In the spring semester of the 2018-2019 school year, SNHU participated in an exchange program called National Student Exchange (NSE). NSE’s website describes the program as “. . . An exchange program within the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Students can study away for a semester or a year. The program provides a variety of benefits to college students looking to add to their resumé and life experiences.” It goes on to say, “This study away program features the academic offerings of 160 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada, providing [the student] with the awesome courses, programs, and experience of your choice host campus.”
As part of this program, SNHU student Noelle Magee spent her spring semester at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Magee wrote that, “I am greatly intrigued by it all. I am making sure to always listen to everyone here and all that the Hawaiian people have to say about their culture and beliefs. I have even been considering living here one day.”
Magee also talked about the cultural traditions she had learned in Hawaii. “An enormous part of Hawaiian culture is the land and the ocean. They are very conservative of their land and life revolves around the ocean here. It is very important to them. They are also very humble towards nature, they believe that nature can rightfully come back and claim their homes and land.”
She continued depicting Hawaiians’ culture by adding, “The Hawaiians also heavily believe in superstitions here on all of the islands. There are many superstitions. One is that if you see an old woman walking/hitchhiking on the side of Saddle Road (the road that goes from one side of the island to the other through the 2 volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa), you are advised to pick her up and bring her to wherever she pleases because she is believed to be Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire.”
SNHU students are able to have their own NSE experiences at no additional cost. SNHU’s study abroad department explained, “You pay normal tuition to SNHU and room and board to the host institution. Financial aid will apply, if needed. Credits and grades completed while on exchange are transferred back to SNHU, keeping you on track for graduation. You work with your academic advisor to plan for study away with NSE.”
To apply for the program, visit NSE.org. The deadline to apply for the spring semester is October 1st, and all students are encouraged to apply.
