Students at Northwestern State University of Louisiana have the opportunity to study in other parts of the world while remaining enrolled at NSU. Whether students want to study in another state or country, the university offers several programs that allow them to expand their education beyond NSU’s Louisiana campuses.
Valentina Herazo Alvarez, director of the International Student Resource Center and Study Abroad, works closely with international students on campus while also advising NSU students who want to study abroad.
NSU students have three main options to explore when thinking about studying abroad: Bilateral Agreements, the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) and the National Student Exchange (NSE). Each program offers different prices, destinations and academic flexibility.
Alvarez explained that the most popular choice is Bilateral Agreements, which allows students to pay NSU tuition and receive financial aid while studying abroad. NSU currently has agreements with specific international universities in Argentina, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Spain and Mexico.
“With the Bilateral Agreements, it is 100% guaranteed that you are going to pay NSU tuition,” Alvarez explained. “You can still apply for financial aid and receive your refund check.”
The NSE gives students the chance to study at one of 166 universities across 56 locations in the United States, Canada and United States territories such as Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“I think seeing another state that might not have the same political or social views gives you insight on what it is like to live there. It helps you see that we are not enemies, just different, and that’s okay,” Alvarez said. “I think everyone should have the opportunity to explore their own country.”
The NSE website states, “NSE utilizes two options for payment of tuition and fees. When you are a student on NSE Exchange you will pay resident tuition and fees to your HOST campus or your regular tuition and fees to your HOME campus.”
Previously, students could use financial aid regardless of what classes they took abroad. However, due to a recent policy change effective in Spring 2026, Pell Grants and federal aid can only be applied to classes taken abroad that count toward a student’s degree.
To be eligible to study abroad, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA, sophomore standing, faculty recommendation, and approval from their academic department.
One student who took advantage of this opportunity is Chaise Sutherland, a senior hospitality management major with a concentration in travel and tourism. She completed a three-month internship abroad in New Zealand, working at Glen Dene, a hunting and fishing outfitter. Sutherland served as a lodge hostess and prepared harvested animals for taxidermy.
“The process was seamless, and I could not have asked for a smoother transition into the culture,” Sutherland said. “I learned so much about my future career path, serving people and invaluable personal skills. If you’re considering studying or interning abroad, my biggest advice is to take the leap because you never know if you’ll have this opportunity again.”
Another opportunity offered to NSU students is the Disney College Program.
Allyce Richards, a junior dance major, participated in the Disney College Program for seven months, where her primary role was in entertainment. During her time at Disney, she performed in the nationally streamed Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, which recently received an Emmy Award.
“I was motivated by the program’s reputation for developing talent, particularly for Character Performers. This opportunity felt like a natural calling,” Richards said. “It’s the perfect setting to gain professional, hands-on experience in high-level performance and guest interaction within the entertainment industry’s gold standard.”
Students in the Disney College Program can continue their education by taking online classes through their home university while they are there. The program offers study halls for students to focus on schoolwork, time off for classes and exam proctoring.
Richards explained that her education while in the program was different from others due to her major in dance. She could not take any online classes while she was there because she finished all her general studies courses and all her dance classes at NSU are in-person. She was able to receive credits during her time in the program without taking classes.
The Disney College Program offers numerous benefits, including fully furnished on-property housing, complimentary transportation to and from all Disney properties, passes to all four theme parks, discounts and behind-the-scenes tours.
“The Disney College Program was immensely valuable, both for its resume-building prestige and for the intensive skill development it provided. My time in entertainment enhanced my character so much,” Richards said.
Richards explained that pushing through physical exhaustion and giving your all to every guest was the bare minimum during her time in the program. “Personally, knowing that every day I was making special moments and memories for others was so special. All of this taught me persistence, dedication and selflessness,” Richards said.
NSU’s study abroad programs provide students with countless ways to explore areas of the world they’d likely never visit outside of these offerings, giving them the chance to be exposed to new cultures and gain real-world experience for their future careers.
“I always tell students that growth happens outside your comfort zone,” Alvarez said. “Studying abroad challenges you and helps you grow personally and academically.”
For more information on study abroad opportunities visit International Student Resource Center and Study Abroad or email [email protected].
