"I could not possibly over exaggerate with any expression or language the value gained through my initiative and participation."

"My horizons are broader. I appreciate a greater diversity of the world, both people and the Earth’s beauty."

- D.I. studied at Northern Arizona University

"Although I have traveled all my life I had never lived anywhere else before."

"One of my favorite parts about the cultural diversity is walking around and hearing multiple languages being spoken around me."

"What I have enjoyed specifically about the National Student Exchange Program is that it gives me the opportunity to experience life at another school without completely leaving my home school."

I am really glad that I attended Stony Brook University and I am able to leave with more knowledge and experience than I came here with."

- D.P. from Southwest Missouri State

"I have had an incredible time." "New York has been awesome."

"I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is thinking about it, and I would also high recommend Stony Brook. This experience allowed me to do things I could never do at home, and also I made friends that I will definitely keep in touch with after I go home."

"The trip to Montauk was awesome (I got some great pictures!)!"

"This was definitely a semester I’ll never forget."

- S.S. from Oklahoma State University

"I really had a wonderful experience here."

"It is sad to say, but I have never been exposed to so many different cultures, languages, etc…. and I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed being surrounded by so many difference people."

"I am so grateful for having this opportunity. I think this program is wonderful in allowing people to gain new experiences."

- C.P. from University of Wyoming

"I enjoyed the large campus atmosphere, as well as the great diversity. Having easy access to the city was wonderful, and I took advantage of that as much as possible."

"I am very happy to have come to Stony Brook for a year, and I will never forget this wonderful experience."

- K.S. from University of Alaska, Fairbanks

"I was originally planning to only come for a semester, but when that was coming to an end I felt like I had just gotten here."

"I was able to go into Manhattan many weekends, and had so much fun. It was awesome to be able to see all of the famous sites, and then to be able to return to a calmer atmosphere here at Stony Brook."

"Taking myself out of my comfort zone, and all the way across the country from everyone I know forced me to reach out and get to know so many people, which was really a great thing, This whole experience gave me a confidence in myself that I didn’t have before. Now I know that wherever I go, I can make it on my own. I trust myself to be away from the familiar and to still make good friends and have a wonderful time."

"While I was here I become involved in the Catholic Campus Ministry, I volunteered at the hospital, and played intramural softball. There are so many things here that one can become involved in, and I would encourage all exchange students to get involved in activities as a way to meet people."

- C.A. from University of Washington

"I was raised in Portland, OR and when it was time for me to choose a college, I chose one within two hours of home. I knew the U of Oregon was a great choice for me, but I also knew I wanted more. NSE provided me with the "more" that I was looking for and I believe that participating in NSE was one of the best undergrad decisions I made for myself.in the process, I learned more about myself and about the opportunities that existed outside of what was familiar to me.My experiences challenged me to discover and define who I was and who I was to become. When I returned to Oregon, I knew myself a little better and showed more appreciation for what Oregon had to offer - once again, I found myself excited about all the possibilities."

- Dawn Liu, currently a professional staff member of the Center for Academic Advising, who spent a year at CSU, Northridge as an undergraduate student at U of Oregon!

"Studying in Hawaii was a great experience and I have many memories that I will never forget. From the first step off the plane I realized that everything was different! I was amazed how beautiful the water and scenery truly was..I was in awe that I was actually in Hawaii!.Classes were interesting, because in every class I knew someone. There were so many kids on exchange and we all kind of stuck together. This made the transition of being so far away very easy. Everyone was out in Hawaii doing the same thing..All in all, the trip was a great experience. There was always something to do, including trips to the other islands. Sometimes it is hard to realize this till after the fact. I have come away with so many memories and new friendships..I would tell anyone who is debating whether to do something similar or not, to just go ahead and do it. You don't know what can happen if you don't."

- D.F., U of Hawaii, Manoa

"I exchanged from Stony Brook to the U of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Originally, I chose Minnesota for its strong academic program and the different subject matter than what I studied at Stony Brook. Not only has the academic aspect been wonderful, the social and cultural areas of my life have been enhanced, as well. The visiting students here are a close-knit group. We come from all over (NY, Puerto Rico, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nevada, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Alaska, and more!)…My closest friends from this year have been people I've met through NSE.With NSE I have been able to study different material, live in a new city (and time zone!), make new friends and experience a different kind of American culture. Midwestern society is slower-paced and friendlier than that which I have experienced back home. The opportunities and positive outcomes of a domestic exchange are innumerable."

- L.E., studied at U of Minnesota, Twin Cities