you may find yourself alone a lot since you likely won't know that many people there.
Major: Communication – Broadcast Journalism
NSE Semester(s): Spring 2014
NSE School: William Paterson University of New Jersey
Why did you go on exchange?
To take film and television production classes that weren't offered at WSU, and to
live near New York City!
What did you learn / gain from going on exchange?
I learned $1 pizza in NYC is delicious, New Jerseyians have someone at every gas station
whose job is to pump the gas for people, and everyone on the East Coast orders burrito
bowls instead of burritos at Chipotle.
I gained a lot of perspective about life and living in the moment. In the past, there have been too many times where I was too focused on the small details instead of enjoying the big picture of life. I learned how to not worry about the things in my life that I can't control. I became a better leader from going on exchange.
Anything additional to add?
Any opportunity in life that involves traveling is the one worth taking.
Also, going on exchange is like starting another freshman year of college. Make sure you have a copy of your medical and immunization records with you, meet with an advisor before you leave, and just remember that this experience is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Major: Marketing and Management
Minor: Accounting
School you exchanged to: University of the Virgin Islands, St.Croix
Semester(s) participated in exchange: Fall 2015 and Spring 2016
Why did you want to go on exchange?
I have always wanted to study abroad or do National Student Exchange since I was in
high school. I love to travel and wanted to try something new.
What did you learn / gain from going on exchange?
It’s a once in a lifetime experience and one that I will never forget. I learned so
much about myself and was able to experience cultural differences and how different
their culture is even though it is a U.S. Territory.
Anything additional to add?
If you have the opportunity to do National Student Exchange then do it! You will not
regret your decision as you are able to travel, learn and create lifelong friends.
Major: Elementary Education
School: University of North Texas
Semester(s) participated in exchange: Fall 2014 and Spring 2015
Why did you want to go on exchange?
To gain a traditional college experience close to a large metropolitan area.
What did you learn / gain from going on exchange?
I learned that the friendships I made in Texas are lifetime, I have options to teach
and live outside of Kansas and my opportunities are endless.
Anything additional to add?
If you're thinking about NSE--DO IT! It was one of the best decisions I ever made!
Major: Strategic Communication
NSE Semester(s): Spring 2018
NSE School: Sonoma State University in California
Why did you want to go on exchange?
At Wichita State, I was extremely involved in academics and extra-curriculars. NSE
was an opportunity for me to enjoy a semester of college without those responsibilities
and a chance to get hands-on learning in my field in a different state. I wanted an
NSE experience that would allow me to grow and prosper individually and professionally.
What did you learn/gain from going on exchange?
I learned more about myself than anything else – my preferences of travel, food, comfort
in a new environment. I gained experience with financial planning through comparisons
of costs-of-living, time management via California traffic and public transportation,
how much I enjoyed grocery shopping at street markets, and so much more. I wrote for
the local newspaper and interned with the Women of Color Collective on SSU's campus.
In addition, I took in California sights as often as I could; we were 20-30 minutes
from the coastline at any point in time. Some of my favorite memories include the
Baker Beach with 12 other NSE students, Golden Gate Bridge/Park, watching the Golden
State Warriors play at Oracle Arena, hiking in the Redwoods, camping at Yosemite with
other SSU students, mochi ice cream in Chinatown, UC Berkley's Botanical Garden, touring
Napa Valley, and taking in a whole new campus culture.
Anything additional to add?
If I could do it again at another college or university, I would! Ask the questions
and experience living in another city with the support system of your home and host
university.
Major: Nursing
Major: Psychology
NSE Semester(s): Spring 2019
NSE School: University of Montana
Why did you want to go on exchange?
I wanted to go on exchange to have some new experiences, see some new scenery, and
to make new friends.
What did you learn/gain from going on exchange?
I gained more confidence and a lot of new adventures. I also learned to appreciate
warmer weather a lot more!
Anything additional to add?
This was one of the best semesters I've had, and though the process and settling was
scary at first it was a lot of fun! I'm glad I went with a close friend, I know we
have made memories that will last a lifetime :)
Major: Filmmaking
NSE Semester(s): Fall 2017 and Spring 2018
NSE School: California State University, San Bernardino
Why did you want to go on exchange?
I decided to join NSE to see the world in a different light. During my childhood I
was confined to only the midwest and unfortunately never had the means of how to cover
the cost. NSE gave me an affordable opportunity to travel, make friends, meet life-long
mentors, and allowed myself to find my calling in art in a way I least expected.
What did you learn/gain from going on exchange?
While on exchange I learned how valuable time truly is. I had an amazing opportunity
to meet young passionate artists that changed my perspective, making wonderful short
films with classmates, fall in love with analog photography, meet an individual that
works at Warner Bros. and go on a tour. My NSE experience has changed my life in a
better and I will never forget it.
Major: International Business
NSE Semester(s): Fall 2013
NSE School: California State University, San Bernardino
Why did you want to go on exchange?
I wanted to explore the west coast and experience what California is like. I also
wanted to learn how to surf.
What did you learn/gain from going on exchange?
I learned that Wichita and California both have very unique cultures. They are both
great in their own ways.
Anything additional to add?
Going on the trip helped me to be more confident in myself, and it helped me figure
out who I am.
Major: Field Major – Chemistry and Business
School: Northern Arizona University
Semester(s) participated in exchange: Fall 2018
Why did you want to go on exchange?
I went on exchange to experience living in a different environment and meet new people.
What did you learn / gain from going on exchange?
What you get out of this experience is what you put in. Get outside of your comfort
zone and you can meet lifelong friends.
Anything additional to add?
This experience allowed me to grow as a person and discover who I am. I didn't know
anyone in Arizona before this journey; however, I have more than 50 close friends
because of this program. Anytime I travel to Arizona or California I have a place
to stay and friends to catch up with. I recently went on a trip and met a couple friends
from Arizona. This is only because I was uncomfortable and made myself meet new people.
I would encourage someone to take a light course load when on NSE to maximize the
experience.
