The foreign exchange program at Northwestern State University allows students from other countries to attend NSU and take classes here for either a semester or an academic year. Through this program, students can learn in different environments and gain opportunities to further their education.
Valentina Herazo Alvarez is the director of the International Student Resource Center and Study Abroad program. She was an international student herself, coming from Columbia to study at NSU. “For the program, you only come for a semester, and I think it’s very rewarding to see how much of an impact they [have] in only one semester,” Herazo Alvarez said.
“When they’re having such a great time, and they want to extend it, I think that’s my favorite part.” Herazo Alvarez said.
At the end of each semester, there’s a student-founded tradition to get in their caps and gowns for pictures on campus before a reception. “We’re saying ‘thank you’ for choosing NSU as your destination, and it’s like a farewell gift,” Herazo Alvarez said.
Zahia Bougouffa, a junior fine and graphic arts major, is one of the current exchange students, hailing from Nice, France. “I wanted to experience a new culture and a different approach to art and design,” Bougouffa said. “Studying abroad helps me grow both creatively and personally, and NSU’s art program seemed like the perfect fit for that.”
Her favorite memory is Sunday dinners with her friends. “We all cook dishes from our home countries, share stories and enjoy a lot. It really feels like a family away from home,” Bougouffa said.
When it comes to advice about the program, ‘just going for it’ is the recommendation of Maria Camila Lopez, a senior communication major from Colombia.
“Don’t be afraid, come here, meet new people, see new things,” Lopez said. “The world is so big and you don’t have to stay in one place, and the things we think we know are not the only ones.”
For Lopez, the exchange program has aided her in her college career by complementing what she learned in her home country. “Now I’m seeing different things, different ways to do communication, and there’s no better or worse, but they complement each other,” Lopez said.
Along with hosting international students, NSU also offers study abroad for its students with the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). Current students have the option to study in another state within the U.S. or travel to another country. There are numerous benefits to studying abroad, including the opportunity to practice a new language or gain a new perspective on your major.
There are many benefits for students considering the foreign exchange program, including meeting people, gaining exposure to Louisiana culture and expanding one’s education at NSU. Coming to Natchitoches from abroad is an opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and gain experience in their chosen majors while exploring a new area of the world.
