One of the most liberating feelings is being able to have opportunities to better yourself through positive and unique experiences. At Colorado Mesa University (CMU), there is a wonderful opportunity to do just that through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) and the National Student Exchange (NSE). 

The one problem is that these two programs are heavily underutilized. 

Both of these programs should spark interest in many students on campus, yet the issue is that they aren’t discussed nearly enough to even get Mavericks conversing with one another.

Between both the international and national programs, there are hundreds of choices at your fingertips. I can speak from experience about the wonders of NSE as I spent two semesters out of state through the program. 

It was difficult to find information about the program, and word-of-mouth was non-existent. There are never representatives at fairs and there’s only the occasional student who comes into a class to describe their experience. When I discovered the program, it was through a weak little ad in the Stall Street Journal that was in one of the restrooms on campus. That’s a pretty slim chance of getting the message out to a broader range of individuals. 

There needs to be representation for all students without them having to hunt down information and resources themselves like I had to do. As a consequence of the lack of information, I went into the program blindly and not knowing what to expect and ended up in California for two semesters. 

That was a blessing and a curse, as the thrill of it and the complete change of environment and lifestyle was much needed, despite the fear of the unknown leading up to it. That year of school was the best year of my life so far, and that was all because of the exchange program offered here at CMU. 

My experience is indicative of most students that make the life-changing decision that I have talked to. The study abroad programs are a vital tool and asset to this campus for anyone willing to take a chance and even those in need of a change of scenery.

This is an opportunity of a lifetime that students here at CMU have. There needs to be more talk about these opportunities around campus such as meetings in order for more of the student body to take advantage of the programs. 

I would encourage anyone relatively interested to inquire and to use the resources available to take the next step. 

Information is available online for anyone willing to search up the keywords on the university website, such as “study abroad”. This is the best way to get in touch with coordinators through email that will set you up for your adventure.