Stephanie Parker, an undergraduate student majoring in Art, is in Hawaii taking advantage of one of the many study exchange opportunities offered through the Honors College and the International Program and Services Office. Stephanie’s participation in a National Student Exchange (NSE) in Hawaii began fall 2007. Her decision to participate in this program came as a result of searching ways to broaden her personal and educational perspectives. Stephanie enrolled as a full-time student for fall 2007 at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu and continued her NSE exchange this spring semester (2008).

Stephanie considers her time at the University of Hawaii as, “truly an amazing experience that I feel everyone can gain something from.” She is very grateful that she was able to see another part of the world, experience a variety of cultures through language, food and traditions, all within the borders of the United States. She reflects, “The time away from her family and friends has opened my eyes to a part of me that I was unaware of until now. For this, I feel very grateful and proud to have had the opportunity to represent ETSU at the University of Hawaii.”

As Stephanie recounts, the NSE program has given her the long sought opportunity to explore and appreciate a new culture in an entirely different geographic area. She began the search for a NSE program by first looking at graduate programs in Art at various schools, and then investigating employment opportunities in the same geographical areas.

Stephanie was also attracted to the NSE program in Hawaii for opportunities to take courses not offered at ETSU. For instance, Stephanie is currently enrolled in a Science of the Sea course, which she will be able to apply towards the core Science requirements at ETSU for her degree. As she enthusiastically told us, one of the field trips for the class involves snorkeling at Hanauma Bay which is known worldwide for its exotic fish and crystal clear water. “Now, that’s a field trip!” Stephanie exclaimed. Moreover, in the fall 2007 semester she completed an art course in which she learned how to create motion using photography. Stephanie considers this to be a great addition to her previous experience in both photography and film studies and has helped her create a couple of short films, as well. However, Stephanie emphasizes that her decision to participate in the program was influenced most by the fact that she is always looking for new ways to experience personal growth with the hopes of becoming more independent and resourceful along her journey.

Stephanie’s choice of an NSE in Hawaii was definitely influenced by the fact that Hawaii has a strong Asian influence and the university offers Asian art courses; however, she didn’t mind it “being near the ocean, in paradise.” Stephanie learned about the National Student Exchange opportunities from the NSE website. After researching the website, she set up an appointment with Maria Costa, Director of the Office of International Programs and Services, to find out more. Ms. Costa provided her with the application paperwork and a catalog of information for each school involved with the NSE program. Stephanie found Ms. Costa very helpful in guiding her through the application process and providing additional assistance once she was accepted for the program.

Stephanie has definitely had a few challenges on the practical side of planning and financing her study in Hawaii, especially since she relies on financial aid for her education and living expenses. She was able to use her financial aid as she would at ETSU, which was the only way she could have financed her studies in Hawaii. Stephanie would suggest to anyone considering doing an exchange to apply to the NSE program early and have some money saved up or an emergency credit card just in case the financial aid is not processed before classes begin. She found herself without financial help the first couple of months due to miscommunication between the bank and the university, something that Stephanie says happens everywhere. Fortunately, the University of Hawaii provided her an emergency loan for books and supplies, something she found very helpful. However, she was responsible for her first two months of living expenses, something she hadn’t initially planned to have to do. Practical advice from Stephanie is the recommendation that students regularly check the status of their account with the Financial Aid Office.

Another challenge that Stephanie faced was the process of adapting to a new place, which she says “takes time and patience.” On a few occasions, this phrase became her mantra. Stephanie arrived in Hawaii a few weeks before school officially started to allow her time to, “get a feel of the area and get a better idea of the bus route that I would be taking everyday.” A few months later, she realized that her decision to live outside of town was adding a lot more commuting time to campus than she had imagined. So, she decided to buy a used car which she adds, “was an additional expense she could have avoided.” All in all, the positive aspect of this situation was that she was able to see much more of the island.

Overall, Stephanie has found the people of Hawaii to be amazing. “They are warm, inviting, and curious about her background.” One night she found herself on the wrong bus and three teenage girls actually got off the bus with her and walked her to the right bus stop. Another time she was lost, a lady who was waiting for her fiancé to pick her up offered her a ride to her bicycle. Stephanie adds, “I can honestly say I felt totally welcome in Hawaii from day one.”

When asked to give advice to students who would be interested in the National Student Exchange opportunities offered at ETSU, Stephanie said: This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Please don't let anyone or anything stop you from believing in your dreams. I've had my share of obstacles during this experience; some people not believing I would even be accepted to the program to ending up on the wrong bus in a totally different town in the middle of the night. However, I am certain that this experience has changed my life in a way that has inevitably brought me closer to who I am becoming and where I am going in the future.

Presently, Stephanie loves her job working part-time helping with grades K-2 at a Buddhist school in downtown Honolulu. She has also been offered an opportunity to teach a small class this upcoming summer and she is very excited at the prospect. It is the National Student Exchange program that has opened Stephanie’s eyes to education as a future profession. She definitely enjoys working with children and loves to travel; therefore, after graduation she plans to continue teaching abroad and helping with community development in less developed countries.

Eileen Rush