The Colorado Mesa University exchange program is a program through the school that allows students to spend a semester or a whole year on a different campus, and it’s a great opportunity.
Many students aren’t familiar with how the exchange program works. The rundown is that students can apply to spend a semester at a different school in the states, or they can spend time studying internationally. There are two international programs to choose from.
One of which is the exchange program that allows students to pay their home university’s tuition, but the kicker is the student doesn’t get to choose where they go. ISEP (International Student Exchange Program) places the student based on a list of their top ten schools they would want to attend.
The direct program allows the student to enroll in courses overseas, but in this program the student pays that institution’s tuition. However, the student gets their first pick of schools in this situation.
There are some qualifications for applying, though they are not hard to meet, so really any student has the opportunity.
The exchange program is part of the reason I came to Colorado Mesa University, and there are many reasons why it sold me. The most obvious reason to do it is it’s a really great opportunity that you will (probably) never get again.
Students are pressured to graduate high school, go straight to college, and then start paying debts to society. I think that’s where our generation is different, though. I’m trying to enjoy my life a little before I have to be a responsible adult. This is one of the most irresponsible things I can do, so why not take advantage of it?
Students who have taken advantage of the exchange program have said that it was the peak of their college career.
The memories and experience while away will last a lifetime. Being able to make and meet friends internationally is one of the big reasons to apply for the exchange program.
A concern for me and most is money and transferring credits.The exchange program makes it easy to pay for tuition because it’s the same tuition that students are already paying. It may be slightly more if the student is not living on campus, because in the exchange program a student must stay in the dorms at the transfer school.
As far as credits transferring, there is a way to check with the registrar’s office to make sure one’s credits will transfer. The application process is intended to make sure the student will be going to a school with their intended major, for this purpose.
A lot of students are concerned about the exchange program messing up their intended graduation date, and I’ll admit that this takes some planning, but if you’re serious, it’s worth it and can be worked out.
The exchange program is a really great opportunity for students who want to go outside their comfort zones and experience life in a different culture as a local.
If a student is interested in joining the exchange program they should check out the ISEP page on the CMU website. There are also opportunities for students to learn more about the program at info sessions, held throughout the year.
