Each and every year a group of students from the University of Massachusetts Boston participates in the National Study Exchange (NSE) program. The NSE allows students to exchange between 200 different colleges and universities within the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S Virgin Islands.
“We recognize that the study abroad has the potential to change students’ educational experience,” Liliana Mickle, Coordinator of the National Student Exchange, said. “NSE is an excellent way to experience a new setting in a different geographical location,” Mickle added.
She explained that NSE offers students the opportunity to continue making progress toward their UMass Boston degree while spending a semester or an academic year elsewhere.  “While we ensure that students stay on track, they are also building connections with other students, experiencing the culture and having fun,” Mickle stated.
NSE operates with tuition reciprocity (tuition paid to UMass Boston campus or at the in-state rates of the host campus) and federal financial aid portability. Mickle explained that prior to the exchange, there is an agreement between the program and UMass Boston to make sure that the students’ credits can transfer and will count toward their degree requirements at UMass Boston.
“The National Study exchange is an opportunity to travel within the United States while furthering their education experience and determining if this is somewhere they might want to live or attend graduate school in the future,” mentioned Mickle. She explained that students have the opportunity to broaden their personal and educational experience. It also gives students the chance to meet new people and make friend all over the world.
Mickle also noted that many of the returning students describe NSE as a life-changing experience which made them more independent, self-confident and resourceful. NSE also expanded their risk-taking capabilities and helped them to better define their academics.
“I learned that I can be independent, finding programs, joining clubs that I enjoy, and [making] amazing friends,” says Van Tran. Tran is a junior majoring in psychology who went to study at the University of Guam last year.
“Students who have been on exchange return to our campus with lasting friendships formed with students from all over the country and a new focus about their academics and future plans,” concluded Mickle.
At UMass Boston, students can also participate in the traditional Study Abroad Program and International Exchange opportunities through the College of Advancing and Professional Studies.