"I could not possibly over exaggerate with any expression or language the value gained through my initiative and participation."

"My horizons are broader. I appreciate a greater diversity of the world, both people and the Earth’s beauty."

- D.I. studied at Northern Arizona University

"Although I have traveled all my life I had never lived anywhere else before."

"One of my favorite parts about the cultural diversity is walking around and hearing multiple languages being spoken around me."

"What I have enjoyed specifically about the National Student Exchange Program is that it gives me the opportunity to experience life at another school without completely leaving my home school."

I am really glad that I attended Stony Brook University and I am able to leave with more knowledge and experience than I came here with."

- D.P. from Southwest Missouri State

"I have had an incredible time." "New York has been awesome."

"I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is thinking about it, and I would also high recommend Stony Brook. This experience allowed me to do things I could never do at home, and also I made friends that I will definitely keep in touch with after I go home."

"The trip to Montauk was awesome (I got some great pictures!)!"

"This was definitely a semester I’ll never forget."

- S.S. from Oklahoma State University

"I really had a wonderful experience here."

"It is sad to say, but I have never been exposed to so many different cultures, languages, etc…. and I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed being surrounded by so many difference people."

"I am so grateful for having this opportunity. I think this program is wonderful in allowing people to gain new experiences."

- C.P. from University of Wyoming

"I enjoyed the large campus atmosphere, as well as the great diversity. Having easy access to the city was wonderful, and I took advantage of that as much as possible."

"I am very happy to have come to Stony Brook for a year, and I will never forget this wonderful experience."

- K.S. from University of Alaska, Fairbanks

"I was originally planning to only come for a semester, but when that was coming to an end I felt like I had just gotten here."

"I was able to go into Manhattan many weekends, and had so much fun. It was awesome to be able to see all of the famous sites, and then to be able to return to a calmer atmosphere here at Stony Brook."

"Taking myself out of my comfort zone, and all the way across the country from everyone I know forced me to reach out and get to know so many people, which was really a great thing, This whole experience gave me a confidence in myself that I didn’t have before. Now I know that wherever I go, I can make it on my own. I trust myself to be away from the familiar and to still make good friends and have a wonderful time."

"While I was here I become involved in the Catholic Campus Ministry, I volunteered at the hospital, and played intramural softball. There are so many things here that one can become involved in, and I would encourage all exchange students to get involved in activities as a way to meet people."

- C.A. from University of Washington

"What a time to be in NY! I must say that with all the tragedy that seemed to befall NYC during my stay here has made it tense, yet bittersweet. Overall, it has been a wonderful experience to meet new and different kinds of people. The classes are challenging and students here are genuinely interested in their education. People are excited to come to class and learn. When I leave, I will take with me the lessons I learned in my interesting sociology and political science classes.I will always remember my time here and Stony Brook and it has made me a more well-rounded, experienced and appreciative person."

- K.B. from Ferris State, in Michigan

"I'm really enjoying my time here. My professors are great. I have no complaints about my courses and the people that I've met are great. I would love to stay for an extra semester!"


- A.A. from CSU, Northridge in California

"I chose to come to Stony Brook for the chance to be close to New York City without being right in the middle of everything. Stony Brook offers a convenient way to hop on the train and go into the city for the day. I must admit, this semester I did get more than I bargained for. The tragedy on September 11th definitely shed a whole new light on things. Being from the west coast this probably wouldn't have affected me as much, but being here made it a little closer to home. Instead of being a complete tragedy though it actually brought my friends and I closer. I am now looking forward to one last trip to New York City with my new friends before we all go back to our families for the holidays."

- S.B. from University of Nevada, Las Vegas