Expanding Horizons: My Five College Interchange Adventure
By Kimberly Manyanga
Content
When I first stepped onto the UMass Amherst campus, I had no idea that my college experience would extend beyond its borders. Thanks to the Five College Interchange program and other domestic exchange opportunities, UMass students have the chance to explore courses and communities ranging from across town to across the country. The Five College Interchange has not only enhanced my academic life, but has also challenged me to grow in ways I never expected.
Discovering the Five College Interchange and National Student Exchange
In my sophomore year, I met a girl in one of my classes who, to my surprise, revealed that she was from Smith College. At first, I was confused about why she was taking UMass students, but I later found out she was participating in the Five College Interchange Program, which connects UMass Amherst with Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College, offering access to over 7,000 courses across these five institutions at no additional tuition cost.
I later did some online research and discovered that, in addition to the Five College Interchange, UMass offers other programs that allow students to take courses at other institutions. The National Student Exchange program caught my attention and opened up a whole new world of possibilities, with over 170 participating universities and colleges in 48 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through this program, UMass students can attend a partnering institution for a semester or the entire academic year. The program offers two financing options, allowing students to pay either their host institution's tuition or their home institution's, depending on which works better with their financial aid, making the program as affordable as possible.
Weighing My Options
As I explored these opportunities, I found myself torn between several exciting options. The NSE program tempted me with the possibility of studying at universities like the University of Hawaii at Manoa or an HBCU like Florida A&M. The idea of experiencing a completely different part of the country while still working toward my degree was incredibly appealing. While navigating the program, I set up meetings with the program’s director, Sheila Brennan, who helped me explore my options and brainstorm logistical planning. She also pointed me to alumni of the program who raved about their time in other states.
However, after careful consideration and discussions with my advisors, I decided to start with the Five College Interchange. The proximity of the five colleges, and the ability to easily integrate these courses into my UMass schedule — while still maintaining my routine and existing commitments — made it the perfect stepping stone for my academic adventure.
Navigating the Registration Process
Registering for my first Five College course was a learning experience in itself. The process involved going through the list of course offerings on the Five College website, requesting permission from the professor of the class you’re interested in, receiving approval, logging into SPIRE, navigating to the Five College Enrollment section, and submitting a request form. One crucial step I almost missed was saving the registration receipt as a PDF, and emailing it to the Five College office. It’s a bit more involved than registering for UMass courses, but the payoff is worth it.
Registering for the NSE began with signing up to attend an information session where all the application materials were available. From there, Sheila Brennan helped me learn how to navigate the NSE website, explore options, figure out feasibility, and ultimately apply for the program of my choice, which does require an application fee.
My Five College Course Experience
After much deliberation, I chose a Development Economics course at Amherst College. This course surveys major topics in economic development, examining issues pertinent to developing countries through economic theory and empirical evidence. With a class size limited to 30 students, the course creates an intimate learning environment that fosters engaging discussions and debates.
I selected this course to complement my economics major and my interest in exploring the economic policy behind the development of my birth country, Zimbabwe, with a specialized offering not available on our campus. Right now in my course, we're working on an empirical report identifying key development issues in a country of our choice and analyzing policy recommendations. This hands-on approach allows me to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, deepening my understanding of the development process.
While browsing the Five College course catalog, I came across other intriguing options. Hampshire College offered a course on Afro-Futurism that explores how artists use this concept to reshape social and political imaginaries. At Amherst, an "Anthropology of Toxicity" course caught my eye, examining how toxicity shapes our lives and bodies. Mount Holyoke had a seminar on interrogating conventional wisdom through the lens of Michel Foucault's work.
These diverse offerings highlight the range of academic experiences available through the Five College Interchange, allowing students to explore subjects beyond their major and gain new perspectives. I’ve also found that the differences in class timing between the five colleges can make for a truly amazing semester schedule if you’re up for a challenge.
Embracing the Five College Community
What surprised me most about the Five College Interchange wasn't just the academic opportunities, but the sense of community it fostered. Through my Amherst class, I’ve already met students from almost all five colleges. We formed a study group to get to know each other and share our experiences across the different institutions. These connections led me to explore events across all five campuses, and the free PVTA bus service between them made these adventures easily accessible.
Advice for Future Exchange Students
For UMass students considering the Five College Interchange or National Student Exchange, here’s my advice:
- Start early: Familiarize yourself with the registration processes and deadlines well in advance.
- Explore widely: Don’t limit yourself to courses in your major; some of my most rewarding experiences came from classes outside my usual interests.
- Engage with the community: Attend events, join clubs, and make friends across all campuses.
- Be prepared for differences: Each college or university has its own culture and academic expectations. Embrace these differences as learning opportunities.
- Use the resources: Take advantage of the libraries, study spaces, and academic support services at all institutions.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As I approach my senior year, I'm grateful for all the experiences that UMass programming has woven into my college life. They have broadened my academic horizons, challenged my perspectives, and connected me with a diverse community of thinkers and doers.
To my fellow UMass students: Don’t let these opportunities pass you by. Whether it’s the Five College Interchange or the National Student Exchange, these programs offer a chance to expand your world, challenge yourself, and make the most of your college years.
As I continue through my senior year, I can’t wait to keep engaging with opportunities that push me to grow, think differently, and see the world from new perspectives. As I look toward graduation and beyond, I know that the skills, experiences, and connections I've gained through these programs will serve me well, wherever my path may lead.
Featuring
Kimberly Manyanga
Kimberly Manyanga is a photographer in Commonwealth Honors College.
