Exchange Me!
USC is totally cool! There are so many wonderful opportunities, but there's one in particular that I'm definitely taking advantage of...it's called the National Student Exchange. This is how it works. Close to 200 schools in the US, Canada, the Virgin Islands, and even one in Guam participate in NSE to allow students to literally switch places. Basically, this program is alot like studying abroad, except it's pretty much within the U.S. It seems like it could be expensive, but you haven't heard the best part yet. You pay the exact same tuition you'd pay at Carolina (scholarships included). For me, that allows me to keep both the state-awarded, school-awarded, and private scholarships I have even though I could be attended school thousands of miles from South Carolina. How awesome?!
Think about it...if you're not the kinda person who wants to study abroad in Europe, but you'd still like to get some cultural experince, this could be the program for you. Also, say you came to USC from a different state, and want to see what it's like to be closer to home, there's surely a participating university close to your home that you could 'exchange' to. Some other main reasons for utilizing the NSE program include checking out opportunities for graduate schools or just 'getting away' for a little while.
Oh, the possibilities! This time next year, I could be writing my blog from the North Shores of Hawaii, the ski slopes of Colorado, a Starbucks in Seatle, or even right in the middle of Time Square in New York City. I'm stoked about this opportunity. I've been filling out my application, but I'm still narrowing down the schools I would consider going to, so I'll be sure to keep you up to date on my National Student Exchange adventure!
P.S. One of the coolest things about this program it that you never stop being a GAMECOCK! Whether you go for one semester or an entire year, you always get to come right back home!