Exchange program gives lifetime opportunity

Prairie View A&M University is working to stress the importance of multiculturalism through the National Student Exchange Program.

The purpose of this program is to allow students the opportunity to study at other institutions. 

"The program allows students to enhance their degree and take courses not offered at the university," said Elma Gonzalez, director of multicultural affairs. "It allows students to visit member campuses and break away from their comfort zone and to grow more in life."

Gonzalez, coordinator of the National Student Exchange Program, is working to increase diversity and bring cultural awareness to the campus through this and related programming.

Gonzalez said: "We try to send the best students to represent our school. Students eligible for the National Student Exchange Program must have and maintain a 2.5 GPA or above and complete our interview. Students who are interested and fit the requirements can participate in this program after completing their first semester of their freshman year."

Students can attend one host university for a fall semester and another for the spring semester, attend one host university for the whole academic school year, or attend  a host university for one semester and then return to their home campus.

Gonzalez said, "Every student that has participated in this program is proud they were bold enough to go to an unfamiliar environment."

Troyla Washington, a senior communication major, participated in the National Student Exchange Program and attended California State University Northridge for a semester.

Washington said: "The NSE Program has completely reshaped my outlook on life; I am not who I was in August. In just a few months I have made great strides towards multiple goals. This has provided me with the best experiences in life."