Exchange students at Princeton pay tuition to their home university and manage other expenses themselves, with some exceptions like the Hong Kong University partnership.
Exchange students at Princeton pay tuition to their home university and manage other expenses themselves, with some exceptions like the Hong Kong University partnership.
The experiences and insights of exchange students at Princeton University offer a unique perspective on the global academic community. This in-depth news piece explores the experiences of a small yet diverse group of exchange students and provides insights into the functioning of Princeton’s exchange programs.
Jihyun Lee, a University of Tokyo student, and Noah Hildbrand from ETH Zurich, are among the 19 exchange students at Princeton this semester. Their experiences highlight a common confusion among Princetonians who often don’t realize the distinction between exchange and international students.
“I think the most common reaction is ‘Oh, I didn’t know there were exchange students (at Princeton).’ There’s only 19 of us so I think it’s kind of natural that (Princetonians) react that way,” said Jihyun.
“Sometimes I have to tell them a second time. ‘No, no, I’m an exchange student, I’m not an international student. I’m only here temporarily,'” echoed Noah.
The Office of International Programs (OIP) at Princeton, which oversees these exchanges, notes that a significant portion of Princeton undergraduates engage in international opportunities, including terms abroad. Jordan Zilla, Assistant Director of Study Abroad, emphasizes the distinction between two-way exchange programs and one-way visiting programs.
“By technical definition, ‘exchanges’ are indeed programs designed to guarantee two-way student mobility. The programs that do not require reciprocity are called, in the study abroad field, ‘one way’ or ‘visiting’ programs, and the Office of International Programs also maintains a great number of those that students can pick from without having the reciprocity component embedded in them,” explained Zilla.
This semester, not all of Princeton’s nine partner institutions are represented, reflecting the complex dynamics of student exchange programs. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these programs is significant, with a pause in exchanges until Fall 2021 and a gradual return to pre-pandemic levels, except for the Tsinghua University partnership, which provided an alternative for Princeton students in China.
Princeton’s exchange partnerships have evolved over time, starting with Sciences Po in 1999 and expanding to include prestigious universities like Oxford, ETH Zurich, Tsinghua University, University of Tokyo, and others. These partnerships offer students a chance to immerse themselves in different academic and cultural environments.
Exchange students at Princeton pay tuition to their home university and manage other expenses themselves, with some exceptions like the Hong Kong University partnership. The selection process for these exchanges involves nomination by home universities and a Princeton-specific application.
Zilla said, “Exchange students are not eligible for Princeton financial aid, but they can typically seek out scholarships or other sources of funding through their home institutions.”
Students like Madeleine Iselin from Sciences Po and Marliini Heikkonen from NUS chose Princeton for its academic rigor and the chance to experience a different culture.
“I think Americans also did a great job with campus soft power, meaning that they advertise their college campuses all over the world. So it’s like an image, something you kind of want to live once in your life,” she said.
However, their experiences also reveal challenges, such as adjusting to the campus culture, housing arrangements, and academic differences.
Exchange students receive support from Princeton in various forms, including orientation programs and access to university resources. However, there are limitations, such as restrictions on participating in certain career fairs. The social and academic life at Princeton, including the unique experience of dining clubs like Terrace, provides a crucial support system for these students.
The academic freedom at Princeton, distinct from the more structured programs at universities like ETH Zurich, allows exchange students to explore a broader range of subjects. This flexibility is appreciated by students who can align their studies with their majors back home while exploring new areas.
Despite the small number of exchange students, their presence on campus offers valuable cultural exchange and encourages Princeton students to consider studying abroad. As the semester ends, most exchange students will return to their home universities, leaving a lasting impact on the Princeton community and fostering continued international collaboration in higher education.
This exploration of exchange student experiences at Princeton University sheds light on the complexities and enrichments of international academic exchanges, highlighting the mutual benefits for students and universities in fostering a globally connected educational environment.
