Study Abroad provides great foreign exposure, appreciation
Imagine studying in Alaska, Hawaii or the Virgin Islands right about now.
University students can do this without paying tuition, as long as they have the HOPE Scholarship.
The National Student Exchange program is available for undergraduate students to study at one of 190 universities in the United States, Virgin Islands, Guam or Puerto Rico for the same price as University tuition.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to complement a major or look at graduate schools,” said Josh Podvin, the Campus Life organizer for the exchange. “There are a number of benefits.”
Podvin will hold an informational meeting about NSE for the 2007-2008 school year in the Reed Programming Room at 6 p.m. today. Applications for exchange will be due Feb. 28.
The program can open students up to different cultures and perspectives, said Podvin.
“I think some people come to UGA and get burned out,” he said. “This is a chance to study somewhere else – a small liberal arts college, a private school or a larger state university – and come back with a breath of fresh air and a different appreciation.”
NSE MEETING
What: National Student Exchange Informational Meeting
Where: Reed Hall Programming Room
When: Today at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit the NSE Web site, www.nse.org
The meeting will highlight the features and benefits of the program. University students who have been a part of the program and exchange students who currently are part of the program will be available to answer students’ questions.
“The goal is to educate and get the word out,” Podvin said. “Most students hear through a friend. Publicity is very word-of-mouth, and we want more students to pass through our gates.”
Around seven years ago, 50 students would take part in the program, but now approximately 15 students participate. This is probably because of the change in leadership, Podvin said.
Students are exchanging to the University from schools such as the University of Connecticut, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Iowa University and Florida International University.
“With the percentage of students who have HOPE and can take advantage of [the] program, I think it’s an opportunity of a lifetime to see the country,” Podvin said.
Podvin also said he welcomes any interested students to visit his office in Tate 153.
