Louisiana is known for many things — heat, good food, LSU football and having alligators in our backyards. While some of these are blessings, others may start to feel like curses after a particularly long semester.Studying abroad may seem like the best way to solve this problem, but let’s face it — we’re in college and the state of the economy doesn’t help our empty pockets.But don’t let that stop you. Instead of studying in another country, explore this one. The National Student Exchange gives you the option to travel to almost any other state for a semester, although most students enjoy their stay enough to stick around for an entire school year, according to Betty Worley, NSE president.Other cities have a lot to offer that you can’t get in Louisiana — like beaches, mountains and snow. There are also benefits to getting an education at other places. Imagine you’re studying something at the University that isn’t directly related to your desired profession — another school may have specialized classes not offered by LSU that can count toward your degree.And think of all the people you’ll meet. While the University does provide many opportunities to meet people from other places, a large percentage of students are from Louisiana and southern states. But if you travel to say, California or Michigan, you’ll likely meet a whole group of people who have different traditions and values.Many people from Louisiana are born and raised here and have no desire to leave. But if you go somewhere else for a semester or two, you will probably appreciate our culture a lot more when you get back.And who knows, you may end up having a little fun.—-Contact the Editorial Board at [email protected]