Instead of Italy, students study in Hawaii or Miami
By: Aly Van Dyke
Issue date: 2/12/08 Section: News
When people hear "study abroad," they usually think Italy, Germany or Spain.
They might think of faraway destinations where English isn't the primary language and there isn't a McDonald's on every corner.
Some might even call to mind places where the U.S. dollar used to have value.
Regardless of what the words "study abroad" bring to mind, the thought of possibly studying abroad in one's own English-speaking, Tex-Mex-loving home probably wasn't at the top of the list.
The National Student Exchange (NSE) gives students the opportunity to attend one of almost 200 schools in the United States, its territories and Canada for their current cost of tuition, plus a few processing fees.
The UA has been a participating college for nearly 11 years, sending and accepting exchange students from places like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii.
"Just because it's not a completely different culture doesn't mean that it's not an experience that's similar to studying abroad," said Rebecca Noreen, coordinator for NSE.
Reasons to exchange within the U.S., besides saving money on airplane tickets back home, include a variety of class offerings, a change of pace and even to improve one's health.
Monica Quimby, a moleclar and cellular biology senior from the University of New Hampshire, has come to the UA twice through the National Student Exchange.
"I heard about NSE after I got in an accident that paralyzed me, and now I am in a wheelchair from a skiing accident," Quimby said. "I came back to the UA because I like the classes, weather, wheelchair athletics and people so much."
Quimby was here in spring 2007 and is here again this semester. She is a member of the UA wheelchair tennis team and appreciates the change from her small college town of Durham, N.H.
"I have explored Tucson, and there is so much to do. I have been to every shop and restaurant downtown," Quimby said.
Karen Tonsfeldt, a senior majoring in psychology and zoology, came to the UA last fall from Oregon State University.
They might think of faraway destinations where English isn't the primary language and there isn't a McDonald's on every corner.
Some might even call to mind places where the U.S. dollar used to have value.
Regardless of what the words "study abroad" bring to mind, the thought of possibly studying abroad in one's own English-speaking, Tex-Mex-loving home probably wasn't at the top of the list.
The National Student Exchange (NSE) gives students the opportunity to attend one of almost 200 schools in the United States, its territories and Canada for their current cost of tuition, plus a few processing fees.
The UA has been a participating college for nearly 11 years, sending and accepting exchange students from places like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii.
"Just because it's not a completely different culture doesn't mean that it's not an experience that's similar to studying abroad," said Rebecca Noreen, coordinator for NSE.
Reasons to exchange within the U.S., besides saving money on airplane tickets back home, include a variety of class offerings, a change of pace and even to improve one's health.
Monica Quimby, a moleclar and cellular biology senior from the University of New Hampshire, has come to the UA twice through the National Student Exchange.
"I heard about NSE after I got in an accident that paralyzed me, and now I am in a wheelchair from a skiing accident," Quimby said. "I came back to the UA because I like the classes, weather, wheelchair athletics and people so much."
Quimby was here in spring 2007 and is here again this semester. She is a member of the UA wheelchair tennis team and appreciates the change from her small college town of Durham, N.H.
"I have explored Tucson, and there is so much to do. I have been to every shop and restaurant downtown," Quimby said.
Karen Tonsfeldt, a senior majoring in psychology and zoology, came to the UA last fall from Oregon State University.
Policy on posting: The Arizona Daily Wildcat would like to offer readers an opportunity to voice their opinions and engage in community conversation. However, readers should refrain from personal attacks or advertisements in their comments. When a reader chooses to participate in the Wilcat's online comments, they should be aware that all comments and postings do not reflect the views of the publication. Links referencing different sources for the sake of discussion are tolerated and encouraged, but comments and links that are posted only to advertise other sites will be deleted at the discretion of the Wildcat.
Be the first to comment on this story