What is the National Student Exchange?

The National Student Exchange (NSE) is a program designed to "Widen your Educational Horizons." ECSU offers its students the opportunity to attend over 100 colleges in the NSE network for either a semester or a year (Some schools offer an exchange for the summer proceeding or following the exchange year.)

What will I gain from the NSE experience?

Students will acquire a new perspective on their educational pursuits and a better appreciation of their local area, family and home institution. Students usually select schools that provide a specific academic interest and that give them the opportunity to live and study in a different geographical and cultural setting. You become more independent as a learner, reflecting the self-reliance and self confidence gained through planning and follow through with your educational objectives and future. Students also gain an increased appreciation for the diversity of ideas and value systems that exist in different geographic locations with different ethnic and cultural groups. As an added benefit, students are able to tour and enjoy the attractions of the different locations to gain a broader knowledge of the Unites States as a country.

What do I need to qualify for participation in the NSE program?

You must be a full-time student at ECSU at the time of your application and have completed a year of full time course of study in the semester prior to the exchange. You must also have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 at the time of application and at the completion of the term immediately prior to the exchange.

How does the payment plan work?

Eastern is a Plan B institution. The tuition/fees during the exchange are paid directly to Eastern. Students are required to pay housing, meal plan and fees to the host college/university. Transportation to and from the host campus is also the responsibility of the student, as is the maintenance of health insurance during the exchange. Any financial aid received through Eastern will continue to apply throughout the exchange.

Will participation in the NSE program delay my graduation?

No, the participating NSE campuses have agreed to give full credit for work satisfactorily completed during an exchange, and you will transfer back credits and grades. ECSU students are encouraged to exchange with a school that can satisfy the appropriate degree requirements.

How does the application process work?

You can pick up an application and an informational booklet that describes the NSE campuses from Indira Petoskey in the Intercultural Center, Student Center. A completed application, three letters of recommendation, a $75 processing fee and an interview with the NSE coordinator are all required to participate. Once a student is accepted in the NSE program the student will register for courses and housing at the host campus.

Is it possible to exchange outside of the United States?

Several options are available for foreign study. Please see Indira Petoskey for more information.