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Each year, 3,500 young men and women nationwide participate in the NSE program, including approximately 100 LSU students. As one of the of the 177 participating schools, LSU attracts nearly 40 students each year from affiliate schools across the country. Many young people cannot attend an out-of-state college because of financial reasons. However, the NSE program makes this option more reasonable. LSU students participating in the program can pay in-state tuition in lieu of costly out-of-state fees at their school of choice, or they can continue to pay LSU's tuition and fees. Even better, students may use their financial aid package, including money received through Louisiana's Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), to pay for an alternate participating school. Ask students who have taken part in the National Student Exchange program, and they will tell you it broadened their horizons. Jared Granier, NSE coordinator for LSU, said he believes the program has benefits far above a change in academic atmosphere. "I believe the greatest advantage for students in the program is personal discovery," said Granier. "Through an exchange, students get the opportunity to truly learn about themselves and to discover who they are on their own. Being on your own for the first time is the most frightening, yet most liberating, experience you can have. You really learn how to take responsibility for yourself and your actions." Shelley studies in South Carolina
Shelley, a junior studying communication sciences and disorders, attended the College of Charleston in South Carolina last year through the NSE. "I always wanted to go to college out of state but was never able to really afford it," she said. "[NSE] allowed me to live in a totally different and unique environment away from everything I was used to." Now that Shelley is back at LSU completing her degree, she said she valued the experience. "It was challenging to live in a new city, not knowing where anything was and not knowing a single person," she said. "In the end, I felt like I grew tremendously and gained friendships with people in a really awesome part of the country." Andrew studies in Hawai'i
Andrew, an LSU junior in construction management attended the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and is currently enrolled at Northern Arizona University. "The best thing for someone my age is to go off by themselves," said Andrew. "I've learned to surf, experience a new culture, and met lots of new people." He added even though he didn't get along with everyone he met, he learned to work with people and appreciate them "despite our differences." For these two students and countless others, the NSE program has brought a level of learning that reaches far beyond the classroom. Could your semester handle that?
Contact Daniel Jordan or Robin Dunkin | LSU
University Relations Related Links: LSU's National Student Exchange Links within the story: National Student Exchange, official site
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Imagine attending classes one mile from the beautiful coasts of Hawai'i. Perhaps you would prefer to be a college student living in Chicago. LSU's National Student Exchange (NSE) program affords students the opportunity to live and study for up to one academic year at other colleges or universities within the United States, while simultaneously earning course credit toward a degree from LSU. 
