Submitted by: Haydyn Hudnall, hhudnall@uca.edu on 03/17/2025
The National Student Exchange (NSE) Program has become an integral part of higher education, with member campuses reporting domestic study away as a high-impact practice that supports student satisfaction, persistence, and personal growth. By offering unique opportunities for students to explore different regions of North America, NSE fosters academic enrichment and personal exploration, and it aligns closely with university initiatives for global engagement.
As stated in the mission of NSE, “National Student Exchange inspires academic enrichment, personal exploration, and student development by facilitating collegiate study away among our member campuses.” This statement is particularly evident in light of a recent UCA student, Alex Smith, who graduated with his B.S. in Environmental Science and recently completed the Alaska Aquaculture Semester in Fall 2024.
Through the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), the Alaska Aquaculture Semester is a distinctive study away program that combines fieldwork and classroom learning in Sitka, Alaska. The small cohort size of approximately 12 students per semester fosters a collaborative and interactive learning environment that includes undergraduate students, master’s students, and professionals in the tourism industry in order to create a diverse mix of experiences and perspectives. During the duration of the program, students gain a deeper understanding of Alaska’s aquaculture industry while working directly with UAS faculty and local industry partners. Students gain insights into the history and policies surrounding Alaskan aquaculture, while also acquiring practical skills such as skiff handling and small engine maintenance.
During Alex’s semester, he completed the “Introduction to Aquaculture” course that explored Alaska’s fishing industries, including daily field trips to local hatcheries and other experiential learning environments.
Additionally, he completed 240 internship hours—far exceeding the program’s requirement of 100 hours. One particularly memorable internship opportunity included working at a remote hatchery at Deer Lake. During this time, UAS covered travel expenses for Alex and connected him with industry professionals that ultimately offered him a full-time position after graduation.
The program also placed emphasis on practical skills, such as the “Outboard Motor Course,” which required students to build and test outboard motors as part of a hands-on project. To further enhance his professional credentials, Alex graduated with two certifications: an Alaska boating safety certification and an Alaska aquaculture occupational endorsement certification.
Alex’s time in Sitka led to several professional connections that have already influenced his career trajectory. By the end of the program, Alex had secured a job at the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA), an accomplishment that underscores the effectiveness of the program in facilitating career development. In fact, Alex noted that by the end of the semester, every student had an employment opportunity lined up.
In reflecting on his time in Alaska, Alex Smith expressed how the experience has inspired a newfound passion for aquaculture and saltwater studies. Although his academic background was focused on freshwater studies, the professors at UAS helped him bridge the gap and gain a solid foundation in marine aquaculture. The diversity within the cohort, including students from across the U.S. and those studying different fields like tourism, contributed to a rich learning environment where everyone had something to offer.
Overall, the National Student Exchange (NSE) program, particularly through programs like the Alaska Aquaculture Semester, plays a significant role in shaping students’ futures. By offering immersive, hands-on learning experiences and fostering a strong sense of personal and academic growth, NSE supports students in discovering new academic passions, expanding their professional networks, and preparing them for careers after college. Alex Smith’s experience serves as a testament to the transformative potential of the NSE program.
UCA is incredibly proud of Alex’s accomplishments and the continued growth of the National Student Exchange program. Currently, eight students are on exchange in Hawaii, Alaska, North Dakota, and California, with five more students placed at host universities for the 2025-2026 academic year. UCA’s commitment to supporting its students’ personal and academic journeys through opportunities like NSE ensures that more students will be able to have life-changing experiences that enhance their education.
https://nse.org/exchange/special-programs/727/
